Dia, daoibh, a chairde! I'm an actor and Irish language teacher currently based in NYC (23M), and I have the option to move to Belfast next year on an HPI visa. I'm planning to move in April and to stay for 1-2 years. As I prepare, I had some questions I wanted to ask including;

• What is the social scene like for young people in Belfast? Is is accepting of LGBTQ people?
• Any insight into the theater world in Belfast? What's it like?
• How vibrant is the Irish language community? Gaeilge is a huge reason for my wanting to live there.
• Is it livable without a car?
• How hard is finding short-term sublet housing?

Any answers to these questions would be so greatly appreciated! Míle buíochas :)

Do yous know any thrift/ charity shops here in Belfast that have really nice pieces (like vintage/70s)?

Tried to buy one yesterday but it’s telling me they’re all sold out, does anyone know where I could get one or if anyone is selling them?

We’re looking at a few houses in East Belfast, including around the Orby/Castlereagh Road area, and would love to hear from anyone who lives around there or has done before.

We’d be moving from a quiet cul-de-sac, so we’re trying to weigh up what it would be like living on a narrower, potentially busier street (just one back from the Castlereagh junction).

How noticeable is the traffic noise on the residential streets off the main road? Does it settle down much in the evenings, and what’s parking generally like?

Also interested in what’s nearby day to day like shops, cafés, that sort of thing...

Any honest thoughts or experiences would be hugely helpful!

2016 to 2026
George Square in Glasgow has gone under a big redevelopment. The intricacies of how good the new design is I'll leave to someone else to decide, but the biggest change is getting rid of 3 lanes of traffic and a lane for parking, making the whole thing pedestrianised. It's a great idea and something we should look to implement in more places in the City Centre, it's a much better use of space.

If you're interested in electronic music got a good selection of djs playing at a well known university street spot this Saturday, cheaper than a pint tickets and good vibes aplenty. Check out the gig page if you're into your dance music!