Thinking About Moving to Ireland? You’re Not Alone.
Washington leads the nation in searches for a path to Ireland
By Sarah Stackhouse March 17, 2025
Two years ago, my family took a trip to Ireland. We hiked through lush green hills, rode shaggy horses in open fields, wandered through small towns, and, of course, ended most nights in a pub with a pint of Guinness and live music.
Lately, my thinking has taken a turn. Post-election madness, the looming recession, and school budget cuts have me searching visas and Irish property listings. Apparently, I’m not the only one.
A new study from BetMGM Casino found that Washington ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for searches related to moving to Ireland — our interest levels more than double the national average. The study tracked a year’s worth of Google search data across all 50 states, focusing on queries related to moving, quality of life, and retirement in Ireland. Washington scored a whopping 1,441 points across all categories, well above the national average of 703. Massachusetts and Virginia followed.
The study also found that Washington leads the nation in searches about retiring in Ireland — our search rates were eight times the national average.
It makes sense though. Washington and Ireland have a lot in common — mild, damp climates, beautiful green landscapes. A culture of lingering over a drink — ours with coffee, theirs with beer. Both places also share an understanding that rain doesn’t cancel plans. And, of course, the whole English-speaking thing, which makes the idea of moving there a lot less daunting. Throw in the friendly locals, a strong literary tradition, a slower pace of life (at least outside of Dublin), and there are four direct Aer Lingus flights from Seattle to Dublin every week, and it’s easy to see the appeal.
For those actually considering it, here’s a quick rundown of what it takes:
Work: Get a job offer and an employment permit, ideally in a high-demand field.
Retirement: Prove you have at least €50,000 (that’s about $54,000) in annual income.
Study: Enroll in an Irish university and show you can support yourself.
Family: Have an Irish spouse, partner, or close family member who can sponsor you.
U.S. citizens can visit visa-free for 90 days, but staying long-term means applying for residency. You may need preclearance, a long-stay visa, and an Irish Residence Permit once you arrive. After about five years, you might qualify for citizenship.
For St. Patrick’s Day — let’s toast to our future cottages on the Irish coast!
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