Yesterday I finally realized a years’ long dream of living in Ireland. As the Aer Lingus jet touched down in Dublin – because Shannon Airport is still closed due to Covid 19 – it was strange to realize that this time I had a one-way ticket.
While I’ve had this dream for a while, it was in November 2018, following the death of my dad, whom I had lived with for 10 years, that it really became a possibility. The 18 acre farm where our parents had lived for 40 years immediately transferred to my sister and me at our Dad’s death. We both loved it, but we also knew that we did not want to keep it. She, for reasons surrounding her own home and farm, and I because I did not want to try to maintain 18 acres of land plus house and barns. I wanted something smaller, requiring less work, and a simpler way of life.
Colorado Didn’t Work
I had considered moving to Colorado to be near my son. He loves Colorado and has no intentions of returning to the East Coast. But he will be married next year and neither of us was not keen on the prospect of my intruding as he and his fiancé began married life. Besides, I am too young to be “granny in the basement”. See me in 10 years and then maybe we’ll talk.
The more I thought about it, the more sure I was that the time was right for me to move to Ireland permanently. I’ve been going to Ireland since I was 4 years old. I feel so happy when I am here. The opportunity presented itself and I didn’t want to look back in 10 years with regret, saying, “I wish I had…”.
The farm in Maryland needed to be sold. We listed it in May, 2019 and within 2 weeks, we accepted an offer from a wonderful young couple who loved it at first sight. Their needs matched mine and we agreed that I would stay for about a year to figure out where I was going to go and to clear out 40 years of my parent’s (and my) things.
Mission Accomplished
In November of 2019, I made a trip to Ireland “on a mission”. I lined up 25 or so houses I wanted to see in a two week period. I’ll write another post dedicated to this process. It was interesting. I had seen this house during my online searches during the summer, and was surprised that it was still available – it was love at first sight.
From the red door to the patio, the blue bathroom to the charming stream, I loved everything about it. Buying a house is a big deal on any occasion, but buying one on a deadline, in a foreign country is a really big deal. I was only able to look at it twice. And while I took lots of pictures, it isn’t nearly the same as making multiple visits. I’ve bought houses before, but usually after about 3 – 4 good “looks”. It was clearly a leap of faith.
My plan was to come to Ireland for the closing in March, plan for what furniture I’d bring and set things up for a smooth transition.
Plans Gone Awry
However, Covid 19 had other plans and I did not make the trip for the closing, so much of it was done totally by guesswork. I have arrived as Ireland is emerging from a 3 months long lockdown. Fortunately, shops are beginning to open – but it is still quite an adventure.
Stay tuned, I’ll be sharing my experience as I muddle along!