I moved from Sydney to a tiny town in Ireland with my young family. Everyone wonders why I gave up the supposed ‘dream life’… but I know something they don’t

A Sydney mum has revealed the surprising reason she left Australia to raise her children overseas – and why she won’t be coming back anytime soon. 

Stephanie Hunt believes she’s discovered the secret to a happier, simpler family life.

The young mum recently packed up and moved across the world to a small town in Ireland, and said the decision came down to something many Australian parents say they’re missing: a ‘village’.

‘My husband is Irish-born but was raised in the US, and we met while living in Australia,’ she told the Daily Mail.

‘That gave us the unique position of choosing between three countries to raise our family.

‘Ultimately, we felt Ireland aligned most closely with our values when it comes to raising young children.’

Now living in a rural town with her young family, Stephanie says the difference is immediate.

‘There’s a real “village” mindset in Ireland, with a strong cultural focus on supporting families and children,’ she said.

The ‘rat race’ many parents are trying to escape

Stephanie says life in Sydney, while exciting before kids, quickly became unsustainable once her priorities shifted.

‘Sydney felt very much like a rat race,’ she said.

‘I worked around the clock in my 20s to enjoy the Sydney lifestyle. I paid an arm and a leg to live in a two-bedroom apartment in a good suburb.  

‘But everything changed once we started a family. Being present with our children and remaining their primary caregivers in the early years is really important to us.

‘In Sydney, the cost of living would have made that almost impossible.’

Instead, she says Ireland has allowed her family to slow down.

‘We’re less stressed, more present, and not reliant on long day care. It feels incredibly personal and, honestly, quite idyllic,’ she said.

It’s a sentiment that is increasingly resonating with other Australian parents.

Stephanie described Sydney as a ‘city without grandchildren’, claiming young families are being pushed out by rising costs.

‘They simply can’t afford it and are broken and crushed by having to work around the clock just to survive,’ she said.

Her comments echo a stark warning from the NSW Productivity Commission in 2024, which found Sydney is losing thousands of people aged 30 to 40 each year – many of whom would typically be starting families.

For Stephanie, one of the biggest differences between the two countries is the level of support available to parents.

‘In Australia, many families are spread out or working full-time, so their ability to help is limited,’ she said.

‘In Ireland, it’s much more common for grandparents to play a hands-on role in raising children – it’s part of the culture.’

She revealed that support extends beyond family.

‘A quick neighbourhood walk with our son often turns into hours of play with cousins and friends. In Sydney we had to drive and schedule almost every interaction,’ she said.

The mum added that the sense of community makes everyday parenting feel simpler.

‘There’s far less time spent commuting, rushing and planning. It’s a slower, more connected way of life.’

While Australia offers many opportunities, Stephanie said several factors made starting a family feel more difficult.

‘Cost of living, childcare, work culture and distance from extended family all played a role,’ she said.

She also raised concerns about the structure of some childcare systems.

‘In Ireland, there’s an Early Childhood Education scheme that provides a few hours of free childcare each day in community-based settings,’ she explained.

‘Our son’s crèche is run by my husband’s aunt. It’s deeply rooted in the local community.

‘The educators are well-known, trusted, and many have been there for years. They see our children grow and remain part of their lives.’

A lifestyle shift many aren’t expecting

Beyond childcare and cost, Stephanie said the biggest surprise has been how much simpler daily life feels.

‘Everything is more localised. You’re not constantly driving, scheduling and rushing. It reminds me of my own childhood in a way I don’t see as much in Sydney now.’

Her experience appears to reflect a broader trend.

‘I hear from Australians all the time who feel the same way,’ she said.

‘I’ve also seen many Irish families who were living abroad choose to return home once they have children.’

Many agreed with Stephanie’s line of thinking online.  

‘100 per cent. I adored living in Australia but would never have had my kids there,’ one person wrote.

‘My family in Australia are too spread out to ever be a practical part of my kids’ lives,’ a young mum said.

Others pointed out that community still exists in parts of Australia – but is becoming harder to access.

‘I come from a village-style community in Australia. I’ve grown up with most of the people in my neighbourhood. Our families know each other and look out for each other,’ a man added.

Will they ever come back?

Despite her love for Ireland, Stephanie is grateful for Australia’s part in her family.

‘We’re so fortunate that both Ireland and Australia will always be a big part of our lives, and Australia feels more appealing as our children get a little older,’ she said.

But for now, the choice is clear.

‘For this stage of life, we really can’t look past our idyllic set-up here in Ireland.’

And for a growing number of Australian parents, it seems that same question is quietly taking shape – is the dream of raising a family Down Under starting to slip away?