I love my life in London, but the longer I live outside of Ireland, the more homesick I become. On the outside this doesn’t seem to make sense, but because I always intended on returning to Ireland, the longer I’m away, the less likely that feels. This is why London life keeps me optimistic in an increasingly divisive world. It’s something I appreciate more and more the longer I’m away. Being second-generation Irish in Britain is complicatedOpens in new window ]London has brought me laughter, love, loss and more learning than I ever expected, but Ireland will always be home.

Source: The Irish Times February 09, 2026 13:45 UTC