Do you regret moving back to Ireland?

You have made this incredibly brave and informed decision to move back home to Ireland, yet your heart is torn. You may have moved from this place full of friends and a comfortable lifestyle to a very uncertain place in your heart, and perhaps ageing parents and a changed experience from the glowing childhood memories. After an incredible journey spanning 25 years, traversing different countries and cultures, I also made the brave decision to return to Ireland. That was six years ago, and I am still here.

I want to explore the multitude of positive experiences and opportunities that await you upon your return., yet acknowledge the challenges that may arise, and how embracing these differences can lead to a deeper appreciation for your home. It is important to recognize that each person's journey is unique, and their reasons for returning home vary greatly. But through these myriad of reasons may come the joys of rediscovering Ireland.

I often read about people’s discomfort after the move and have first-hand experience myself, not just my own, but in close friendship circles as well. Bizarrely three of my school friends and their families moved back to the same area as me during the Summer of 2017. We all came for quite different reasons, from different countries that we had been living, we all struggled to settle, and we are all still here. We hadn’t been in touch since school either, so it was a surprise to meet up again with such a shared experience. I urge anyone making the move, to find people who know what it is like to be a returning expat and meet up occasionally to share your doubts and feelings.

Returning to Ireland provides an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with your roots, heritage, and the rich cultural tapestry that defines the country. This has brought mixed emotions for our family. I am the only true Irish person, as I married a New Zealander and our children were born and raised in Switzerland and the Caribbean. For the children, having to learn Irish in school all the way to Leaving Cert is having a negative impact, as they struggle with it. Instead of providing a sense of belonging it provides a sense of alienation. In New Zealand, the Maori language is taught as part of cultural studies, which is optional in secondary school, and seems a more well thought-through solution. It embraces the past yet looks to the future. Oddly enough, from personal experience, I have Honours Leaving Cert Irish, yet still can’t speak it at all. At the same time, I did Leaving Cert French and German, and can happily converse in both languages to a decent level. However, the slightly archaic system hasn’t changed here, so the children just have to continue to attend classes.

But in vast contrast, the warmth and friendliness of the Irish people are bound to make you feel at home, fostering a welcoming sense of community and support. There are lots of sporting and community groups to join. I also discovered volunteering at our local arts centre, which provides a lovely way to meet people. It has been refreshing for me to come home to an English language society after many years in Switzerland.

Ireland also offers a high quality of life, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and a strong sense of social cohesion. The country's commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare ensures a secure and comfortable lifestyle. Everybody complains about everything, so that is not new. Yet education was the primary reason that we moved back here. I wanted our children to have the best opportunities to follow their dreams, and I strongly believe that having a Leaving Cert behind you, with all the varied subject options is an exceptional system. Getting into schools that suited us was a huge hurdle, but once we did our research we found a great choice of school and built our lives around that.

Contrary to popular belief, Ireland has become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and career advancement. The country's thriving tech industry, renowned universities, and favourable business environment attract global talent. Returning home presents the chance to leverage your international experiences and contribute to the growth of Ireland's economy while enjoying the benefits of a fulfilling career. When I originally left Ireland in 1995, it seemed like the prospects were all overseas. However, that situation is no longer present and it is an exciting economy to return to.

Ireland's breathtaking landscapes, from rugged coastlines to lush green valleys, offer limitless opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure. Whether it's hiking along the Cliffs of Moher, exploring ancient castles, or simply taking a leisurely stroll through picturesque villages along the River Shannon, the beauty of Ireland never ceases to inspire. The sense of tranquility and connection with nature can be a welcomed respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Ireland is a relatively small island, so weekends away with dramatic changes of scenery are a real opportunity. I don’t know about you, but we didn’t travel within Ireland too much as children, so it is amazing to discover so many hidden gems as an adult and to explore with my own family. The Giants Causeway is magical, surfing in Donegal is exceptional and hiking in the Mournes is wild and free. Remember my motto, *always take a picnic!”

One of the most significant reasons for returning home is the chance to be closer to loved ones. Living abroad for an extended period often results in missed milestones and distant relationships. By returning to Ireland, you can strengthen familial bonds, create lasting memories, and be present for the important moments in the lives of your family and friends. My Grandad and Nana passed away while I was in Australia and I didn’t make it home for the funerals. Our children acted in their school plays without any extended family there to watch. There are so many little moments that are missed. At the same time, I wouldn’t change our eclectic travel experiences for anything, as we are all wordly and continue to be curious.

I believe that we are searching for a place to belong, so creating a beautiful home that embraces that is really vital. It is for this reason, that I have created my own range of linens, to allow anyone to appreciate and relate to Ireland and to create that stylish homeplace.

Returning to Ireland after 25 years of traveling and living abroad is a testament to your deep connection to your homeland. While acknowledging the potential challenges and negatives that may arise, it is through embracing these differences that you can truly appreciate the positives that come with living at home. By reconnecting with your roots, enjoying a high quality of life, seizing career opportunities, immersing yourself in Ireland's natural beauty, and cherishing the bonds of family and relationships, you embark on a journey of rediscovery that promises fulfillment and contentment. I hope that these few notes help your homecoming be filled with joy, adventure, and a renewed sense of belonging. I know there are many that find it too challenging and end up returning abroad. This is also a great solution, as you will have a renewed sense of peace that you made the correct decision after trying both options. It does take time though, I needed two years to settle properly and am sure that if the opportunity arises again in the future, I won’t ever hesitate to jump. And do you know what? You have created this incredible privilege to be able to make a home anywhere in the world as you have this brave and adventurous spirit!