When Vinnitsky decided to move to Ireland last year, he had the good business sense to open up a butcher's shop targeted at the thousands of Poles who have made that part of the capital their new home.

"We get mainly Polish people here. But business is quiet now mainly because of the builders' holidays and many Poles have gone home, " says Vinnitsky.

He notices Polish people find it hard to blend in and don't always want to stay together.

"There is a bit of rivalry among the Poles over jobs and how well they are doing, " he says. Vinnitsky, who has very good English, says the ability to speak the language is critical for people to integrate.

Future plans depend on the business, he says. "Prices are very high here, particularly rents, but there is nothing I can do about that, " he says. He would like to buy a house here outside the city but finds it too expensive. "I will wait and see whether the prices fall further, " he says.

"I have no plans to go back yet but this summer weather is no good."