Moving to a new country is always exciting. The thrill of starting fresh, discovering a new culture, and meeting people from all over the world is something you’ll never forget. But along with that excitement comes something we don’t always talk about enough: cultural shock.

When I first landed in Ireland, I thought I was ready. I had read about the country, checked the weather (big mistake – I’ll explain later), and even practised some local slang. But reality is always a little different than the guidebooks, and there were things I wish someone had told me before I came. So, here’s my honest take on cultural shock in Ireland, and what might help you as you begin your journey.

☔ The Weather Is More Than Just “Rainy”

Everyone will tell you it rains in Ireland, but what they don’t tell you is how unpredictable it is. You can leave your house in sunshine, get caught in a downpour five minutes later, and finish your walk under a rainbow. Umbrellas? Forget it. The wind will flip them inside out in seconds. The trick is layers, a good waterproof jacket, and accepting that rain is just part of the Irish experience. Once you embrace it, you’ll laugh at how often the forecast gets it wrong.

🗣️ Understanding the Irish Accent (and Slang!)

You’ve studied English, maybe even mastered grammar, but nothing prepares you for the variety of Irish accents. From Galway to Dublin to Cork, every region sounds different. Add in phrases like “craic” (which means fun, not what you might think) or “what’s the story?” (a way of saying hello), and you’ll feel lost at first. But don’t worry – your ear will adjust. And soon you’ll be saying “grand” for everything too.

🍀 The Friendliness Is Real

This was one of the nicest surprises. People in Ireland are genuinely friendly. Strangers will chat with you at the bus stop, the cashier will ask how your day is going, and your neighbour will stop to say hello. At first, it can feel strange if you come from a culture where small talk isn’t common. But lean into it – it’s one of the best ways to connect and feel part of the community.

🥔 Food: Expect Comfort, Not Spice

If you’re used to strong flavours and spicy food, Irish cuisine might feel a bit simple at first. Think potatoes in many forms, hearty stews, and lots of bread. But give it a chance – dishes like Irish stew or fresh seafood chowder are perfect on a cold day. And don’t worry: Galway has an amazing mix of international restaurants and shops, so you’ll still find the tastes of home when you need them.

💶 The Cost of Living

Ireland is beautiful, but it’s not cheap. Rent, groceries, and eating out can quickly add up. I wish I knew earlier how important it is to budget carefully. Simple things like cooking at home, getting your Student Leap card for transport, or signing up for supermarket club cards and value cards can make a big difference – you’ll often get discounts, special offers, or even free items over time.

❤️ Missing Home (and How to Cope)

No matter how exciting Ireland is, there will be moments when you miss home. The food, the celebrations, the people – it hits unexpectedly. This is normal. What helps is finding a community. For me, ISS became that family away from home. Being surrounded by people who understood what I was going through made all the difference.

🌍 Embrace the Shock

Cultural shock isn’t something to fear – it’s something to embrace. It’s the process of adjusting, learning, and growing in ways you never imagined. The rain teaches you resilience. The accents teach you patience. The warmth of the people teaches you that home is not just a place – it’s the connections you build.

✨ Final Tip: Don’t just survive cultural shock – enjoy it. Every challenge is a story you’ll tell later, every confusion becomes a funny memory, and every new experience shapes the person you’ll become.

Welcome to Ireland – it’s going to be one unforgettable adventure.