3 Irish People On Why They Chose To Live Abroad

Moving abroad: it’s something we’ve all thought about. Some of us have already done it. As wonderful as Ireland is, it has its issues and it’s no surprise that 34,700 Irish people emigrated in 2024. 

In an attempt to grasp the diverse experiences of Irish diaspora I interviewed a few of my friends who have moved abroad either recently or a few years ago. One moved for education. One moved for love. Another moved to work in a city they like.

So, let’s delve into their individual experiences to decipher the similarities and differences along with the merits and issues.

Shannon (Lyon, France and London, England)

Shannon moved from Dublin to Lyon in late 2023. The move was part of her college’s Erasmus programme.

So, why Lyon?

“Well, it was the only good choice on the list of options (laughs). But honestly, I’d always been curious about Lyon; it’s a pretty city. It’s definitely the best option I could’ve done and I’m glad I picked it.”

What were the main differences you observed?

“I preferred the people way more. The people in Lyon were more free spirited. In Ireland, people categorise you. In Lyon I made a group of friends consisting of people in their thirties, people who weren’t in college, and people who were unemployed. A true mix of people. You didn’t have to fit into a specific category. A lot of people in Ireland are only friends with people in their course or job, or even people they went to secondary school with. Everyone in Lyon was more open: inviting you out and introducing you to people. That was how I got really into jazz and my whole style changed. Lyon changed my view on life and how expansive it could be.”

Linguistically, the move was made easier by Shannon’s being fluent in French already:

“My family is from Marseilles. I spent three months there every year when I was younger. My dad came to Ireland on Erasmus and met my mam. My dad has always spoken to me in French but speaking it in France is completely different than speaking it with your family. Luckily, people in Lyon were really open about my French ability along with my friends that moved with me. This is unlike Paris where they immediately speak English to you a lot of the time. But yes, speaking French fluently was so handy.”

What was the housing situation like for you?

“I wasn’t in student accommodation, so it was a long process to find a place, but we found one about a twenty-minute walk from the centre. I lived with two others, and it was €500 each per month including bills. Which obviously in Dublin is unheard of. So, it was a great experience.”

This summer after graduating college, Shannon moved to London.

What are your main observations about London people so far?

“People have been nice. My managers and coworkers are sweet. I will say that the classic London stereotype is true: they’re very to themselves. People at home are too, but they’re extra reserved in London. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing so far, but I’ll have to update you.”

Joe (Perth, Australia)

Joe is my friend from college and after our final exam, he moved to Australia to live with his girlfriend.

“Most people I’ve talked to from Ireland are generally like tradespeople or nurses or something who moved over for better work or the weather. I ended up moving over here because my girlfriend is from Perth. We met while she was living in Ireland for a few months and did a bit of back and forth. After I finished college, I came over here to live with her until she finishes up her last year at uni.”

What was the process of finding a job like?

“I applied to over 100 random gigs on a job seeking website called Seek, pretty much the same as Indeed. I got a few interviews for some random sales jobs. It wasn’t super difficult; I got a job pretty much right away after two or three interviews.

I’m not working full-time. They don’t really do part time out here; they do a casual contract, so you send your availabilities every week, and you get 20-40 hours depending on what you want. So, it’s flexible and you get paid extra as a casual employee compared to a full-time employee. There’s pros and cons to it.”

What is your housing situation?

“In terms of housing, I’m super lucky. I’m staying with my girlfriend and her family. I really get along with her family; they’re nice people. It’s a big house too, so I don’t feel like I’m cramping the place up or being too much of a freeloader, which is something you’d be concerned about.

Otherwise, anyone I’ve met at work from Ireland or the UK who’s my age seem to have the same problems as back in Dublin. The best you can probably do generally if you’re renting is a 4–6-person house share, so you’d maybe share a bedroom with someone else. It’s doable. I’d say it’s a bit better than at home; there’s more options. Overall, it’s kind of the same issues.”

How do Australian people differ from Irish people?

“Overall, Australians aren’t too different to Irish people; there’s not much culture shock or anything. Maybe Australians are better to talk to than Irish people in some ways. They’re super chilled out and fun generally; they’re a bit drier. They’re very friendly and outgoing more often than not. It’s pretty easy to make friends.

There’s always a downside. There’s a lot more casual racism. It’s not everyone. It’s very polarising; the way they talk about aboriginal people. Some people have crazy things to say about them. A lot of people aren’t very self-aware about how their country exists. Overall, it’s a great country. I’m very fond of the Australians generally.”

Tadhg (Berlin, Germany)

After finishing his second year studying Irish and French at Trinity, Tadhg moved to Berlin.

Did you have a plan before moving?

“Somewhat, yeah. I had the accommodation sorted so I planned on moving over, giving myself a couple of rest days and then finding a job.”

Why Berlin?

“I visited Berlin last year and really liked it. There are so many different cultures and opportunities here.”

Do you speak German?

“No, not at all. Lots of people here speak English though.”

What was the process of finding a job like?

“I planned to walk around the city, handing out my CV. Funnily enough, I got a job in the first place I went into; a gift shop. The guy gave me a trial shift right away; three hours. The contract is 32 hours, so four days a week.”

What is your housing situation?

“I’m living in a studio apartment which is student accommodation during the school year. I’m subletting from a girl who studies in Berlin and stays there for college; she pays some of the rent and I pay the rest. When thinking about moving to Berlin for the summer, I asked my friends if they knew anyone with accommodation. They gave me group-chats to contact, and I found the accommodation that way.”

How do German people differ from Irish people?

“People are less warm. They tend to stare at you, but that’s just a cultural thing. Going out is very different mainly because of the later closing times. In Ireland, the clubs close around 2:30 and people usually need to be forced out or I’ve noticed a lot of fighting outside clubs at home. Here that doesn’t tend to happen because people can stay out later.”

So, the experiences of each of my friends are different but one thing remains clear: contradictions are innate when moving abroad. It’s natural to embrace new people and possibilities while also holding home in high esteem.

Irish people have been emigrating for centuries, and it’s clear that there’s no sign of us stopping. No reason is too small, whether it be education, work or even love.

Words by Sarah Hanrahan