Words of Welcome

A chara – dear friend – Welcome to Ireland! I hope you will like life here, from constant cups of Barry’s tea to talking about the weather, listening to live music or taking a dip in the sea – maybe try dipping your toes in first! I hope you can share some of your culture with us too. My favourite saying in Irish says “ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann muid” – we live in each other’s shade. May you find peace and happiness here. Best wishes, Muireann

Dear friend Smile and we’ll smile back at you, laugh and we’ll laugh with you, cry and you’ll always find someone who’ll ask what’s up, someone who’ll offer help, someone who ‘s felt your sorrow themselves. We are a nice people. We are not perfect, far from it and there’s plenty about our country that needs fixing but here’s the thing…you can help us change, you can show us a different perspective, you can bring new ideas and energy and you can start today. Welcome to the new Ireland. B

I am Mohamed, a Sudanese who requested asylum in Ireland a short time ago due to the war in my country. The welcoming I got from the Irish people alleviated many of my fears. I will never forget that light and kind smile with which the people of the country greeted me, which made me feel at home. But when I read the history of the Irish, I found that these beautiful qualities have been inherent in them since ancient times and are not something artificial. Great people and great country with very proud history. God bless Ireland.

Dear Friend, Welcome to Ireland! I want to extend a warm embrace as you begin this new chapter in your life. While starting over in a new place can be both exciting and daunting, please know that the majority of us are truly glad you’re here. You may hear some voices that don’t reflect the kindness and openness we strive for, but please don’t let that discourage you. There are so many more who are eager to welcome you with open hearts and minds. Your journey and contributions are valued, and you belong here just as much as anyone else.…

Hello! I thought I’d share a local recommendation for anyone who might be based in the Dublin or Dún Laoghaire as I know that finding your feet and navigating a new place or city can be difficult. One of my favourite local and free things to do is to walk one of Dún Laoghaire’s two piers (I particularly like the West Pier). I like walking to the end of the pier which takes about 30 minutes and I usually stop for a while at the end to watch the sea, the boats and people passing by. Other lovely things to…

Hi there, I wanted to write and welcome anyone who is arriving into Dublin today. I can’t imagine the journey you’ve been on but I hope you find safety, connection and the new start you are looking for here. All over the world, you’ll find people of Irish descent, as we, like you had to leave our country at many times in the past too. These countries kept our ancestors sheltered and safe and I am so grateful to be part of a country that can do that for you today. I know your presence here will enrich our community…