AIBU To chuck it in and move?

[TheWichitaWinemum]

I've namechanged.

Dh (older than me) is close to possible retirement. I work PT. We want to buy a small holding in Ireland (we've found the one we want to go and view). We have a mortgage now but if we sell, we could buy outright and have a small pot of money (maybe £30,000), until DH's pension kicks in in a few years' time.

2 kids under 10, both academically alright, could go to local school.

The plan is, I carry on working (remote business, not relying on local economy) and bring smallish wage that might get better, whilst we try for a relatively self-sufficient lifestyle. We have experience of that on a smaller scale so not a total flight of fancy.

If we stay here, our mortgage won't be paid for another decade and we don't get to live next to the sea surrounded by fields.

We understand that rural property there is undervalued, and the prices are so low right now. That said, we wouldn't want to to sell again, we'd want to make our lives there.

It's a rural area but within easy reach of larger towns.

Some people react with horror, not many with 'wow, yes, go and live your dream.' We're sensible and think things through (we've been on this for more than 10 years), but it's a bit nerve wracking.

Any thoughts? Anyone done it?

[bumbleymummy]

Sounds lovely :) I would say go for it if that's what you want. No point in letting the life you want to live pass you by! Do take your time viewing the property and spend some time in the area before you commit to buy though.

[BeanGirls]

I lived in Ireland for 20 years. I think you should go for it but I agree with other posters on regards to the healthcare system. If you're not eligible for a medical card, healthcare is very expensive.

Fantastic place to bring g up your children, whereabouts are you planning on moving to?

Although I've never heard of anyone having to contribute parish donations. We certainly never did.

[ClashOfUsernames]

Do it! I am so jealous!
Obvs pp have raised good point that you need to work through but if it is your dream then why not?

[HootOnTheBeach]

Are any of your children girls? I'd be very concerned about bringing up children in Ireland but especially girls given the sexist attitudes and limited reproductive rights.

[CPtart]

I wouldn't want to be heading into retirement and moving to live in a more rural area. As an ex district nurse, I've seen far too many elderly struggling to live in their own homes in large cities, let alone more isolated.
I don't think your DC would thank you for it in their teens either.

[SucculentsRock]

Like others have said health care is expensive. Sending kids to school can be expensive, uniforms, books, 'voluntary contributions', swimming, school buses if needed etc Then there's property tax, water charges, bin charges, internet can be expensive to get a decent speed if you are rural. So I would make sure you have your financials in order. Child benefit is good though at 140e a month per child from Jan and you may be able to get family income supplement depending on your income, maybe a gp card.

Having said all that if you can afford it I would probably do it. Where abouts are you looking at if you don't mind me asking?

[DeoGratias]

Assume there will be just about no internet signal or mobile by the way so hopefully you don't need that for your business.

[biggles50]

If you like you can pm me. We moved from England to rural Ireland and our children went through/going through both education systems. Can give you lots of info and what or not to expect.