‘Our Living Islands’: Irish Government will pay up to $140,000 for Aussies to relocate to remote islands

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the hustle and bustle and settling down on an isolated ocean-swept island, then this scheme from the Irish government could be for you.

The initiative is part of the ‘Our Living Islands’ policy, which aims to boost the population and revitalise remote communities off the West Coast of Ireland.

From majestic cliffs and rugged coastline, to emerald green hills and ancient ruins, the 23 inhabited offshore islands boast incredible wild landscapes, but in 2016, only had a combined population of 2,734.

Future inhabitants must be prepared for wild weather, rugged terrain and oftentimes no connection to the mainland.

The most remote island is Tory (Toraigh), which had a population of just 141 people as of 2023.

Anyone can apply to the scheme, including Aussies. However, there are some important things to note.

While the Irish government is offering up to €80,000 ($140,000) to island-life hopefuls, this isn’t a relocation incentive, it’s a contribution intended to renovate vacant or derelict homes on the island and cannot be used for short-term rentals or holiday homes.

To qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant or derelict, built before 2007, and unoccupied for a minimum period.

Future inhabitants also need to live in or rent the qualifying property for at least 10 years from the date they receive the grant, to avoid having to pay large sums back.

Unfortunately, despite the grants being open to any foreign nationals, the scheme doesn’t include assistance with immigration or resettlement to Ireland’s offshore islands, so Aussies would have to follow the residency requirements applicable for the rest of Ireland to relocate permanently.

According to Old Moore’s Almanac only 29 applications have been received for the Our Living Islands initiative since its launch in 2023 and 20 of these have been approved.

Regional interest shows Donegal leading the way with 11 applications, followed by Cork (10), Galway (4), Mayo (2), and Sligo (2). Despite not being monumental numbers they do reflect a steady desire from applicants to live amidst stunning natural beauty in a close-knit community.

The grants are set to run until 2033 and more information can be found on the Irish government website here.