When Berilyn Teeling moved from South Africa to Ireland, she wasn't just looking for a better life—she ended up creating one of Ireland's largest celebrations of South African culture.
After growing up in Johannesburg, spending a year as an exchange student in Paraguay and later marrying into an Irish family, Berilyn and her husband made the bold decision to relocate to Ireland with their young son and just three suitcases.
Finding work during a recession wasn't easy, but through determination, resilience and a willingness to start again, they built a new life in County Wicklow.
Today, Berilyn is best known as the founder of The South African Gathering—an annual event that brings together more than 1,500 South Africans from across Ireland to celebrate their heritage, reconnect with old friends and support South African businesses.
In this episode we discuss the realities of starting over, raising children abroad, adapting to Irish life, finding work during difficult times, the cost of living, healthcare, and why maintaining your South African identity can be just as important as integrating into your new country.
It's an uplifting conversation about community, belonging and proving that home isn't always a place—sometimes it's the people you bring together.
"I wanted everyone to come out, have a good day, and just celebrate being South African for a day."
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Time stamps
00:06 – Introducing Berilyn Teeling
00:57 – Growing up in Johannesburg
02:54 – Marriage, Ireland and taking the leap abroad
05:42 – Starting over with three suitcases
10:01 – Why Wicklow became home
11:51 – Finding work during Ireland's recession
16:27 – Adjusting to Irish weather and culture
19:16 – The story behind The South African Gathering
22:42 – From 200 people to more than 1,500 attendees
24:45 – Supporting South African businesses in Ireland
27:19 – Feeling South African while building a life abroad
28:42 – Family, parents and living across continents
34:40 – What makes Ireland such a great place to live
37:26 – The cost of living in Ireland
40:06 – Healthcare and everyday life
41:22 – Any regrets?
42:11 – Advice for South Africans considering Ireland
🇿🇦 South African Gathering
Facebook: South African Gathering Ireland
Website: https://www.sagathering.ie/
Podcast:
Website:www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
The Relocated South African – available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Berilyn's story inspired you, please share this episode with someone considering a move to Ireland—or someone who simply wants to stay connected to their South African roots.
