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Hi all. I'm a nineteen year-old student from Oregon looking at spending a semester in Ireland next spring. I'd be attending classes at the University of LImerick.

I'm new to travel (though I've wanted to for years) and have no idea how I'm going to spend my time there. There isn't a lot on here about LImerick City, but what I've read is it's a good place to get a taste of the culture and that it makes a good hub to get around the rest of Ireland. I'll be there from January until May (or possibly later, I'm still not sure).

What sort of options are there for working during my study abroad? I realize the economy is in the toilet, but I'd be willing to do any kind of work for any kind of pay.

I'm studying to become a cinematographer (and a teacher somewhere down the line), and am into photography and beautiful landscapes. I was drawn to Ireland by the culture and the general greenness. I understand there will be rain, being from Oregon I've seen plenty of it. Rain or shine, what are some areas in Ireland that'd be great to see, just for the views? My semester there is to find artistic inspiration, learn about history and culture, and brush up on writing. Not to say that I won't be partying while I'm there, but I'm fascinated by the culture.

If I can't find a job, I love theatre and would love to work in a theatre somewhere. Are there local theatre troupes that would appreciate free help? What would the best way to approach that be?

I'm looking at buying a bike and selling it at the end of my time there. Is that wise?

I realize I come off as not knowing much at this point. I really don't. I'm working on learning more as I get closer to going abroad, but would love any information on the questions I have at this point. I know there's a lot of bus and train schedule studying in my future.

Thanks in advance!

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1

Well, not to smart about it, but Google.ie is a good tool. It's already thrown up the Dublin Film Festival (February), the Limerick-based Fresh Film Festival, and a bunch of resources for theatre in Limerick.... so there should be no end of activities for a young cinematographer.
As for landscapes - down in Kerry and Cork there's a wealth of vistas. All along the west coast you'll be spoilt for choice.

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2

Limerick, like Shannon, is not IMO one of the gems of the west coast of Ireland but it does have some worthwhile sights. It might be an okay base for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland geographically and fotr transport (bus) links but it is not a city I knw well enough to give deep advice on.

The west coast is a great region for vistas, many people see it as having the most beautiful coast of the island and I would agree. It is rugged and barren but that is part of the beauty; from what I have read of Oregon, you might appreciate that!

I'm with #1, some googling and checking of official visa and other websites would be a good place to start as no matter what you read here you are going to need to do that anyway. Work is slim on the ground (particularly out of season on the west coast) and it is (many say) only goign to get worse.

Galway has a substantial artistic community and that may be your best shot, it has three or four theatres.

When you say bike, I presume you mean motorbike. No idea about how wise that is but there may be age issues here re: insurane or such. I don't know.

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3

Hi,

The economy here is pretty weak at the moment but if you have bar or waitressing experience you might be able to pick up something casual. recruitireland.com and monster.ie might be have some stuff that could suit. However, dropping your resume into bars or restaurants would be the best way to go about getting work with them.

I really enjoyed living in Limerick and UL has lots of clubs and societies that you could get involved in which would also be a good way of networking. There are good facilities in the university too so I'd imagine you would have plenty of support from the Students' Union on campus.

Limerick is easy enough to get to and from there by train and bus however public transport in Ireland is not on the cheap side. It is a quite expensive country to live in, enjoy your time here!!

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4

there is alot of people in the theatre in limerick, try Dagda a contemporary dance group based in the city . there are tons of theatre groups such as teaspach. Im sure you can easily get involved. as aforementioned UL has tons of clubs and socs , im sure there is a drama group.

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