Cultural differences between Ireland & Australia

If you are thinking of making the big move from Ireland to Australia like so many before you, then I’m sure you have many questions regarding the culture of Australia. You’re also probably quite apprehensive because, let’s be fair, it’s not a short move up the highway, but let me tell you, you are not alone.

Let me walk you through some of the notable differences I encountered on my arrival to Australia so you can be as prepared as possible.

Geographical size

(Size of Australia (black) versus North America (blue) versus wee little Ireland (red))

The Australian continent is a unique land, full of contrasts. It’s the Earth’s biggest island and the sixth-biggest country in the world in land area. Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent.

Everyone knows Australia is huge and Ireland is tiny — but just how big? Australia spans about 7.7 million km², compared to Ireland’s 84,000 km². That means Ireland could fit into Australia roughly 90 times. It’s one of those facts that really makes you stop and take a breath… and realise there’s plenty of room to explore!

Population

Not only does Australia have a lot more rocks and dirt (a lot more land), it also has a lot more people. In 2025, Australia’s population is around 26.3 million, compared with Ireland’s 5.1 million.

The Irish influence is still strong — roughly 10% of Australians have Irish ancestry. So you won’t feel completely alone, and if you want to find fellow expats, you definitely can. Fun fact: although only 5.1 million live in Ireland, there are roughly 51 million Irish passports in circulation worldwide. Everybody wants to be Irish, I guess…

Climate

It’s no secret that in Ireland it rains a lot, but if you didn’t grow up playing soccer in the rain with jumpers as goal posts while being lashed on, or playing chase in the schoolyard before returning to class like a drowned rat, were you really living in Ireland?

Well, you can look forward to a much warmer climate here in Australia. Depending on what part of Australia you move to, your weather experience will differ, but I can assure you it’s all a whole lot better than back home (some die-hard Irish may disagree).

• Northern Australia (QLD, NT): Tropical, hot and humid summers, mild winters

• Southern Australia (VIC, NSW, SA, WA, ACT): Temperate, warm summers, cooler, sometimes wet winters

• Sydney & Melbourne: Sunny most of the year, with occasional storms

If you’re from Cork or Dublin, be ready for far more sunny days — perfect for outdoor activities and sports.

Language

Just like in Ireland, English is the first language of Australia. So you won’t have any language barriers… at least not in theory. In practice, the English language here can be very parochial. Slang words change from state to state, and so does pronunciation. Be prepared to not have a clue what some people are saying for the first few weeks, but trust me — they won’t understand you either.

Tip: slow down, speak clearly, be polite, and don’t be afraid to ask someone to repeat themselves. Say it with a smile, and they won’t be insulted. Be prepared to repeat yourself a lot, too. (Big cities tend to have more cosmopolitan accents, whereas rural areas have those charming, truly Aussie pronunciations.)

Top Expat Destinations

The majority of Irish expats set up shop in Sydney (NSW), Melbourne (Victoria), or Perth (WA). These cities offer climates that appeal most to us Irish, plus a strong community of fellow expats. Don’t think you’ll be diving straight into the local Australian community because you won’t — but Australians are very welcoming.

Fun aside: we Irish do get annoyed if the bus driver back home isn’t Irish… but here, you might just have to let it slide.

Cost of Living

Irish people love to moan about how pricey Ireland is, but after living in Australia, you might find it’s not too bad. Prices here are often higher for goods and services, but wages are significantly better. Higher pay means more disposable income, so you can enjoy life without stressing over groceries, clothes, or nights out.

Basically, it’s not that Ireland is expensive — it’s that wages are low. Ask any Irish expat, and they’ll tell you the same: saving money in Australia is far easier. For many, this is a deciding factor when moving — and it can make a huge financial difference.

 

 

Sport

Just like Gaelic Football and Hurling, Australia has its own native sport: Australian rules football (Aussie Rules). It’s a very different kind of football. Every year, Ireland plays Australia in a compromise-rules game (a mix of Aussie Rules & Gaelic Football). It’s a spectacle, and I highly recommend catching it — or at least watching from an Irish pub.

Both countries love watching sport, but participation is where Australia wins. With nearly year-round sunshine, Aussies are far more likely to be outside playing golf, jogging, or enjoying any number of activities. You won’t be lounging in the rain here — at least not often!

Attitude to work

Australia is more “work to live,” whereas Ireland is often “live to work.” People in Ireland work hard without always seeing immediate reward. Australians do work hard, too, but the weather and lifestyle encourage a healthier balance. I mean, who wants to head to work when it’s lashing rain? Conversely, a sunny 7 am makes it easier to wake up with a smile, especially when the pay is fair.

Drinks

The coffee is better in Australia, but beer? Well, that’s Ireland’s crown jewel.

Nationalities

Australia is more integrated and multicultural, especially in the big cities. With your Irish accent, you should only encounter friendly banter. Outside major cities, there may still be a few old-school attitudes, but Australia is one of the most modern, accepting countries in the world.

 

Tips

• Treat others as you’d like to be treated. Be kind.

• Keep your space clean.

• Bring lots of sunscreen.

• Prepare for BBQ dinners.

• And if you have a fear of the sea… just start by dipping your toes in.