More than 100,000 Irish citizens are living in other EU member states, enjoying the bloc's free movement rights. As Ireland takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union, this series captures the voices of Irish expats in every one of the EU's other 26 countries.
From Spain to Estonia, these are their stories – edited from submissions and conversations – about what they love, what they don't, and what Ireland could learn from their adopted homes.
The Netherlands: A Blueprint for Modern Living
James Reidy, from north Cork, has been living away for a decade. He settled in Rotterdam with his wife and works for an international events company.
"I love the feel and style of Rotterdam. It's very metropolitan and has that New York vibe."
What he loves: The ability to buy a first apartment – something he says he could never imagine in Ireland. "The feeling of owning my own home brings peace of mind."
What Ireland could learn: Rotterdam's postwar redesign is a "blueprint for modern living," and Ireland's transport system would benefit from being half as good.
What he misses: The Irish warmth and the simple act of saying hello to a stranger on the train.
Estonia: A Digital Government and National Pride
Brian McCabe, from Co Leitrim, lives in Tallinn and works in tech. He praises Estonia for modernising without losing its identity.
"Estonia's digital government is genuinely world-class. Lots of admin tasks that would take weeks elsewhere can be done online in minutes."
What Ireland could learn: A country is more than its economy. Younger people in Estonia feel they can realistically build a life and buy property. "In Ireland it often feels like political and economic power sits with the older generations."
Biggest difference: Living with hostile Russia at the doorstep means defence is taken much more seriously than in Ireland.
Slovakia: Connectedness and Cheap Pints
Oscar Brophy, from Co Kerry, lives in Bratislava. He loves the sense of connectedness – "I can walk to Austria in 30 minutes if the mood takes me."
What Ireland could learn: Pub closing times are "pretty loose" – some stay open until 6am without a special licence – and the average pint costs around €2.50.
What he misses: Irish warmth. "People can be a bit cold... Sometimes I'd prefer to be kissed with a lie than smashed in the face with the truth."
Poland: Schengen Travel and the War Next Door
Adrian Foy, from Portlaoise, has lived in Poland for 14 years. He works in international finance and now calls Wroclaw home with his wife and two children.
What he loves: The benefits of Schengen – driving to Berlin for a long weekend is simple. The seasonal weather offers snow sports in winter and outdoor pints in summer.
What is difficult: The proximity to the war in Ukraine and a complex bureaucracy, though an amazing personal identification system helps.
Austria: Sustainability and Border Life
Eithne Knappitsch, from Inishowen, Co Donegal, lives in Klagenfurt and lectures in intercultural management.
"Everyone jokes that you can lunch in Italy and have afternoon coffee in Slovenia – but people really do make the most of it here."
What Ireland could learn: Huge importance is placed on sustainability – it's well-funded and incredibly clean.
What she misses: Little conversations without agenda and the openness of Irish people.
France, Italy, and the Art of Slow Living
Doug Armstrong, from Co Meath, runs a restaurant in Vaux-sur-Mer, France. He loves being able to reach Paris in three hours by train or ski resorts in the Pyrenees in five hours. "French people are actually really nice too, as long as you make an effort."
Orfhlaith Ní Chorcora, from Cork, lives in Tuscany and Liguria, Italy. She loves the weather, food, and mindset: "Enjoy life and savour what it has to offer." Lesson for Ireland: Celebrate itself and its traditions more. "There is beauty and lore in every town."
Sweden, Finland, and the Nordic Model
Mark Whale, from Cavan, lives in Sweden and enjoys the strong right to roam. He bought a house at 34 and appreciates that while taxes are high, he sees the benefits.
Brendan Humphreys, from Dublin, is a professor in Helsinki. He loves the city's elegance and green spaces but notes the dark, miserable winters from November to April. Lesson for Ireland: City planning – "Dublin was once described to me as an expensive traffic jam."
Portugal, Croatia, and the Search for a Slower Pace
Clare Dempsey, from Dublin, moved to Portugal after retiring from nursing. She loves the easy-going lifestyle: "Things get done at a slower pace, and if it's not immediate, it's no big deal."
Cheryl Devine, from Derry, runs a restaurant in a small Croatian village. She loves the concept of "fjaka" – a moment of calm. "People go for coffee and spend two hours over the same espresso."
Key Takeaways from Across the EU
- Home ownership is achievable for many expats in countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and the Czech Republic, where prices are lower than in Ireland.
- Digital government in Estonia sets a global standard for efficiency.
- Schengen travel makes cross-border life seamless, from driving to Berlin to lunching in Italy.
- Sustainability is prioritised in Austria and Sweden, offering models for Ireland.
- The Irish are welcomed warmly everywhere, but many miss the "craic" and spontaneous social interactions.
These stories highlight both the power of EU free movement and the unique challenges and joys of building a life abroad.