thinking of moving to ireland,buying a cottage and lead a simple life..any advice would be appreciated?

Answer 1

Definitely. Ireland is a lovely place I moved her 18 years ago. and live a very quiet life in the country. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Go for it.

Answer 2

I live in the rural west of Ireland, in a small town, and know many people who've done or are doing the all out cottage thing as you describe.

Some people really like it and you can read some good experiences above. However, I also know quite a few people who underestimated the isolation and the negative impact of the bad weather on your mental state. You also must factor in the realities of rural living which tends to mean generally more conservative attitudes than you'd be used to living in a city and you might miss some of the cultural options that a city living brings more than you'd think.

Rural Ireland also tends to have a strong amount of "social control". This cuts both ways. People will tend to help out their neighbours who are in trouble and this community spirit is, rightly, highly valued by locals and "blow-ins" (people who moved to the village from somewhere else) alike. The downside, however, is that people will poke their noses in your business where you do not want them too and they will talk about you (and each other) and probably expect you to conform to and take part in what goes on in the community and it is either that or be shunned.

Another word of warning is that Ireland has changed dramatically in the last twenty years of so. There are rustic farmers on tractors, there are fantastic pubs with turf fires where people still sit and talk or play music, there are wild bits of nature etc etc, but even in the wildest parts of the west you will also see plenty of wannabee yuppies in snazzy cars, ugly modern bungalows cluttering the landscape and people concerned with generating profit rather than having the fabled laid-back simple lifestyle. The good old-fashioned ways do still exist in some corners, but it is not the whole story any more by a long way.

I have to admit I do not like living in rural Ireland and will move away as soon as it possible. This is probably to do with myself just not being a country type person, so if you are Irish or happily living here please don't take this as an insult to your (adopted) country. I'm just trying to make sure the Asker really considers whether he is really a country person, or someone with a romaticised ideal that won't live up to the reality.

P.s. A bit about prices. Yes, they have gone up and yes, the cost of living is high, but then again, so are the wages. I'm not doing a particularly highly paid job but I feel more than able to afford the high prices plus the odd luxury. I think the prices would only be a problem if you intended to live off savings.

Answer 3

There's no reason why you can't do that. there are plenty of derelict cottages around, but their prices have risen. And when I say derelict, I mean it. There's no reason why you can't live that way though especially if you get along with people.

Also you must take into account the amount of rain Ireland gets. The east side is dryer. (same as England).

The south uses the Euro and food is very expensive. (we go to Northern Ireland to big shop). If you don't have your own water, you will have to pay your local scheme 110 euros a year. Other than that I can't think of any other bills you'd have. Except electric (if you connect to it).

Try to buy a property that has a bog attached (you'll get your turf from there to keep yourself warm during cold nights). I personally wouldn't live in any of the cities, rural is best.

If you happen to move to an area near to us and need to earn a few bob (not a massive amount though..lol), I'd be happy to get some help with my weed filled garden.

I wish you all the best and hope you do have the pleasure of your dream.

Edit: The Irish I've met have been most welcoming and I have felt more at home in Ireland, than I ever did in England.

Answer 4

Oh my naive friend .... the simple life in Ireland is a myth, the reality of it died sometime at the end of the 1990s ... it's now very expensive to live here. Property prices anywhere within 70 miles of Dublin are horrendous, and not much better anywhere else. I've just paid almost 150 Euro for 2 months of electricity, that's not including home heating, that just to light the place. I won't tell you about my hassle getting broadband internet, suffice it to say that you cannot get it cheaper than €40 a month - your phone bill is NOT included - in any area where life is, as you put it, simple and where there are lots of well-spaced out cottages.

By all means try life out here - I may gripe about how expensive it is, but I don't want to live anywhere else. But be aware that it's not the idyll you seem to think it is.

Answer 5

The prices in Leitrim aren't too high and there is a good few cottages available and land if you're thinking of becoming self sufficient. Quite remote, but beautiful, although employment is low.

Should add that the broadband response from another poster may not be accurate, I am with BT for 45euro per month, including all landline halls anywhere in Ireland.

Answer 6

Prices are mental here in ireland. try to look for a cottage than needs a bit of work to lower the price. Where in ireland are u thinkin of moving too? Outside dublin, pricea are much less but public transport isnt great. Best of luck with it though

Answer 7

You haven't mentioned is it South or Northern Ireland. There is a vast difference, starting with currency. South using Euro and North Sterling. Cost of living is high in both but higher in the South. Do much research before even contemplating this move.

Answer 8

I am from UK.

Moved to Ireland 10 months ago. It's the easiest country to move to. Language is the same (Almost!) which means a similar sense of humour which means you'll make friends easy. It's close (Flights with Ryanair usually less than £10) or take the car on the ferry. Plenty of work, beautiful scenery, friendly people. I like it here and if should miss my friends, family, I'm back for a weekend. Easy.

Go for it...

Answer 9

Why not go on a long holiday over there and rent a cottage to see how you get on before the move?

Answer 10

Watch The Quiet Man.