Árainn Mhór Island Wants You To Live Here
Every once in a while I’ll see a blurring headline about some obscure place in some country inviting people to move there for next to nothing as long as they promise to re-populate the island over time and or open a business there.
I’ve seen this a lot with Southern Italy, where various inland towns and cities are dwindling due to an aging population and younger people moving elsewhere to seek opportunity. And whether they are selling houses for $1 or inviting US, Canadians, Brits or Ozzies to live there in exchange for producing families, it’s becoming somewhat of an odd 21st century trend, in my opinion.
Anyways, the latest news of this trend comes from Arranmore Island, situated off the coast of County Donegal, where the island’s 469 residents (who just got broadband internet that boasts the same speed of New York & London) is inviting residents from English-speaking countries to move there for free.
The island, as it is, is a captivating and beautiful place that resembles the rocky shores of Maine and is only just over 8 square miles wide. From the steep cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean to the mainland mountains stretching from Glen Head to Tory Island, Arranmore has a history that dates back to about 800 BC.
And whether you enjoy the quiet pace of Irish culture and heritage, or are seeking more of a marine leisure destination, the great outdoors of Arranmore offer a plethora of activities such as diving, sea angling, sailing, kayaking and tons of fishing on the islands freshwater lakes. But…..with a dwindling population, why would you move there?
Well, to answer that question, it’s probably wise that you learn a little bit about the island itself, who just had their first baby born there in three years. Arranmore, which has self-admittedly been decimated by immigration has just seen a massive discourse in its population over the years due to people leaving elsewhere for opportunity.
But, that’s all about to change, hopefully.
Arranmore is now being widely considered Ireland’s, ‘Offshore digital hub,’ with high-speed internet throughout the island that has attracted the likes of video game designers, graphic designers, photographers, salespeople and even tech-CEO’s who are moving back to Arranmore in droves.
The three by five wide mile island is set to grow in population, after having written open letters to English-speaking countries, despite seeing a rapid decline in population over the past 30 years. Many historians and economists believe the advent of commercial fishing and farming has led others from Arranmore to leave the island to pursue more traditional careers in larger cities, all contributing the the decline in population.
However, in a letter to the U.S. presented by the island, it talks up the area in hopes of coercing some potential new residents.
“Your commute, no matter where you are, will only ever be five minutes. You'll have the best diving in Ireland on your doorstep and seafood to rival the tastiest New England chowder. There are fewer people here than would fit in a couple of Amtrak carriages, but enough musicians and good Irish whiskey to keep the party going well into the night.”
And if that isn’t enough to convince ya…maybe Ireland’s most sunny, least populated spot will. Watch the video below and tell me you wouldn’t want to live here. Lookin’ at you, Americans…..who’s ready to move back to the motherland?
Anyone wishing to connect with Arranmore’s community can send them a message via their Facebook page here
Comment below and let me know what you think! Would you move here?
P.S. Wonder if there’s a CF box here…if not, let’s open one? #FitnessForTheMasses
~ Cam
