An American woman who moved to Ireland eight years ago has detailed seven aspects of life that have been “ruined” for her after living in the Emerald Isle for so long
Jess Flaherty Senior News Reporter
09:32, 07 Apr 2026
An American woman made the bold decision to move to Ireland eight years ago and her life has changed in several very specific ways (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
An American woman who moved to Ireland has listed seven things the country has “ruined” for her after eight years of living there. Ireland is known and loved for many things, from its dramatic, rugged and varied landscapes like the Cliffs of Moher and the scenic beauty found along the famed Wild Atlantic Way, to its cosy and traditional pubs, vibrant music scene, and plenty more.
It’s an ideal mix of history and culture, with cities like Galway offering a bohemian atmosphere, while Dublin is one for the history buffs. Tosin Cullen moved to the country from America and has adapted to the noticeable differences in life in the Emerald Isle.
She’s documented her experiences on social media, with a recent Instagram post detailing seven elements of life in Ireland which have forever changed her. The post is made up of a carousel of images with text added over the top offering her thoughts.
In the caption accompanying the post, Tosin penned: “A few I forgot to mention in my initial post. Consider this the last part of my little love letter to the Emerald Isle”.
In the first image, she said: “Things Ireland has ruined for me (as someone who has lived here for eight years)”. She then began: “Getting off the phone. If I don’t say ‘bye-bye-bye-bye-bye’ at least six times, the call isn’t over.”
Tosin continued: “The post-dinner cuppa: dinner isn’t officially over until the kettle is on. If there’s no tea, did we even eat?
“The career break. Try explaining to someone outside of Ireland that you’re just ‘nipping off’ for a year to find yourself and your job will be waiting.
“The word ‘grand’. It no longer means money. It is a feeling, an emotion. Heartbroken? Grand. Won a free meal? Grand. In a hurricane? ‘Ah sure, it’s grand’.”
She then moved on to discuss the airport and said: “‘Welcome home’ from the immigration officer melts my heart every time. It just feels like a hug the second you land.”
After that, she detailed the sense of “trust” abundant in Ireland. She explained: “It’s kinda ruined my ability to deal with strict rules. Whether it’s ‘tap to pay’ for water at the airport or the ‘Luas is free’ joke – nowhere else has that same ‘sure it’ll be fine’ energy.”
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To finish, Tosin added: “‘Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin’ translates to ‘there’s no hearth like your own hearth’ which essentially means there’s no place like home.”
In the comments section, fellow Instagram users were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “I love this!! American here – just moved to Ireland six months ago with my husband (who’s Irish).
“I laughed out loud about the post-dinner cuppa. As someone who has never liked tea, I now get so excited when my husband turns on the kettle after dinner. Add a biscuit and I’m in heaven.”
Another said: “I know… the ‘welcome home from immigration’ OMG every time I just want to hug them. It’s so special.”
A third commented: “The cupán tae after dinner is so real! I don’t feel right if I don’t have it. Don’t think I ever thought about it this much before but I always have to have one! Haha.”
A fourth said: “You’re one of us now girl! No turning back”. Someone else shared: “Ireland is my favorite place on Earth!”
Another said: “Wow wow wow you have explained our island perfectly, thank you”. And another added: “Ah this post is so lovely. I could relate to every bit of it. There is no hearth like your own hearth.”