Imagine waking up to ocean views, fresh Atlantic air, and the sound of waves — all while the Irish government helps pay for your new home. Sounds like a dream, right?
Well, for many people around the world, it can be a real opportunity. Ireland has launched a program that offers up to €84,000 (about $92,000) to people who are willing to move to one of its remote offshore islands and restore a historic property.
In this article, you will learn exactly what the program is, who can apply, what the requirements are, and whether island life in Ireland is truly worth it.
What Is Ireland’s “Our Living Islands” Program?
The Irish government launched the “Our Living Islands” program as part of an ambitious plan to rejuvenate sparsely populated islands dotted along its coast. The program was unveiled by Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development, and covers around 30 offshore islands that the government describes as “an integral part of the fabric of rural Ireland.”
The initiative is a bold move by Ireland’s Department of Rural and Community Development to reverse decades of depopulation on 30 offshore islands. These islands — including Arranmore, Bere Island, and the Aran Islands — are cultural treasures but face challenges like aging populations and limited infrastructure.
In simple words: the Irish government wants people to move to these beautiful but quiet islands, buy old or abandoned homes, fix them up, and live there permanently. In return, it offers a generous financial grant to help cover renovation costs.
How Much Money Can You Get?
The grant amount depends on the condition of the property you choose:
For properties classified as derelict, grants can be as high as €84,000 (approximately $92,000). For homes that are vacant but not fully derelict, grants of up to €60,000 (around $67,000) are available.
People taking advantage of the scheme on Ireland’s offshore islands will receive 20% more funding than those who do the same on the mainland.
This extra bonus is specifically designed to make island living more attractive, since costs of transportation and construction are naturally higher on remote islands.
Which Islands Are Included?
The generous grants are part of the Croí Cónaithe scheme, specifically designed to support property renovations on 23 designated islands. These include well-known locations such as Arranmore, Bere Island, Inishbofin, Heir Island, and Clare Island.
Many of these islands sit off Ireland’s wild western and southwestern coasts, offering dramatic scenery, rich Gaelic culture, and a pace of life that feels worlds away from busy city living.
Among the islands included is Inis Mór, one of the Aran Islands off Ireland’s western coast, which was used as a filming location for the Oscar-nominated movie “The Banshees of Inisherin,” and Bere Island, which describes itself as “a quiet paradise.”
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
This is where it is important to read carefully — the program has specific rules that many people overlook.
Property Requirements: The property must have been vacant for at least two years and built before 2008.
Residency Requirements: To qualify for the grant, the applicant must either live in the renovated property as their primary residence or offer it as a long-term rental. Simply using the grant for a vacation home is not allowed.
For Non-EU Citizens: Non-EU nationals must already be residents of Ireland to apply for the program. This is an important consideration for international applicants who may have assumed the program is open to everyone, regardless of their residency status.
Other Key Rules: It is important to note that this grant is not for registered companies or developers. It is designed for individual people and families who genuinely want to build a life on these islands.
How to Apply — Step by Step
For Our Living Islands, applicants must first identify eligible properties and submit proof of ownership or a purchase agreement. A comprehensive renovation plan, detailing timelines and cost estimates, is also required.
Here is a simple breakdown of the process:
Step 1 — Find a Property Properties can be found through local authorities or Vacant Home Officers who identify eligible properties. You can also check platforms like Daft.ie or contact island community coordinators.
Step 2 — Fill Out the Application Go to the Irish government website and complete the application form online. Once you finish the form, it will give you a summary and a declaration page. Print that out, sign it, and put the date on it.
Step 3 — Gather Your Documents You will need to collect proof that you own the house (or are in the process of buying it), and that the place has been empty.
Step 4 — Submit to Local Council Send everything to your local council office. After approval, renovations must be completed within the required timeframe.
Step 5 — Funds Released After Inspection Funds are released after inspection once the renovation work is confirmed complete.
The official website to explore the program is gov.ie.
Pros and Cons of the Program
Pros
- Generous financial support — up to $92,000 toward renovation costs
- Affordable island living — property prices on these islands are much lower than in Irish cities
- Rich culture and natural beauty — stunning landscapes, Gaelic heritage, and tight-knit communities
- Long-term investment — you own a real property in a country with a strong economy
- A truly unique lifestyle — peaceful, connected to nature, and far from urban stress
Cons
- Remote location — access to healthcare, schools, and shops can be limited
- Visa requirements for non-EU citizens — you must already be a legal resident of Ireland
- Renovation work required — the money is not handed to you freely; it comes after you invest in restoring a home
- Long-term commitment — this is not a short visit; you must use the property as your main home
- Low application numbers — since its launch in June 2023, only 29 applications have been received for the Our Living Islands initiative, of which 20 have been approved, indicating a modest yet steady increase rather than a sudden influx.
Practical Tips for Anyone Interested
1. Sort Your Visa First If you are not an EU citizen, your priority is legal residency in Ireland. Explore options like work visas, the Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme, or family reunification routes before planning for the island grant.
2. Visit Before You Commit Spend at least a week on your chosen island in different weather conditions. Atlantic winters can be harsh, and island life is not for everyone.
3. Budget Beyond the Grant While the €84,000 grant can certainly help offset renovation costs, it will not cover everything. If you are serious about renovating an island property, be prepared to invest additional time and money into the project, especially for larger or more complex renovations.
4. Connect With the Community Being ready to contribute to island life means planning to stay for the long haul, helping the local community grow, and blending into the island culture. Reach out to island residents or community groups online before you apply.
5. Use Official Sources Only Always check gov.ie for the most up-to-date information. Avoid third-party services that claim to “help you apply” for a fee.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Ireland $90,000 island program still active in 2025? As of 2025, yes, the “Our Living Islands” program is still available. The program is part of Ireland’s long-term strategy to ensure the survival and prosperity of its remote islands. The scheme runs until 2033.
Q2: Can anyone from any country apply? Not directly. Buying a house on a remote Irish island is not a fast track towards legal resident status. You will still have to do the work of applying for visas and other permissions so you can live there full-time. Non-EU nationals must already be legal residents of Ireland.
Q3: Is it a cash payment or a renovation grant? It is a renovation grant, not a direct cash payment. The actual grant is €84,000 ($92,000), which is for renovations, not a direct payment to move. Funds are released after inspection.
Q4: Can I use the property as a holiday home? No. The program carries a crucial mandate: applicants must use the renovated property as their primary residence, not for holiday rentals.
Q5: What is the maximum grant for a derelict property? For properties classified as derelict, grants can be as high as €84,000 (approximately $92,000). For homes that are vacant but not fully derelict, grants of up to €60,000 (around $67,000) are available.
Conclusion
Ireland’s Our Living Islands program is one of the most unique and generous relocation opportunities in the world right now. If you have always dreamed of living on a quiet island with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and a strong sense of community — this could genuinely change your life.
Applay Now
But it is important to go in with clear eyes. This is not a free holiday or a quick cash grab. It is a serious commitment to restore a historic home, contribute to a small community, and build a new chapter of your life in one of Europe’s most beautiful and culturally rich places.
If you are eligible and serious about a slower, more meaningful life by the Atlantic, explore the program today at gov.ie and take the first step toward your Irish island dream.