For many of us in Ireland, a better quality of life often feels like a distant dream, something we might experience on a two-week holiday before returning to the daily grind. But for a growing number of Irish people, that dream has become a permanent reality in their lives across the European Union. We've been hearing from Irish individuals living in various EU countries, and a clear theme emerges: a genuine embrace of life and culture that offers a refreshing contrast to some of the pressures back home.

The stories we've gathered paint a picture of a different pace, different priorities, and a newfound sense of well-being. It's about more than just moving; it's about finding a place where life's daily pleasures are savored, and the stress of constant striving is eased. This isn't to say that moving abroad is without its challenges, or that life is perfect everywhere. But the consistent message from those who have made the leap is compelling.

The Art of Living: Finding "Fjaka" and Savoring Moments

One of the most striking aspects of Irish EU living, as described by those who have relocated, is a profound shift in mindset towards daily life. Take Cheryl Devine, who runs a restaurant in a Croatian village. She talks about "fjaka," a Dalmatian concept that translates to the art of doing nothing, a moment of calm. It's about intentionally slowing down, taking a breath, and simply being. We hear of villagers gathering almost ritually for coffee, a daily ritual to catch up with friends and neighbors, not just a quick caffeine fix before rushing to the next task.

This emphasis on presence and connection resonates with what Orfhlaith Ní Chorcora observes in Italy. She admires the Italian approach to life, noting their ability to "enjoy life and savour what it has to offer." It's a cultural philosophy that encourages appreciation for good food, good company, and the beauty in everyday moments. For those of us often caught in the relentless pace of modern Irish life, where commutes are long and infrastructure is often stretched, this kind of intentional living sounds incredibly appealing. It makes us wonder if we're missing out on the "in-between spaces where life really happens."

Clare Dempsey, who moved to central Portugal in her 50s, echoes this sentiment. She loves the laid-back lifestyle, where things not getting done immediately is "no big deal." Her local supermarket cashiers even take the time to chat with every customer. This personal interaction, this valuing of human connection over sheer efficiency, feels like a breath of fresh air. It's a reminder that there's more to life than just ticking boxes and rushing through our days.

Affordability: A Foundation for a Better Life

It's hard to separate this enhanced quality of life from another significant theme: affordability. While lifestyle shifts are often about cultural adjustments, the financial implications can't be ignored. For many Irish people, the cost of living at home, especially in urban centers, puts immense pressure on their ability to truly enjoy life.

Selena Murphy, living in Malta, highlights the benefits of their almost free childcare scheme. Back home, many of her friends are paying what amounts to a second mortgage just for childcare. This kind of financial relief frees up not just money, but mental space and time, allowing for a better work-life balance.

Mark Keogh, living in Poland, finds the cheapness of life there allows him to be three years away from owning his own apartment. He feels priced out of moving back to Ireland, a common refrain we hear from many. It's not just about having more disposable income, but about the realistic possibility of building a secure future. Brian McCabe in Estonia observes that young people there feel they can realistically build a life and buy property. This contrasts sharply with the struggles many young Irish people face, where homeownership seems increasingly out of reach.

Even in historically more expensive parts of Europe, Irish people are noticing a difference. James Reidy, living in Rotterdam, was able to buy his own apartment, something he "could never imagine in Ireland." Seán Walsh, a bar manager in Denmark, says he lives cheaply by Irish standards, paying around €600 a month for his own apartment. In Sweden, Mark Whale bought a house at 34 and enjoys the benefits of a rich outdoor life. These examples show that the narrative of Irish EU living is not just about moving to traditionally cheaper countries, but about finding a better financial footing across the continent.

Embracing Nature and the Outdoors

Another recurring element in these stories is the profound connection to nature and the outdoors. For many, a richer outdoor life is a significant draw. Mark Whale in Sweden loves the "cleanliness, the quiet, the people, the nature and freedom" and highlights Sweden's strong "right to roam" rule, which allows access to vast natural spaces.

Kerry O'Hare in Latvia was struck by the abundance of trees and green areas in Riga's city center, a stark contrast to some of our concrete urban landscapes. Deirdre Kevin in Slovenia enjoys the incredible variety of scenery, from mountains to lakes, and notes how common it is for people to grow their own vegetables. This connection to the land, this ability to engage with nature in daily life, is clearly a cherished aspect of their Irish EU living experience. From Brendan Humphreys in Vilnius to Brendan Harding in Helsinki, the feeling of nature and wildlife integrated into and around cities is a consistent theme.

A Somber Reminder of Life's Fragility

While the stories of Irish EU living often highlight joy and opportunity, life abroad, like life anywhere, can also bring profound tragedy. The recent heartbreaking news of Amy McCullagh, who died in a car crash in Spain, alongside her brother-in-law Mark and his girlfriend Michaela, serves as a stark reminder of life's fragility. Amy, a mother of two, is being laid to rest this week, while her husband Ian fights for his life. Their family has asked for donations to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, an organization that does invaluable work in bringing loved ones home. This tragedy underscores that while new lives and adventures unfold across the EU, the ties that bind us, and the vulnerabilities we share as humans, remain. Our thoughts are with Amy's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

What Can We Learn?

As we reflect on these stories of Irish EU living, it's clear that many Irish people are finding something genuinely valuable in their European homes. This isn't just about escaping problems; it's about actively seeking and finding a different way of life. For those of us planning to visit our European neighbors in the coming months, perhaps we can bring home more than just a bottle of wine. Maybe we can return with a renewed sense of how to savor life's daily pleasures, how to embrace the "fjaka," and how to truly enjoy the present moment. The European Union (https://europa.eu/european-union/index_en) offers a diverse tapestry of cultures and lifestyles, and for many Irish abroad, it's proving to be a place where life is not just lived, but truly savored.