Irish emigrants are happier abroad, according to a new poll

If you think the grass is greener someplace else, then here’s some good news: you’re right. A new poll has revealed that Irish emigrants are happier living abroad and are glad they left Ireland when they did.

The Irish Daily Mirror reports a new poll found that 56 per cent of Irish emigrants are much happier with their new lives abroad. It also revealed that most people feel their diet and social life has improved in their new home and that they exercise more.

Of all the people questioned, 70 per cent now think that they have a better quality of life since they took the plunge and left Ireland for foreign climates.

The survey, which was carried out by Ipsos Mrbi/Irish Times, questioned people who had emigrated since 2008 and focussed on their new life abroad in comparison to the life they left behind in Ireland.

However, despite the fact that the majority of people actively voiced their happiness at their new lives abroad, 70 per cent revealed that they would like to move back to Ireland at some point. In most cases the decision to return home would be based on Ireland’s economy and if the country is able to recover from its current debts and financial crises.

A large number of people taking part in the poll said that they felt it would be years before they could come home, with many believing that it would take at least five years for them to return home for good.

The most popular places for Irish emigrants? Well, this is probably a no-brainer, but Australia and New Zealand topped the polls.

“I’m really enjoying my work and have been lucky in that I’ve been able to make plenty of friends. The eastern suburbs of Sydney must surely contain the fastest growing Irish community in the world at the minute,” said one Irish emigrant who was questioned.

“The social scene is also fantastic and we are never stuck for things to do. For me nothing will compensate for the friends’ weddings I’ve missed, the birth of my niece, the Championship days out in Croke Park with my dad, RTE punditry, proper pork sausages,” he added.

Would you ever consider heading off abroad or have you already?