Dreaming of a secluded life? Make a few lucky sports betting, and you can head off to an island in Ireland.
Imagine this: instead of waking up to the noise of traffic and neighbors through the walls, you’re greeted by birdsong and the sound of waves. You open your window—and in front of you are rolling green hills, stone cottages, and the deep blue sea. This isn’t a fantasy, but a very real opportunity offered by the Irish government. They’re willing to provide up to €84,000 to those who agree to move to one of the sparsely populated islands and restore an abandoned house that’s been vacant for more than two years and was built before 2007.
The subsidy covers only the renovation. That means buying the house, land, and handling paperwork are your own expenses. But the renovation itself—whether it’s a new roof, windows, heating, or plumbing—can be partially or even fully covered by this grant. The main requirement: you must either live in the house full-time or rent it out long-term through official channels. Short-term vacation rentals are not allowed. Another nice bonus: Irish citizenship is not required to take part in the program. So even if you’re not an EU citizen, you can still apply.
Sounds tempting, right? But let’s take a closer look—why would anyone consider doing this, and what are the pros and cons?
Why would someone go for this?
First of all, who hasn’t dreamed of “dropping everything and moving to the countryside”—especially after a tough week or while stuck in a noisy city? Big city burnout, constant hustle, traffic, high rent, job stress—it all adds up. This is a real chance to change your surroundings and start fresh.
Second, it’s a great option for those seeking a quieter, slower-paced life. Small Irish islands aren’t about hustle and bustle—they’re about nature, a slower rhythm, and a closer connection to the land. Life feels like it slows down there: people are less rushed, more likely to chat, and not constantly chasing success.
For many, it’s also seen as an investment. Imagine putting money into a house that could significantly increase in value over the years. Ireland is a popular tourist destination, and these unique island homes could be perfect for rental properties. Plus, with the growing global demand for eco-living, secluded homes in scenic areas are becoming even more desirable.
And for some, it’s simply an adventure. It’s not every day you get the chance to move to an island, restore an old cottage yourself, immerse yourself in a new culture—and possibly even change your life
Pros of Moving to an Irish Island
- Financial support. €84,000 is a serious amount of money. Even if the renovation costs more, it’s still a huge help. In most countries, no one pays you to move. But here—it’s the opposite!
- Living in a unique place. Irish islands are beautiful—pure nature, clean air, peace and quiet, cozy villages, stunning landscapes. It’s like a movie about the Irish countryside—but in real life.
- Community. In small communities, people are often kinder, more attentive, and tightly knit. You might find help, advice, and support. Sure, it might take time to fit in, but with respect and genuine interest, you can make real friends.
- A chance to be creative. Restoring a house isn’t just construction. It’s also design, personalization, and making something truly your own. You can create a space that reflects your personality and style.
- A new chapter in life. Especially for those tired of the same old routine, seeking change, or always dreaming of living by the sea. Sometimes you just need to take that leap into the unknown.
Cons and Challenges
- Isolation. Yes, islands are romantic. But remember—they’re not always easy to get to. The weather can change, ferries may not run daily, and deliveries might be delayed.
- Limited infrastructure. Not all islands have hospitals, schools, stores, or cafes. Sometimes even for basic groceries, you’ll have to travel (or sail!) to a nearby mainland town. This can be tough, especially with kids or elderly relatives.
- Renovation is hard. Even with a grant, restoring an old house is a challenge. You’ll need contractors, materials, legal advice, and a lot of patience. If the house is in rough shape, it might take a lot of time and energy.
- Adjusting to a new lifestyle. This isn’t a vacation—it’s real emigration, even if still within Europe. Language, culture, daily habits—it’s all different. Not everyone adjusts easily, especially if you’re used to urban comforts.
- No short-term rentals allowed. If you were thinking of renting the house on Airbnb, this won’t work. Only long-term, officially registered rentals are allowed. This limits your potential earnings.
Conclusion: Is it worth it?
It all depends on your goals and personality. If you dream of peace, nature, and a life without the usual hustle—this is a golden opportunity. Especially if you’re ready to invest time and effort into renovation and aren’t afraid of a few challenges.
But if city life, fast internet, coffee shops on every corner, and weekend shopping trips are non-negotiable—this might not be the right fit.
In any case, the idea itself is inspiring. A government that doesn’t just offer help, but gives you a chance at a new life—that’s pretty cool. And living on an Irish island in a cozy house by the sea? Sounds like a dream. And maybe, for someone out there, this really is the fresh start they’ve been waiting for.
