Imagine that your expat family just moved to Ireland and wanted to book a children’s class. There’s a phone of all the contacts, and while your English is good, you cannot grasp the accent and understand what it is you’re being told. That is what it was like in 2008, our arrival year. Compared to then, when it used to take such a long time to find and book educational or leisure event for a family, families arriving in Dublin today can plan ahead with minutes of reading and a click of a button.

When we become expats, we don’t fully realise how our social life will change. Changing countries is considered to be one of the most stressful events (add up all the factors on the scale - the sum would be comparable with the top of the scale) with the social aspect contributing vastly. Within a family, the more sociable partner, it seems, takes on more stress - all their friends and close connections are left in the previous home.

Many of the expats are excited about celebrating Halloween! Are you wondering what to do on Halloween in Dublin? Families with kids, staying in town: Get ready by making OR buying all you need (about buying - have you checked out the Halloween shop in Dundrum yet?) Prepare your sweets and/or bags. What do you like most - to trick-or-treat yourselves or open the door for the trick-or-treaters? This is about the only time in the year when you can buy sparkly lights, so you might want to get a stash for other upcoming celebrations!

Whether you are a student, a student’s mum or just arrived after your husband taking that new job offer - I assume you do not want to spend much. Keep reading if that’s true! There are ways to enjoy Dublin life on a budget, fully immersing in local culture and happenings. Accommodation There’s no universal advice here. Family living requires renting something in a good public school catching area with easy transport access and something not heavy on your budget, as well as warm, spacious and well insulated.