Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves, fresh Atlantic air, and breathtaking views of green hills and rugged cliffs. Now, imagine being paid to live in such a paradise. Yes, you read that right—Ireland is offering up to $90,000 for people willing to move to some of its most scenic and remote islands. This isn’t a fantasy; it’s a part of a real initiative launched by the Irish government aimed at revitalizing its offshore island communities.
The goal? To breathe new life into these small communities by attracting new residents and helping them renovate old homes. Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat, a fresh start, or an escape from the noise of city life, this could be your golden opportunity.
Let’s dive deep into what this unique program is all about, how it works, its benefits, downsides, and even some alternatives if Ireland isn’t your cup of tea.
What is the ‘Ireland Will Pay You $90,000 to Move to a Beautiful Island Home’ Program?
In 2023, the Irish government launched a grant scheme under the Our Living Islands policy. The initiative encourages people to relocate to one of 30 eligible offshore islands in Ireland—places rich in culture, history, and untouched natural beauty.
Under this program, individuals can receive up to €84,000 (approx. $90,000) to renovate a vacant or derelict property on one of these islands. The money isn’t just handed out; it’s given as part of a structured grant system to help refurbish and restore old homes—bringing them back to life while creating sustainable island communities.
The aim is to reverse decades of population decline on islands that have long been overlooked, modernizing infrastructure while preserving cultural heritage.
Ireland Will Pay You $90,000 to Move to a Beautiful Island Home Program
This initiative is rooted in Ireland’s broader rural development strategy. Instead of building new homes, the government is focused on repurposing existing vacant properties. The program ties into Ireland’s “Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant,” which was initially for mainland homes and has now been extended to its islands.
Here are some key points:
You must buy or already own a vacant or derelict home on one of the qualifying islands.
The property must have been vacant for at least two years.
The grant must be used to bring the home up to a livable standard.
The maximum grant is €70,000 for derelict properties (those requiring major work), and €50,000 for non-derelict vacant homes.
An additional €14,000 may be granted for remote locations with higher building costs.
Some of the eligible islands include:
Achill Island (Mayo), Inis Mór (Aran Islands), Clare Island, Bere Island, and Inishturk, among others.
Features of Ireland Will Pay You $90,000 to Move to a Beautiful Island Home Program [Completely Detailing]
Here’s a breakdown of the major features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to Irish citizens and international applicants who own or buy vacant island homes |
| Grant Value | Up to €84,000 (~$90,000) depending on property condition |
| Property Requirement | Home must be vacant for 2+ years; must be on eligible islands |
| Derelict Bonus | Extra €20,000 if the house is deemed derelict |
| Remote Location Bonus | Additional funding may be available for islands with difficult logistics |
| No Residency Deadline | No strict timeline for moving in, but grant must be used for restoration |
| Local Integration | Encouraged to be part of the community and contribute to island sustainability |
| Application Process | Online and in-person paperwork with island council and local authorities |
Pros of Ireland Will Pay You $90,000 to Move to a Beautiful Island Home Program [Use Table]
| Pros | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Support | Up to $90,000 helps cover major renovation costs |
| Affordable Living | Lower cost of living compared to city life |
| Stunning Natural Beauty | Enjoy ocean views, cliffs, and a peaceful lifestyle |
| Escape from Urban Noise | Ideal for remote workers, artists, retirees |
| Community Life | Strong sense of community and cultural heritage |
| Support for Renovation | Professional advice and grants available through local councils |
| Tourism Opportunities | Potential for Airbnb or eco-tourism income post-renovation |
Cons of Ireland Will Pay You $90,000 to Move to a Beautiful Island Home Program [Use Table]
| Cons | Details |
|---|---|
| Limited Job Opportunities | Few local employment options unless remote work is viable |
| Isolation | Some islands are only reachable by ferry, weather-permitting |
| Harsh Winters | Stormy weather and power outages can be common |
| Slow Infrastructure | Internet, healthcare, and transport may not match mainland standards |
| Renovation Delays | Building materials and workers may be hard to access quickly |
| Language Barrier | Irish (Gaelic) is spoken in some regions (Gaeltacht), which may be unfamiliar |
Ireland Will Pay You $90,000 to Move to a Beautiful Island Home Program Alternatives [Use Table]
If Ireland’s offer sounds good but you’re considering other options, here are some alternatives:
| Country | Program Name | Incentive | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | €1 Home Scheme | Buy abandoned homes for €1, some offer renovation grants | Requires renovation commitment |
| Japan | Akiya Banks | Free or low-cost rural homes | Ideal for long-term residency seekers |
| Spain | Ponga Village Incentive | Up to €3,000 to move to rural town | Must commit to staying several years |
| USA | Tulsa Remote Program | $10,000 to remote workers | Must live in Tulsa, Oklahoma for one year |
| Chile | Startup Chile | Equity-free grants to entrepreneurs | More for startups than families |
| Portugal | Digital Nomad Visa | Live and work in scenic spots | Tax-friendly for remote workers |
Ireland Will Pay You $90,000 to Move to a Beautiful Island Home Program
This program is more than a government grant—it’s an invitation to create a new chapter in life. Whether you’re seeking a slower pace, greener surroundings, or simply want to escape modern city stress, these Irish islands offer a rare combination of peace, purpose, and picturesque living.
You won’t just be collecting a check; you’ll be helping revive entire communities, preserving cultural heritage, and investing in a more sustainable future.