Ireland is paying $90,000 to those willing to move to one of its 23 remote islands

Ireland’s government is offering a pretty sweet deal for those who dream of trading in the hustle and bustle of modern life for a more idyllic lifestyle on one of the country’s rural islands.

The country has announced the launch of its “Our Living Islands” campaign, which is an effort to revive Ireland’s island communities that aren’t connected to the mainland. Those interested will have the opportunity to relocate to one of Ireland’s 23 islands, and will earn a hefty chunk of money for doing so. CNN reports that Ireland’s government is offering up to €84,000, almost $92,000, to islanders that make the move.

There is one catch, though: the money has to be put toward refurbishing a vacant or derelict home that the potential islander would then live in. Vacant Home Officers are currently scoping out potential properties. The money, which would be given in the form of a grant, would be solely utilized for “structural improvement, decoration, and insulation,” according to Traveling Lifestyle.

The Our Living Islands policy website states that “the aim of this policy is to ensure that sustainable, vibrant communities can continue to live - and thrive - on the offshore islands for many years to come.”

“Related to that aim is our ambition that visitors to the islands can continue to experience and appreciate the unique culture, heritage and environmental richness that the islands have to offer,” it continues.

The program is an extension of one present on mainland Ireland called “Croí Cónaithe.” In addition to the home renovations, the program also aims to improve other components of the area’s infrastructure, including education and healthcare, within the next three years.

Of Ireland’s 80 islands, only 20 are inhabited. Our Living Islands will help to increase the population density of the surrounding smaller islands.

For more information, visit www.gov.ie.

Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. You can reach Roshae via email at roshaehemmings@detourxp.com.

This story was originally published June 21, 2023 at 7:37 PM.