I think people living near the Northern Ireland border republic side actually travel there for shopping as its that much cheaper, could be wrong but have definitely heard that.
Thats been the case the past 3 years. The South is ridiculous to live in at the minute. The Shops in Newry and Belfast take in more Euro than Sterling. I last heard that the Southern Residents are getting charged for Fire Brigade / Ambulance Callouts. Nuts!
Any idea how long you will be staying in Ireland IF you do decide to come over?