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Returning to Ireland can be far more complicated than booking flights and packing boxes. In this episode of Taxbytes For Expats, Stephanie Wickham speaks with Sarah Owen from Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project about the emotional and practical realities of moving back. They discuss planning, documentation, accommodation, support networks, and why “home” can feel different after years abroad. It is a practical conversation for Irish expats thinking about returning, especially those unsure where to start.
The conversation looks beyond the romantic version of “coming home” and into the practical details that can catch people out, from housing and school places to PPS numbers, medical records, employment and support services.
Sarah explains that people often speak to Crosscare about practical matters first, but the emotional adjustment comes up naturally in conversation. Many returning emigrants find it difficult to say they are struggling, especially when family members have been hoping for their return. That can make the transition feel isolating, even when the move was wanted.
This conversation is a useful starting point for any returning Irish expat, family or professional who wants to make the move with fewer surprises and a clearer sense of what needs to happen next.
Main Topics- The emotional adjustment of returning to Ireland and why “home” can feel different after time abroad.
- Practical planning before moving back, including work, schools, location and family needs.
- Key documents to gather before leaving another country, such as medical records, birth certificates and marriage certificates.
- Accommodation challenges for returning Irish expats in the current Irish housing market.
- Support available through Irish networks abroad, Citizens Information and Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project.
About the Guest
Sarah Owen works with Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project, a government-funded service supporting Irish people abroad and those returning to Ireland.
The project provides information, guidance and signposting for a wide range of situations. Some people are planning a return years in advance. Others are coming home because of crisis, conflict, deportation or sudden changes in personal circumstances. Crosscare helps people understand where to start, what services may be relevant and what practical steps they may need to take.
Sarah brings a grounded and compassionate perspective to the conversation, with a clear understanding that returning to Ireland can be both a hopeful and stressful experience.
Website: https://diasporasupport.ie/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahelisabethowen/
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Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/.
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Chapters:
- (00:00) Welcome to Taxbytes for Expats
- (00:49) Why Returning “Home” Can Feel Different
- (01:33) The Emotional Side of Moving Back to Ireland
- (04:36) Planning Before You Return
- (05:34) Documents to Gather Before Leaving
- (06:28) Accommodation and the Reality of Ireland’s Housing Market
- (08:49) Support Networks for Irish People Abroad
- (12:25) Why Online Advice Needs a Pinch of Salt
- (14:48) Where to Start If You’re Thinking of Coming Home
- (17:46) How Crosscare Supports Returning Irish Expats
