Michigan to Co. Down Northern Ireland

Hi all!  I'm an American just starting the long process of marrying a Downpatrick area man.  We have been close friends for many (16) years and got engaged on my last trip over to visit.  So now the process begins.  We are both over 50 and as such are heavy in the retirement planning phase of life.  We will live together in Northern Ireland within the next few years if I can get a job with my company over there, if not we will alternate traveling back and forth every 3 months until I can retire in 11 years. 

I'm an outgoing person and can talk to just about anybody.  I love to cook and can usually find something to talk about food related.  People tend to enjoy sharing their favorite places to buy groceries, meats, fish etc.  It's also a great way to become part of the community. 

It would be great to hear from anybody else who has a USA/NI story to tell.  I love Northern Ireland since the first trip there.  It always gets more and more beautiful each time I visit.

I'll jump over to the visa pages to talk a bit about our related questions.

Welcome!

I've been in Derry for almost ten years. Down is a gorgeous area; I spent a month or two in Newcastle when I first came over and I think the whole area is just stunning. Best of luck with the move

Thanks Petunia.  Yes, I agree, Down is a beautiful area.  We have friends who we visit in Newcastle as well as heading over to the mountains for hikes as well.  I never get tired of the scenery.

I haven't been to Derry yet.  Most of my trips have been 2 weeks in length since I'm limited by vacation time allotted by my employer.  I'll be there for nearly a month in January and we plan on driving all over the north since it is such a slow time there.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. 

Hi Gypsy, I am contemplating a move to Northern Ireland in the next few years, myself. Take a look at my post on the welcome wagon.  I'm sure there will be plenty for us to talk about. 

Welcome Gypsy.  I'm living in England but my mother's parents were both from Co. Tyrone (so I have Irish citizenship through them).  I visited relations in Clogher years ago and loved the place.  Would love to visit again.