×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Time to say Goodbye

8 years ago
For those who showed interest in our trials and tribulations over the past 16 months (to the day!) we are flying back to the Land Downunder on Saturday. As some of you know, we are mid- and late-60s. After 43 years in Australia we sold everything there and headed to the Emerald Isle hoping to find our retirement property , to have a base in Ireland and be able to travel to Europe once or twice year. Travelling from Australia is both expensive and an endurance test! We traversed the land seeking our retirement home (budget E300,000) but 5 offers, 4 building surveys later we found the Irish real estate system too difficult a road to tread. We were based mainly in beautiful Sheep's Head Peninsula and although stunningly beautiful found the weather 'difficult' to say the least. All we wanted was a proper summer with sunshine and temperatures between 18-24degC, a big ask in Ireland. People tell us that 2015 was the "worst year" in many years but the first four months of 2016 showed no improvement. After long and heartfelt discussions we decided that both the dysfunctional real estate system and the weather had defeated us so we commenced arrangements for our return to the land Downunder. We are returning to a completely different area of Australia and are starting from scratch so another 'adventure' starts, who knows where the road will lead? Ireland? It is a beautiful country. Unfortunately, it is plagued with ugly bungalows and dormers, a real estate system which is dysfunctional and weather that would test a saint! No regrets, only disappointment. We tried but unfortunately did not conquer. Good luck to all of you and follow your dreams. All one has at the end of life are memories better to have those than the question "What if.....?"

William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Ireland GuideLiving in Ireland Guide

The passion that expats in Ireland have for their adoptive land is often truly amazing. Many get absolutely absorbed in the culture, the people and everything else that Ireland has to offer.

Ireland Forum Ireland Forum
Join our Ireland forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Ireland.

Contribute to Ireland Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ireland.

Best Places to Live in Ireland Best Places to Live in Ireland

If you're considering a move to Ireland, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Ireland in 2023.

Healthcare in IrelandHealthcare in Ireland

Expats in Ireland face very specific timelines and rules when it comes to getting healthcare in Ireland. It's important to understand how this will impact your journey and your individual health before you decide to move to Ireland.

Cost of Living in IrelandCost of Living in Ireland

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Ireland.

Moving to IrelandMoving to Ireland Guide

Expats moving to Ireland have a wide variety of options in terms of great places to live. People moving to Ireland for work, to retire or for any other reason can realize the life they imagine if they do enough research before taking the plunge.

Real Estate in IrelandReal Estate in Ireland

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Ireland.

Pros Cons of Living in IrelandPros & Cons of Living in Ireland

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ireland.

Retiring in IrelandRetiring in Ireland

Advice for people retiring in Ireland.

10 Tips for Living in Ireland10 Tips for Living in Ireland

If you've recently arrived in Ireland, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Ireland.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Ireland Network Contribute
Help others in Ireland by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ireland.

William Russell
William Russell

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides