Moving To Ireland?

[Strawberry-Jam]

I have been researching my international options now that I have graduated from University in the States, and have decided that I want to do BUNAC's 12 month "Work in Ireland" program. I would leave in September/October timeframe and then return 12 months later. I'll be on a tight budget, but I figure I can get by eating a whole foods diet (and lots of rice and things like dried lentils) just fine.

Celiac is extremely prevalent in Ireland, so I hear. So awareness and accessibility to safe food shouldn't be an issue, right?

I'm still in my healing phase, dealing with bad headaches, gas, reflux, and severe fatigue off and on still (I'm only 3 months in). But I worked 40+ hours a week on this same kind of fatigue in the past, so I want to go ahead with the program now, hoping that my symptoms will resolve on the diet over time. I'll still be able to enjoy Ireland as long as I continue to improve and don't go downhill for some reason.

Does anybody have any advice for me? I'll be 22, and also I'll be over 6 months into the diet by the time I leave. And starting over in a new kitchen in Ireland might be better than sharing a kitchen with my conscientious but messy gluten-eating family here. idk.

[MaryJones2]

I had absolutely no problems in Ireland. It's the most celiac friendly country I've visited. gluten-free food is everywhere and everyone you meet knows all about it - even in the smallest towns.

[cahill]

I just want to say Congratulations and I am jealous . It sound like an awesome opportunity. Enjoy and be well

[Diane-in-FL]

What a wonderful opportunity! I've always wanted to go and Janet's comment makes it seem like it might be possible someday.

[Gemini]

I'll echo what Janet said...Ireland is so easy to be a Celiac in, don't worry one little bit. I just returned from a trip there a month ago and there wasn't one person who didn't know what Celiac is and entails, as far as food prep is concerned. It was easy to eat anywhere and I didn't get sick from anything I ate in the country. Even the smallest shop had a few gluten-free items in it and the people of Ireland bend over backwards to help you out.

I am jealous and hope you have a wonderful time! Don't pass up this great opportunity.

One small warning....some of the tea there can be malted, which is a no-no! Just make sure to check the labels or ask if it's plain tea. Also, some of the bread can contain wheat starch, which is like gluten lite. It's accepted over there but many of the brands do not contain it. I ate bread there and just checked to make sure it was safe. The bread I did have was quite good.

[IrishHeart]

The Irish are the most accomodating people on earth. We have been there many times and would live there in a heartbeat if we could.

You're going to be so happy there!!

This is an amazing opportunity, have no fear and GO and ENJOY!! Best wishes, hon!!

[ElseB]

Watch out for some of the supposed gluten free bread containing "gluten free WHEAT starch". Yup, they allow wheat starch in gluten free bread. They say it has been processed to lower the level of gluten, but I still got sick from it. The brand I had was Kelkin. Also, I had trouble finding gluten free food in small towns. The cities were fine, but the smaller areas didn't have much.

[irish daveyboy]

Watch out for some of the supposed gluten free bread containing "gluten free WHEAT starch". Yup, they allow wheat starch in gluten free bread. They say it has been processed to lower the level of gluten, but I still got sick from it. The brand I had was Kelkin. Also, I had trouble finding gluten free food in small towns. The cities were fine, but the smaller areas didn't have much.

You'll be fine over here, talk to the Irish Coeliac Society Open Original Shared Link

As for bread the best fresh gluten and wheat free bread is 'Genius'

available in all major supermarkets or available delivered by courier from Open Original Shared Link

Most shops have some gluten free items, all health food shops stock gluten free.

You can get Gluten Free on the go items from

Marks & Spensers (sandwiches)

Coffee shops (Byron Bay cookies)

Starbucks (Sandwiches and cookies/cakes)

Itsa Bagel ( bagels and cakes)

most lunch counters will let you know what's gluten free.

Enjoy your stay, the food, the people and the scenery.

[Strawberry-Jam]

thanks! I'm getting more and more excited as the days go by--just gotta get all the paperwork in now...

[kareng]

thanks! I'm getting more and more excited as the days go by--just gotta get all the paperwork in now...

Field trip to Ireland to visit Strawberry!

[IrishHeart]

Field trip to Ireland to visit Strawberry!

COUNT me in !!! Whoohooo!!

[IrishHeart]

thanks! I'm getting more and more excited as the days go by--just gotta get all the paperwork in now...

That's awesome, kiddo---best wishes!!!

[james-12]

what part are you going to

[Harpgirl]

Aww, I wanna go!! I was there 6 years ago and loved every bit of it!! (even when I got lost )

I may be over there in the next few years anyway, because my grandmother's health is declining.

[cahill]

Field trip to Ireland to visit Strawberry!

Count me in too

[GlutenFreeManna]

Field trip to Ireland to visit Strawberry!

Do they have boats to travel to Ireland? I'm jealous! I would love to go but still too afraid to fly again. So if Karen books the cruise with gluten-free food I'm there.

ETA: Have fun Strawberry and give us an update on how it goes!

[bigbird16]

Count me in too

Me three!

Strawberry, have a wonderful time! It is truly a delightful country. I lived in Belfast for a year and loved how easy it was to travel by train and bus all over.

[Strawberry-Jam]

current plan is to leave in September. I'm waiting on the Visa but got all the proper paperwork in. Will buy plane tickets this week!