Current Events > Irish island of Arranmore asks Americans to move there

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https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/ireland-arranmore-island-scli-intl/index.html

With a population on the wane since the 19th century, the picturesque Irish island of Arranmore is down to its last 469 residents.
Determined to keep their community alive, islanders have taken an unusual step -- writing open letters to the people of the United States and Australia, asking them to consider moving to the island, three miles off the west coast of County Donegal in Ireland.

Arranmore, known as Arainn Mhor in Gaelic, boasts towering clifftops, unspoiled beaches, a close-knit community -- and high-speed internet, which community leaders hope will entice remote workers. Earlier this year, the island also opened a shared digital workspace.
"We're the most connected island in the world," Adrian Begley, of Arranmore Island Community Council, told CNN. "So we wanted to send a letter to the rest of the world to say we're here, we're open for business."
The open letters detail the decline of the Arranmore population, explaining: "Traditional industries such as fishing and farming just aren't enough of a draw to keep young people here anymore. It's been a challenge for people to work here. Until now."
"We've a whole host of multi-talented people here, ready to collaborate," the letters read, citing a graphic designer, a mobile games developer, a photographer and an app developer. "Or if you're looking for a change of pace. Why not come here. Your commute, no matter where you are, will only ever be five minutes."

While the weather isn't spectacular -- sunny spells and showers in June -- Arranmore's arresting scenery is likely to compensate.
"It's a beautiful-looking place to be," Begley told CNN. "And you're living in a nice community where everyone knows everyone, everyone's friendly."
According to Arranmore's website, the island also offers rock climbing, boating, sea safaris, and Irish language lessons for young people -- as well as the traditional Early's Bar."

Australians, meanwhile, are invited to trade "brown snakes and Great Whites for acres of open (and safe!) space," adding, "Fed up of overpacked beaches? On Arranmore you'll have secluded beaches all to yourself."
Arranmore's pubs don't have "schooners" (Australian beer glasses), but they do offer "Guinness on tap that will blow them out of the water," the letter continues.
To tempt Americans, Arranmore boasts "the best diving in Ireland on your doorstep and seafood to rival the tastiest New England clam chowder."
"There are less 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," the letter says.
Moving to Arranmore, Begley said, would allow Australian or American expats "to enjoy life as well as have a good job."
"You get the best of both worlds," he said. "You're making time for living."

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Irish Guinness straight from the tap IS amazing, so this checks out.

Secret nuclear waste dump

Why aren't they inviting Canadians?
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Vita_Aeterna posted...

Why aren't they inviting Canadians?

Maybe they're racist
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Does Samus live there?
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it actually sounds kinda cool but I can't ever move outside the US because I have to rely on SSI from the US government. and I am pretty sure they don't pay you if you move somewhere else. if I wasn't disabled, and I had self reliant income, than I would maybe think about this. I used to want to live in the british isles when I was younger

Hairistotle posted...

Just checked the real estate. Saw a dumpy home up for 80k euro. Everything else I can find is on airbnb lol. I'd like to live in Ireland and all but just learning the language would be a struggle.

They speak English, albeit with a heavy Irish accent. Most young people don't natively speak Gaelic.
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One minor detail they left out is what happened to their population. Theyre just trying to lure in outsiders to satiate the harpy.

I missed the cutoff for Irish citizenship because my dad never registered for Irish citizenship before I was born, but if it gives me Irish citizenship, I might go tbh
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in fact, Gaelic is dying out. it's actually a cultural concern in the british isles in parts of Ireland, Wales and Scotland that they are fighting to preserve the language

Zikten posted...

in fact, Gaelic is dying out. it's actually a cultural concern in the british isles in parts of Ireland, Wales and Scotland that they are fighting to preserve the language

If it isn't already, Irish and Scottish Gaelic should be mandatory teaching in elementary and high schools.
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Wow, that's pretty beautiful.

What keeps people from living there? Werewolves or the Loch Ness Monster?

maybe
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Vita_Aeterna posted...

Why aren't they inviting Canadians?

These would have been my go-to
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bump
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How would I get work? I'd go if I could get work
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Hairistotle posted...

prob because america has a bajillion more ppl

I think because there's more patriotic Irish-Americans in America, especially in places like the East Coast.
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