Guides, stories and insights for internationals building a new life abroad.
Cruachan aren’t your typical Irish band, they combine folklore, traditional Irish music, mythology and heavy metal with classical influences, this band has something for everyone. They will be playing in The Grand Social on the 24th of January with the doors opening at 20:00pm, find ticket purchasing at TradFests website. Cruachan have been around for […]
by Eimear Phelan
George Murphy and The Rising Sons are playing this year at TradFest 2026. They are playing on the 23rd of January in The Button Factory with doors opening at 7:30. Something Out of Nothing is George Murphy’s latest album with The Rising Sons. They started out as a session group in pub corners but now […]
by Eimear Phelan
Ger O’Donnell, Trevor Sexton and Don Stiffe have come together as a trio for TradFest 2026. They will be playing together at The Purity Kitchen in Dun Laoghaire on the 22nd of January 2026 at 7:30. O’Donnell and Sexton released a collaborative album titled ‘The Alchemists Stone’ in 2023. They had worked together before on […]
by Eimear Phelan
Seamas Hyland is a traditional and experimental musician from Co.Waterford playing at Tradfest 2026. Hyland released his debut album ‘Maidin Domhnaigh’ in May 2024 and will be playing The Grand Social on Friday the 23rd of January. “It was a huge project, and I don’t think I was expecting the amount of work involved but […]
by Eimear Phelan
House sharing used to be a student phase. In 2026, it’s a housing strategy. Across Europe, North America, and Australia, high rents and low supply are pushing more people into shared homes. If you’re moving abroad this year, the rental market may be the hardest part. And the “normal” plan (a one-bed close to the […]
by Marianna Spanou
Blue Fish Diamond have released their third studio album ‘Radio Silence’ and will be performing at TradFest 2026. Blue Fish Diamond are playing two gigs at TradFest this year. The first gig is Thursday January 22nd at 6 p.m, this is a solo performance with lead singer Jim Murphy in the Fleet Hotel Temple Bar. […]
by Eimear PhelanBabylon has put together two routes for young people interested in interrailing in 2026 including information on expenses, passes and plans. If you’re a student or a young adult looking for an affordable, exciting and accessible way to see Europe, interrailing 2026 might be for you. Interrailing is a common way to travel for young […]
by Eimear Phelan
Canada’s Start-Up Visa program is paused for new applications. On December 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced major changes to business immigration programs, effectively shutting the Start-Up Visa (SUV) to most new applicants. Key timeline The pause addresses a massive backlog. IRCC-linked reporting in late 2025 showed over 43,000 people waiting in […]
by Marianna Spanou
Moving from a sunny country to a darker one can feel like a shock. One day you’re fine. Then winter hits, and everything feels heavier. If this is your first winter in Ireland, Canada, Russia, the Nordics, the UK, or Northern Europe, you’re not imagining it. Winter blues abroad are real, and they can surprise […]
by Marianna Spanou