LOCATING TO IRELAND

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The West of Ireland is one of Ireland's best-kept secrets. Its magnificent scenery ranges from the beautiful coastline of the North West, to spectacular and varied lake and mountain landscapes.

In recent years, thousands of people have moved to Roscommon, Galway and Mayo. Some are moving back, having been born here and with families still living in the region; others have no connection with the area but have made new lives in the West. Their common goal is to create a better life for themselves and their families, taking advantage of a great quality of life, lower cost of living, cheaper childcare, lower property prices and a fantastic environment.
The region has a good selection of Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Third Level Colleges. Primary Schools have generally smaller class sizes than in larger urban schools. Secondary Schools offer an excellent range of subjects and extra curricular activities. Many have excellent records in terms of exams results and 3rd Level Entry.
Many third level collages are located in the West and all are served by private buses.
Living in the West of Ireland has a lot going for it - for newcomers or those returning after many years.
Employment rates are high, average earnings are above the EU average and the Irish economy continues to grow. Ireland is still a relatively uncrowded island - apart from Dublin - and while the small towns and villages are expanding, there is still room for you to make a new life away from the stresses of city life.

Maybe your parents or grandparents left Ireland when times were not so good - and you now want to return to your Irish roots. Maybe you were born in Ireland and left many years ago and are thinking of going back or even retiring in Ireland or perhaps you are considering a move to the West of Ireland because friends or family have made the move for economic or quality of life reasons. Whatever your reasons - you should find some useful information here to help you make the move.

JOB PROSPECTS

A West of Ireland job search can be surprisingly rewarding. There are opportunities here and many businesses are seeking experienced staff. To find a job in the West of Ireland, check out the Look West Job Search.

AIRPORTS

Did you know that the West of Ireland has 3 International Airports?
Shannon, Galway and Ireland West Airport Knock
Shannon has flights to the USA and all over Europe. Ireland West Airport Knock now serves 20 destinations in Ireland, the UK, Europe and the USA with the number of routes increasing all the time. Galway serves both UK and Domestic Markets.

TRANSPORT

The Western Region is also well served by public transport - Bus and Rail, Public and Private. Bus Eireann and private operators offer regular bus services across the West - travelling both from within and outside the region.

There are also four main rail lines to Dublin

Sligo - Dublin
Westport/Ballina - Dublin
Galway - Dublin

The Western Rail Corridor is due to re-open in phases, with the Ennis-Athenry section due to open in 2008.

ROADS

We're happy to say the roads are getting better every year. Journey times to other parts of the country have been cut significantly, and things just keep getting better. Substantial investment, with the assistance of European Community funding, has resulted in major improvements to many of the National routes in rural Ireland, and this programme is continuing with the creation of a high-speed superhighway between Dublin and Galway.

So, whatever way you want to travel, the West to close at hand.

BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Broadband is now being rolled out across the West and there is growing choice of service providers. All main towns are connected. In smaller centres and rural areas, special schemes and technology innovation are enhancing availability.

THE LANDSCAPE

The West of Ireland is one of the last unspoiled areas of Western Europe with virtually no pollution. Here you will experience some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Europe.

HOTELS AND PUBS

The west of Ireland boasts a long tradition of Music, Song, Dance and Drama. This can be experienced through out the regions many brilliant pubs and hotels in one of Irelands friendliest regions wherever you go, you have the assurance of a fine meal at the end of the day in one of the many good restaurants which are situated throughout the region.

HORSE RACING

There is Horseracing in Galway, Sligo, Roscommon and Ballinrobe with many local equestrienne centres in the area.

GOLF

The west of Ireland is a golfers paradise with championship courses and challenging links in some of Ireland's most beautiful landscapes as well as a range of nine hole courses where locals play all year round. The parkland courses are lush, green and always challenging. Now imagine being able to book tee times without planning months ahead.

LEISURE ACTITIVIES

Excellent hiking trails, exciting fishing waters, breathtaking mountain scenery, and great golf courses including a championship course are some of the attractions in the West of Ireland. The river Moy in Mayo is renowned for its salmon fishing and the River Suck is famous for its Coarse Angling. Even in the height of the fishing season, the choice and size of the lakes available means that a day's fishing will be a relaxed affair.

You can spend your days sailing, canoeing, walking, cycling, pony trekking, windsurfing, scuba diving or mountain climbing. The region boasts many fine theatres cinemas and numerous concerts and festivals to suit different tastes are held throughout the region Alternatively, you can drive in virtually any direction and appreciate the spectacular scenery which dominates the whole area, with an abundant choice of places to pull off the road just contemplating the landscape with only the sounds of nature around you.

Mayo has several significant mountain ranges which include three of the highest points in Ireland: Mweelrea (814 metres), Nephin (806 metres) and Croagh Patrick (764 metres).

STATISTICS FROM PEOPLE THAT HAVED MOVED WEST

In a recent survey entitled â€˜Relocating to the West', it found that 95% of professionals who have recently relocated to the West would recommend such a move to others - an overwhelming 66% of them received a similar salary or greater on the move.

This study also showed that an increasing number of people are attracted to the West and as a result, investment in the region has grown substantially. It clearly shows that quality of life issues and lower costs of living are major factors in an increasing number of people making the decision to move west.
The various factors that were considered before relocating to the region included property prices, commuting times, salary and proximity to family and friends. Lifestyle was a major attraction for people; an overwhelming 60% stated that they were attracted to the area because of its relaxed atmosphere and 50% were attracted by the proximity to family and friends and a safer environment.

60% of respondents stated that they had noticed a significant reduction in stress levels. Additional leisure time, and an overall more relaxed atmosphere were factors in the reduction.

Less commuting times were considered a major pull factor in the decision to relocate to the West and 62% of respondents commuted work in less than 20 minutes since relocating. (Source - Western Development Commission)

EDUCATION

Full time education is compulsory for children from the age of six to sixteen.
Education is paid for by the Government, although private options are available.
Parents pay for schoolbooks and, where required, school uniforms.
Primary schools are usually managed by Boards of Management, in which parents play an important role.
In the rural schools, class numbers are mainly lower than in the larger towns and cities.