Ireland’s Atlantic Coast is exhilarating and life affirming. It’s the place to be. Europe’s most western fringe boasts killer scenery as well as unbeatable lifestyle benefits and big career opportunities. Oh, and did we mention, greenways, big waves, top eats and loads more disposable income?
Here’s 10 reasons why there is more to life on the Atlantic coast
You’re Hired!
Indigenous firms and multinationals such as Kerrygold (Kerry!), Uber (Limerick), Pramerica (Donegal), Overstock (Sligo), Genesys (Galway), Beckman Coulter and Jaguar Land Rover(Clare)are merrily dotted along the Atlantic Coast, with plenty of high skilled jobs available. With these and dozens more global corporations in the region, there’s ample opportunity for career advancement without battling the crowds of Dublin.
A Balance in the Force
Having a good balance between your personal life and career is becoming more important for job seekers and many who’ve moved to the Atlantic Coast have reaped those benefits. According to Collins McNicholas’ Relocation Surveys, 95% of those who have moved to the South East said they have seen an improvement in their work life balance, while 80% of people who moved to Cork and 76% of those who moved to the West said the same.
The Galway International Arts Festival, Sea Sessions, Sligo Jazz Project, Cairde Arts Festival, Cork Midsummer Festival, Cork Jazz Festival, Limerick Fringe Festival, RiverFest, the Galway Races, The Limerick Races, the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival and the Tralee Food Festival. It’s exhausting just listing them all but you get the picture. This is just a small sample of the cool events that take place along the Atlantics edge each year.
So where’s best?
Hard to say but there are plenty of contenders. Westport was crowned best place to live by the Irish Times back in 2012 and with big employees like Allergan, as well as scenic spots like Croagh Patrick and The Great Western Greenway it still lives up to its billing. Limerick, Dingle, Cobh and Lismore also made the list of the top five most desirable places to live in Ireland, according to American online business webzine MoneyInc. Donegal has since popped up as the Coolest Place on the Planet – a not too boastful title, seeing as it came from National Geographic magazine.
Cheap Irish Houses
That’s what the TV show says, but if you live in Dublin that’s obviously a little joke! Houses along the Atlantic Coast are much cheaper than the national average (according to CSO figures from 2016) and at some locations you may even be able to secure a small cottage for less than €30,000. And to top it all off, according Collins McNicholas, 70% of those who have moved to the North West now enjoy a lower cost of living, with 77% also experiencing an increase in their disposable income. 76% of peeps in the South East also reported more disposable income.
Surf n’turf
Fancy a surf, or a bog walk during your work? All of that is actually a thing – Sligo’s Overstock teams have a weekly surf meetup. Want to take the kids to see Dolphins or Puffins after work? It’s all totally doable along long big stretches of the Atlantic Coast. With some of the best surfing spots in the world, stunning coastlines, mountains, castles and tourism attractions to explore, you’ll never tire of living along the Atlantic Coast.
‘Commuting’ – what’s that you say?
Counties along the Atlantic edge have the shortest commute times in the country, according to a CSO survey released in 2016. Clare, Limerick, Mayo, Kerry, Sligo, Donegal and Galway all reported an average commute of less than 25 minutes. And in some cases, people even walk to work or drive less than five minutes!
Larger spaces, fewer people
With more than 1/5 of the population living in Dublin, you’re guaranteed to find yourself enjoying more space along the Atlantic Coast. In Dublin city, there are 4,588 people per square kilometre compared to 1,591 in Limerick. That means fewer crowds, fewer queues and more space to enjoy nature walks and chill out time.
Because the Night
The entire spine of the Atlantic Economic Corridor is buzzing with cool pubs, clubs and eateries. Galway, Limerick and Carrick-on-Shannon are always listed among the best nightlife in Ireland. And you can be sure that the rest of the region has plenty to offer in the way of craic agus ceol. Imagine all of this as part of your daily routine – and not just a holiday memory.
Totally Zen
The wildness of the Atlantic Coast creates a calmness – you can forget your worries, breathe in the sea air and find a pace that suits you. And when you’re ready to go again, the excitement isn’t far away.