Ireland is changing fast. In this episode of the E3O Files, I take you to Dublin and Waterford to see what that growth looks like on the ground. I sat down with TJ, a local tour guide, to talk about Ireland’s economic growth, the surge in new construction, and what’s working (and not working) for everyday people.

From street sweepers and recycling bins actually being used, to cranes on every corner, we expose what’s really happening, explore how it feels as a traveler, educate with facts and outside sources, and oppose the hype when the numbers don’t match reality. Along the way, I share my own stories from the trip—including a $20 ice skating letdown, stunning Christmas lights, and a hilarious encounter with a man dressed like he walked straight out of Les Misérables.

👉 See more episodes + visuals: