Where To Move To In Ireland

Bluebells121

Hi everyone, I am new to this and really in  need of some advice. Currently in the U.K, and looking to relocate to Ireland (both parents were born and bred in Ireland, sadly deceased). Trying to decide on location is proving difficult, I have narrowed it down to these areas:
1)Killarney
2)Roscommon
3)Leitrim
Wondering what these areas are like? Are they friendly to newcomers? (even though my folks were Irish), how easy is it to find work? Are they safe for single women? Looking for a bungalow, with outdoor space/acres as I have dogs. Appreciate any constructive advice. Thanks in anticipation.

dennyk

None of those places are going to offer much in the way of employment opportunities; they're all quite small towns (hell, Leitrim is barely a village) and don't have any big employers or professional industries. On the plus side, if you're of independent means and don't need to work, I guess the rent would probably be pretty cheap for a big property out in the rural parts. (I'd be curious as to what's attracting you to Roscommon and Leitrim in particular, as well; is your family from those areas or something?)

If you want work, Dublin has the most jobs but also sky-high rents. Cork's not as bad and has a fair number of big employers as well. Galway's nice, but crowded with students competing for casual work and cheap accommodations. Limerick is still catching up as far as rents and such go and has a fair number of employers these days, if you work in the right fields. Anywhere else and you're going to have a tough time finding a professional job, so unless you're planning to support yourself on retail/service work and have some connections in a place to get a foot in the door, it might be tricky anywhere else; you may want to look for work first before committing to a place to live if you decide to avoid the cities.

uck51js9zml2yt

Out of the 3 , Killarney is the only option.
What will you do for work?

lcwill

I wouldnt suggest any of those places.

Why not head for West Cork which can provide everything you would find in any of those other places but with a much more going on and a much bigger community of "blow-ins" like yourself (regardless of the fact your parents were Irish you will be considered a blow-in if you move anywhere except in or around one of the main cities - this is not necessarily a bad thing, just a fact of life).

BadBannana

What kind of industry are you interested in working in OP?

Ursus Horribilis

Have you spent much time in Ireland? Do you still have family over here?

Jack Moore

You work from home so I’d love on the coast on the west of Ireland somewhere where the internet is good
How much you want ykspend on a home

LirW

Are you looking to buy or rent? Renting with dogs will be quite tricky everywhere, a lot of landlords aren't too fond of dogs. The more remote/less sought after the area, the better your chances.
Jobwise, if you're looking for skilled work neither of these are an option really. There's a reason why rent and property is so expensive around the cities: this is where work is. Unless you fancy factory work, you'll spend a long time looking for work. Commuting is long and expensive, the Irish public transport network is nothing like the English where people do 100km in an hour door to door thanks to good trainlines.

But it's not all doom and gloom, do your homework on where you wanna go and do it well. If you're looking for a quiet retirement for example all 3 places would be suitable, keeping in mind you'll depend on a car.
If you want to look for a Bungalow with land for your dogs to roam while you're making money in IT, not going to happen. There's a reason why all 3 places are cheap.

Bluebells121

dennyk wrote: »

None of those places are going to offer much in the way of employment opportunities; they're all quite small towns (hell, Leitrim is barely a village) and don't have any big employers or professional industries. On the plus side, if you're of independent means and don't need to work, I guess the rent would probably be pretty cheap for a big property out in the rural parts. (I'd be curious as to what's attracting you to Roscommon and Leitrim in particular, as well; is your family from those areas or something?)

If you want work, Dublin has the most jobs but also sky-high rents. Cork's not as bad and has a fair number of big employers as well. Galway's nice, but crowded with students competing for casual work and cheap accommodations. Limerick is still catching up as far as rents and such go and has a fair number of employers these days, if you work in the right fields. Anywhere else and you're going to have a tough time finding a professional job, so unless you're planning to support yourself on retail/service work and have some connections in a place to get a foot in the door, it might be tricky anywhere else; you may want to look for work first before committing to a place to live if you decide to avoid the cities.

Thank you for your advice, I don't know anything about Roscommon or Leitrim, other than a few things people have said, being a nice area, and the property is reasonable. I don't know anything about Cork, and it isn't an area that I have even considered to be honest.e, I don't fancy going to Dublin, even though my mother was from there, I was looking to go more rural.  My father was a kerryman, and I have visited  the area several times, and fell in love with it. Also visited Galway a few times, again another lovely area. I am actively looking for part time work and the rest would be building up my business whilst there.

Bluebells121

Kennedi Late Fort wrote: »

Out of the 3 , Killarney is the only option.
What will you do for work?

I will work part time on my own business and actively seeking some regular part time work in the area so I can meet new people and make friends in the community.

LirW

Bluebells121 wrote: »

I will work part time on my own business and actively seeking some regular part time work in the area so I can meet new people and make friends in the community.

If you're having your own business, keep broadband in mind. A lot of rural areas still have very poor coverage and I'd make sure to check with local businesses about it. It can have a massive impact on a business that heavily relies on the internet.

salmocab

If your business relies on internet you will want to do some good research on where you end up. Leitrim and Roscommon are nice, wouldn’t be similar to Killarney though. I’d give thought to somewhere west from Clare up to Mayo.
Best of luck though, people all over Ireland are generally welcoming and I’m sure you’ll get along fine.

Bluebells121

LirW wrote: »

Are you looking to buy or rent? Renting with dogs will be quite tricky everywhere, a lot of landlords aren't too fond of dogs. The more remote/less sought after the area, the better your chances.
Jobwise, if you're looking for skilled work neither of these are an option really. There's a reason why rent and property is so expensive around the cities: this is where work is. Unless you fancy factory work, you'll spend a long time looking for work. Commuting is long and expensive, the Irish public transport network is nothing like the English where people do 100km in an hour door to door thanks to good trainlines.

But it's not all doom and gloom, do your homework on where you wanna go and do it well. If you're looking for a quiet retirement for example all 3 places would be suitable, keeping in mind you'll depend on a car.
If you want to look for a Bungalow with land for your dogs to roam while you're making money in IT, not going to happen. There's a reason why all 3 places are cheap.

Thanks for your advice, much appreciated. I have looked at rental properties, and as you say, landlords are not keen, even though mine are exceptionally well behaved. I would be more inclined to buy outright, having said that I have been looking for the past 2 years, and it is seems incredibly difficult to join the dots. Will look again, thank you.

Hitman3000

I live in Roscommon. I'm about 10 miles from Athlone/Roscommon town and Ballinasloe. Plenty of work to be had in Athlone. Rural but still close to everything. House prices are reasonable. 4 bed bungalow near us on nearly an acre for sale at 190 k. Modern and well kept house. Good luck in your search.

Bluebells121

Kennedi Late Fort wrote: »

Out of the 3 , Killarney is the only option.
What will you do for work?

part time own business, part time paid work

Hitman3000

Kennedi Late Fort wrote:

Out of the 3 , Killarney is the only option.

Why?

Hitman3000

Bluebells121 wrote:

part time own business, part time paid work

There is several tech companies in Athlone. Ericsson's being one of the more recognisable.

Bluebells121

lcwill wrote: »

I wouldnt suggest any of those places.

Why not head for West Cork which can provide everything you would find in any of those other places but with a much more going on and a much bigger community of "blow-ins" like yourself (regardless of the fact your parents were Irish you will be considered a blow-in if you move anywhere except in or around one of the main cities - this is not necessarily a bad thing, just a fact of life).

I haven't considered Cork to be honest, and it is another area that I don't know at all. "Blow ins" love it

uck51js9zml2yt

Hitman3000 wrote: »

Why?

Why what?

Hitman3000

Kennedi Late Fort wrote:

Why what?

Why is only Killarney an option?

Squeaksoutloud

Sounds like you don't want city living and would probably be better off in some of the nicer touristy towns as these will have nicer shops, cafes etc and are liked for good reason! I'd try anything from Kinsale, Kenmare, Killarney, Clifden or Westport. All lovely towns and busy too. Better weather in the south east too and a lot of English people seem to move to the nice countryside towns around the Barrow and Nore River valleys. Lovely areas too.

GarIT

You might face a bit of discrimination anywhere you go in Ireland. Someone with an English accent in Ireland will probably face as much discrimination as an Arab in England, they're mostly accepted but a few people will have a problem.

You need to look at the wikipedia list for the largest towns in Ireland, only look at the top 10 or 20 and pick something within commuting distance of those if you want work. Employment in rural towns and villages in Ireland is declining and everything is becoming more centralised.

Bluebells121

GarIT wrote: »

You might face a bit of discrimination anywhere you go in Ireland. Someone with an English accent in Ireland will probably face as much discrimination as an Arab in England, they're mostly accepted but a few people will have a problem.

You need to look at the wikipedia list for the largest towns in Ireland, only look at the top 10 or 20 and pick something within commuting distance of those if you want work. Employment in rural towns and villages in Ireland is declining and everything is becoming more centralised.

Discrimination that surprises me as I don't consider myself English, all of my family were born and bred in Ireland, I just had the misfortune to be born in the U.K! Thanks for your honesty.

Addle

Loads of blow ins in Roscommon anyways, you'd have no problem in that regard.
I really think you, and anyone considering such a big move, should rent in an area first before committing to buying property.
Anywhere you move to OP, it'll be up to you to make the most of the area.

Addle

Do you drive OP? You'll really need a car in any rural location.

Bluebells121

LirW wrote: »

Bluebells121 wrote: »

I will work part time on my own business and actively seeking some regular part time work in the area so I can meet new people and make friends in the community.

If you're having your own business, keep broadband in mind. A lot of rural areas still have very poor coverage and I'd make sure to check with local businesses about it. It can have a massive impact on a business that heavily relies on the internet.

Thank you so much.

Bluebells121

Addle wrote: »

Do you drive OP? You'll really need a car in any rural location.

yes I drive

handlemaster

Kennedi Late Fort wrote: »

Hitman3000 wrote: »

Why?

Why what?

Dumb and dumber comes to.mind

Bluebells121

Addle wrote: »

Loads of blow ins in Roscommon anyways, you'd have no problem in that regard.
I really think you, and anyone considering such a big move, should rent in an area first before committing to buying property.
Anywhere you move to OP, it'll be up to you to make the most of the area.

I have looked at rental in the past but this is proving to be quite challenging as I have  dogs, and a lot of landlords are not keen even though my dogs are exceptionally well behaved.

Bluebells121

Squeaksoutloud wrote: »

Sounds like you don't want city living and would probably be better off in some of the nicer touristy towns as these will have nicer shops, cafes etc and are liked for good reason! I'd try anything from Kinsale, Kenmare, Killarney, Clifden or Westport. All lovely towns and busy too. Better weather in the south east too and a lot of English people seem to move to the nice countryside towns around the Barrow and Nore River valleys. Lovely areas too.

Thank you I will look again at these areas.

GarIT

Bluebells121 wrote: »

Discrimination that surprises me as I don't consider myself English, all of my family were born and bred in Ireland, I just had the misfortune to be born in the U.K! Thanks for your honesty.

Doesn't really matter where you consider yourself from, some will make a judgement as soon as you speak. Given the history of how the Irish have been treated by England. Most won't but some people might say something or just dislike you for the accent.

Bluebells121

Thank you everyone for your help, much appreciated, back to the drawing board for me.

per aspera ad astra

I don't care where you're from OP – and I personally wouldn't dream of judging you on the way you speak. There's more like me than not. Somebody in Ireland that would judge you on the way you speak, would judge you on the way you speak in France – if French, in China – if Chinese and in Zimbabwe – if Zimbabwean. Judgers gonna judge – it's nothing to do with nationality, in my opinion anyway...

dennyk

Bluebells121 wrote: »

Thank you for your advice, I don't know anything about Roscommon or Leitrim, other than a few things people have said, being a nice area, and the property is reasonable. I don't know anything about Cork, and it isn't an area that I have even considered to be honest.e, I don't fancy going to Dublin, even though my mother was from there, I was looking to go more rural.  My father was a kerryman, and I have visited  the area several times, and fell in love with it. Also visited Galway a few times, again another lovely area. I am actively looking for part time work and the rest would be building up my business whilst there.

As others have said, if good Internet service is a must, you'll need to consider carefully where you want to live. Unfortunately you may have to compromise on the whole massive-rural-acreage idea, as decent Internet service is spotty to nonexistent in most rural areas. The Ireland Offline Broadband Map is a useful tool for exploring broadband options in different areas. Enable the VDSL Cabinets option to see all of the existing cabinets and hover over one to see its coverage area. Ideally you'd want to be as close to a cabinet as possible to see the best speeds. Your best bet will probably be to look for a place in a village with VDSL service; it won't truly be rural per se, but you'll at least have proper Internet.

If you're considering places to live, I live in Killaloe, County Clare myself, on the Shannon by Lough Derg. It's a beautiful village with plenty of amenities and great Internet service, and it's convenient to the M7 for traveling to Limerick (20-30 minutes), Shannon Airport (45 minutes), and Dublin Airport (2 hours). Great spot to live, and I couldn't be happier that I found this place. Being close to Limerick would give you some more options for finding work, as well.

Certainly couldn't go wrong living in Kerry, either; beautiful part of the country down there. Only downside is you'd be a bit further away from everywhere else, and there aren't really any larger cities nearby.

GarIT

You should also Google SIRO broadband, it's only available in a few places so far but some of those are reasonably rural and it's the fastest broadband available to the public in Europe.

Bluebells121

per aspera ad astra wrote: »

I don't care where you're from OP – and I personally wouldn't dream of judging you on the way you speak. There's more like me than not. Somebody in Ireland that would judge you on the way you speak, would judge you on the way you speak in France – if French, in China – if Chinese and in Zimbabwe – if Zimbabwean. Judgers gonna judge – it's nothing to do with nationality, in my opinion anyway...

Thank you that is reassuring and good to know.

Bluebells121

GarIT wrote: »

You should also Google SIRO broadband, it's only available in a few places so far but some of those are reasonably rural and it's the fastest broadband available to the public in Europe.

Will do thank you.

Feets

Dingle in Kerry or Greystones in Wicklow.

Bluebells121

dennyk wrote: »

Bluebells121 wrote: »

Thank you for your advice, I don't know anything about Roscommon or Leitrim, other than a few things people have said, being a nice area, and the property is reasonable. I don't know anything about Cork, and it isn't an area that I have even considered to be honest.e, I don't fancy going to Dublin, even though my mother was from there, I was looking to go more rural.  My father was a kerryman, and I have visited  the area several times, and fell in love with it. Also visited Galway a few times, again another lovely area. I am actively looking for part time work and the rest would be building up my business whilst there.

As others have said, if good Internet service is a must, you'll need to consider carefully where you want to live. Unfortunately you may have to compromise on the whole massive-rural-acreage idea, as decent Internet service is spotty to nonexistent in most rural areas. The Ireland Offline Broadband Map is a useful tool for exploring broadband options in different areas. Enable the VDSL Cabinets option to see all of the existing cabinets and hover over one to see its coverage area. Ideally you'd want to be as close to a cabinet as possible to see the best speeds. Your best bet will probably be to look for a place in a village with VDSL service; it won't truly be rural per se, but you'll at least have proper Internet.

If you're considering places to live, I live in Killaloe, County Clare myself, on the Shannon by Lough Derg. It's a beautiful village with plenty of amenities and great Internet service, and it's convenient to the M7 for traveling to Limerick (20-30 minutes), Shannon Airport (45 minutes), and Dublin Airport (2 hours). Great spot to live, and I couldn't be happier that I found this place. Being close to Limerick would give you some more options for finding work, as well.

Certainly couldn't go wrong living in Kerry, either; beautiful part of the country down there. Only downside is you'd be a bit further away from everywhere else, and there aren't really any larger cities nearby.

Thank you for these valuable tips, much appreciated.

Ursus Horribilis

Bluebells121 wrote: »

Discrimination that surprises me as I don't consider myself English, all of my family were born and bred in Ireland, I just had the misfortune to be born in the U.K! Thanks for your honesty.

I hate to break it to you but that's not going to wash over here. Your accent and where you grew up will have you labelled as an English person forever. Having said that, I doubt you'll experience discrimination unless you're unlucky and find yourself amidst people who can't stop banging on about 800 years of oppression.

Maybe you should work backwards and see where the jobs are first? The reason why the Leitrims and Roscommons of this world are cheaper places to buy in is that people leave these areas and move elsewhere for work. If you're not after spectacular scenery, the Midlands might be worth a look. If you get a job in Athlone, you could buy something in Roscommon, Westmeath or Offaly. And you'd only be an hour and a half from Dublin or Galway because of the motorway.

goat2

Bluebells121 wrote: »

Thank you for your advice, I don't know anything about Roscommon or Leitrim, other than a few things people have said, being a nice area, and the property is reasonable. I don't know anything about Cork, and it isn't an area that I have even considered to be honest.e, I don't fancy going to Dublin, even though my mother was from there, I was looking to go more rural. My father was a kerryman, and I have visited the area several times, and fell in love with it. Also visited Galway a few times, again another lovely area. I am actively looking for part time work and the rest would be building up my business whilst there.

Is your father from, Killarney, Killorglin, Tralee, Listowel, Dingle, what part of Kerry is he from, If you buying a house, you will do fine, but renting is a hard road, rentals are scarce in the bigger cities, but the more you move out of big cities and towns, it should not be too bad, if you intend living rural, a car is a must in the smaller towns and villages

Bluebells121

goat2 wrote: »

Bluebells121 wrote: »

Thank you for your advice, I don't know anything about Roscommon or Leitrim, other than a few things people have said, being a nice area, and the property is reasonable. I don't know anything about Cork, and it isn't an area that I have even considered to be honest.e, I don't fancy going to Dublin, even though my mother was from there, I was looking to go more rural.  My father was a kerryman, and I have visited  the area several times, and fell in love with it. Also visited Galway a few times, again another lovely area. I am actively looking for part time work and the rest would be building up my business whilst there.

