Whatever the reason, all Spanish people arrive in Ireland very motivated with this challenging opportunity and  hopeful of having a great time.

The first month can be absolutely different for each person. People who come to Cork without knowing anybody can find it very stressful until they sort out their entire “settle up” problems. Finding a place to live at the same time as finding a job can be very difficult when you don’t know English.

There are quite a lot of people who leave Ireland because they cannot find a job. They get tired and unmotivated; and the main problem is that without money they cannot survive. But once they have found a job, the first odyssey starts: how to avoid other Spanish living in Cork. The reason is simple: English language. A lot of Spanish are trying to find Irish or other foreign friends to begin social learning of the English language. Even though there are several English language schools in Cork, it’s still too expensive for most Spanish. FAS,  The College of Commerce and UCC have some English language classes, but if you are working it can be difficult to fit everything into your schedules. So people have to study on their own and spend as much time as possible with their mates and learn English by communicating and socialising.
But at the end of the day most people realise that it is impossible to get a good level of English by living in Ireland three months only. So some of them stay longer and get comfortable in this beautiful country.

Yes, the first three months are the most important time of Spanish immigrants. A lot of Spanish can’t get used to the local weather and food. They become homesick and go back. But others, (who don’t feel the difference between Spain and Ireland, because they have prepared warm socks and jumpers from the first day) those who wanted to stay for a few months remain for a few years, they know a little secret. It’s mainly about food (Mediterranean foods mostly vegetables, fresh fish, fruits and olive oil): people just as often as possible go home (thankfully tickets are not so expensive) and come back with a bag full of Spanish food, or invite friends or family for an Irish vacation from Spain and they bring some much needed stuff, or meet with other Spanish people in Cork and make traditional Spanish dinners.

So, what do they think about Irish people? Well, it is much more difficult to get Irish friends then others but once you find one he or she will be your friend forever.
Yes, there also some cultural differences, but both Spanish and Irish love enjoying themselves pretty much in pubs with live music and to chat. 

The only barrier for Spanish people to stay longer in Ireland is that the time passes and the English language starts to play a secondary role in their immigrant life. Gradually they come to know more and more Spanish people, and they become to be their new family. But it’s like everywhere in the world when you immigrated you always keep closer to people from your own country. You can share good and bad things that you are experiencing during your immigrant lifetime routine and things you wouldn’t always tell your friends or family at home. And what is more important is discoveries of new you, something you can be proud of, some experience you can pass on to your children.