Corkonians Abroad: I love life in Wales, but miss chats and family

How did you end up in south Wales, Eleanor?

I came over in February of 2010 as my mother had moved there, so I went over to see her. I made the decision to go over in May, 2010, to spend the summer in Wales as I wanted a change of scenery.

I was due to move back home in the September, but I decided to stay to do my nurse training in UWE (University of the West of England) in Bristol, and also, I happened to fall for a Welsh boy who is now my husband, Rob.

How is life in your new home?

I am really happy over here, I feel Wales is home away from home and I have a sense of peace here.

I never thought I would leave Ireland, and now I can’t ever imagine going back and leaving Wales.

Home life is full and lively, I’ve been with my husband for 15 years, and together we’re raising two wonderful daughters, Sophie and Leah aged 12 and 8, along with my stepson Jacob, who’s now 16.

What has been the biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge I would say was leaving family behind. No matter how exciting a new chapter might be, saying goodbye to the people who’ve been your constant support is never easy.

I’ve missed the everyday moments, the chats over a cup of tea, the spontaneous visits, and the comfort of being just around the corner from loved ones.

To cope, I’ve made staying connected a priority. Regular video calls, planned visits, and even sharing the little things, like photos of the kids’ milestones have helped bridge the distance.

It’s not the same as being there in person, but it’s kept the bond strong and reminded me that home isn’t just a place, it’s the people who make it feel that way.

Another huge challenge for me was when I lost my mum in January this year and was on my own when it happened here in Wales.

Trying to navigate that on my own and not be familiar with processes was difficult. It is done so differently in the UK compared to Ireland.

Luckily, my sister Karen, dad John and my mum’s sister Ber were there to support during this time. I had great support from my close friends here too in Wales.

How might you spend your weekends?

My weekends tend to be a mix of family life and everyday tasks. I don’t do anything extravagant, but they’re always busy in their own way.

Most of the time is spent taking the kids to birthday parties, doing the shopping, catching up on housework and friends whilst squeezing in the occasional day out when the weather allows.

It’s a bit of a juggling act, but there’s comfort in the routine and those small moments together as a family make it all worthwhile

Tell us a bit about the culture of where you live?

The culture in Wales has a quiet charm that’s grown on me over time.

There’s a strong sense of local pride, especially in the Welsh language and traditions, which I’ve really come to admire. People are warm but a bit more reserved compared to the open, chatty nature I was used to in Ireland.

That was probably my biggest culture shock, realising that casual conversations with strangers aren’t quite as common here.

I’ve also noticed subtle differences in humour, expressions, and even how people celebrate events. It’s been a learning curve, but embracing those differences has helped me feel more connected to my new home.

Another cultural difference I’ve noticed between Wales and Ireland is in the education system and the opportunities available to young people.

In Ireland, the Leaving Cert is a major milestone, and everything in secondary school tends to build towards that one set of exams. In Wales, the system feels more flexible and focused on individual pathways.

At 16, students in Wales have more options, they can choose to go to college, start apprenticeships, or pursue vocational routes that suit their interests and strengths.

That was a bit of a culture shock for me at first, coming from a system where university was often seen as the main goal.

But I’ve come to really value the way Welsh education supports different kinds of learners and gives them more freedom to shape their future.

Tell us about your line of work/career?

I am a qualified nurse by background, and I am currently working with the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) as one of their Clinical Benefit leads. This role ensures that clinical knowledge is used effectively to improve the experience and outcomes for people accessing health-related benefits.

This involves working closely with other clinicians, policy teams, and senior officials to provide expert advice, support clinical decision-making, and help shape national policy.

Are there any wider societal issues that you see in Ireland that aren’t a problem in your new home? Or vice versa

One of the biggest societal differences I’ve noticed since moving to Wales is the access to healthcare.

The NHS here is a huge benefit, and something I’ve come to really appreciate, especially the fact that prescriptions are free in Wales. That’s a big contrast to Ireland, where prescription charges can add up quickly, even with a medical card or drug payment scheme.

What has been your most memorable moment in your new location so far?

There have been a few truly unforgettable moments since moving to Wales.

Earning my degree was a huge personal achievement as this marked a turning point in my life and gave me the confidence to pursue new opportunities.

Becoming a mum to my two daughters here has been life-changing in every way, and watching them grow up in this beautiful part of the world has made it even more special.

And, of course, getting married was a milestone filled with love, joy, and the start of a new chapter.

Each of these moments has helped shape my experience in Wales and made it feel like home.

Sometimes, a change in environment brings fresh perspectives and new paths you hadn’t considered before.

Any special mentions to friends or family back in Cork?

I still have my dad John back home as well as my sister Karen and my brother Alex. I have nieces and nephews as well as aunts and uncles.

I am still close to my cousins, Jen and Eva, so we all meet when I am home and speak when we can.

One of my closest friends back home, Kristen is living in Bristol, so this is quite nice.

If you were back in Cork for one day, what would be the ideal day for you?

If I had just one day back in Cork, I’d keep it simple and meaningful. I’d start with a trip to the beach - probably somewhere like Garryvoe just to soak in the sea air and the familiar views. Then I’d take the kids on a drive through the countryside, pointing out places from my own childhood and stopping somewhere for a bite to eat, maybe a cosy café or a pub with great food.

The highlight would be spending time with family, catching up, sharing stories, and just being together.

It’s those everyday moments I miss the most. That kind of day, filled with connection and comfort, would be perfect.

What are you looking forward to in the coming months?

There is a lot to look forward to in the months ahead. At work, I’m excited about new challenges and opportunities to grow in my role.

With the kids heading back to school soon, there’s a sense of fresh routine and a bit more structure returning to daily life, which always helps!

But the highlight has to be a trip to London in November to see Wicked The Musical with my sister. I’m absolutely buzzing for it! It’s been on our list for ages (over 10 years!), and finally getting to experience it together will be such a special moment

Is there anything that you especially miss about Cork?

I miss Cork all the time. The biggest thing is my family. Being away from them is always hard, especially during special occasions or when you just need a familiar face and a chat.

I also really miss the food! There’s something about the quality and variety back home that’s hard to beat, whether it’s fresh soda bread, proper Irish baking, or just the comfort of a good meal in a local spot.

There’s a unique atmosphere in Cork too, friendly, lively, and full of character.

It’s those little things, like the humour, the accents, and the sense of community, that stay with you.