Is your father from, Killarney, Killorglin, Tralee, Listowel, Dingle, what part of Kerry is he from, If you buying a house, you will do fine, but renting is a hard road, rentals are scarce in the bigger cities, but the more you move out of big cities and towns, it should not be too bad, if you intend living rural, a car is a must in the smaller towns and villages

My father died some time ago, he was from [font=arial, sans-serif]Cahersiveen, and I went to the Gaelteacht in Dingle. I have a car and don't mind travelling it is more about finding the right location, friendly environment so that I can make new friends and get involved with the community.[/font]

Westernyelp

Mayo has loads of English people. Never heard of Descrimination because of accent or nationality. Maybe from the few gob****es who are angry about everything.

Addle

The above post is the most OTT thing I've read in a long time!
OP I'm from rural Roscommon and I don't recognise any of the sentiment referred to above.
The county is full of British people who took advantage of property prices and have retired here, moreso than younger people.
You will have to make an effort with people wherever you move and if you do, you'll be grand.
But I'll repeat what I and others have said before, please rent for a while.
I know a few families who rent with pets.

per aspera ad astra

I just wanted to add – that is an EPIC post!

Mahogany Gaspipe

GarIT wrote: »

You might face a bit of discrimination anywhere you go in Ireland. Someone with an English accent in Ireland will probably face as much discrimination as an Arab in England, they're mostly accepted but a few people will have a problem.

Thats absolute bollox unless the OP has built a time machine and is considering moving to 1970s Falls Road.

goat2

GarIT wrote: »

You might face a bit of discrimination anywhere you go in Ireland. Someone with an English accent in Ireland will probably face as much discrimination as an Arab in England, they're mostly accepted but a few people will have a problem.

You need to look at the wikipedia list for the largest towns in Ireland, only look at the top 10 or 20 and pick something within commuting distance of those if you want work. Employment in rural towns and villages in Ireland is declining and everything is becoming more centralised.

That is completely not true, that an English accent will or is discriminated against, I live in the country and have a couple English neighbours, they fit in great here, I have never in my life seen anyone being discriminated against because of their accent, it is not the 1940,s

Bluebells121

goat2 wrote: »

GarIT wrote: »

You might face a bit of discrimination anywhere you go in Ireland. Someone with an English accent in Ireland will probably face as much discrimination as an Arab in England, they're mostly accepted but a few people will have a problem.

You need to look at the wikipedia list for the largest towns in Ireland, only look at the top 10 or 20 and pick something within commuting distance of those if you want work. Employment in rural towns and villages in Ireland is declining and everything is becoming more centralised.

That is completely not true, that an English accent will or is discriminated against, I live in the country and have a couple English neighbours, they fit in great here, I have never in my life seen anyone being discriminated against because of their accent, it is not the 1940,s

Thank you that is reassuring to know.

goat2

Bluebells121 wrote: »

My father died some time ago, he was from [font=arial, sans-serif]Cahersiveen, and I went to the Gaelteacht in Dingle. I have a car and don't mind travelling it is more about finding the right location, friendly environment so that I can make new friends and get involved with the community.[/font]

You know the place well, I know Caherciveen well, but I am not from there, a lovely place, you have Waterville which is beautiful, along the coastline coming into Kenmare on to Killarney, plenty there to choose from, Kenmare is another beautiful place, I would think it would be a good place to start off, huge tourism down there and could pick up a handy job, if you have a trade like, plumber, carpet layer , woodworker, due to guest houses being busy there would be work in that field, West cork is also fab, Clonikilty is a lovely place, another place that is just fab is Dungarvan Co Waterford, plenty beautiful places along the west coast from Kerry to Galway, and Tourism good in these areas

Bluebells121

Addle wrote: »

The above post is the most OTT thing I've read in a long time!
OP I'm from rural Roscommon and I don't recognise any of the sentiment referred to above.
The county is full of British people who took advantage of property prices and have retired here, moreso than younger people.
You will have to make an effort with people wherever you move and if you do, you'll be grand.
But I'll repeat what I and others have said before, please rent for a while.
I know a few families who rent with pets.

Thank you. I am looking online at rental properties but it is proving difficult as a lot of landlords won't accept pets, and my pets are coming with me. If you can recommend anywhere aside from Daft i.e for rental properties that would be great. Thanks again for your advice.

Bluebells121

Many thanks to you for taking the time to post, very much appreciated.