New series showcasing life in the West of Ireland starts this week

Moving West, an exciting new six-part TV series following the lives of six families who have moved or are in the process of moving to the west of Ireland kicks off this week.

Presented by Mary Kennedy and shot against the backdrop of the unique natural beauty and culture of the West of Ireland, the first episode is set to air this Thursday, September 23, at 9pm on TG4.

Produced by Dundara Television & Media, this motivational and inspiring six-part series will bring viewers on a journey of discovery, that life, and in particular your career won’t take a step back by moving to the west of Ireland.

Through the course of the series we will meet families and couples who have made the big decision to move while also getting a taste of all the West has to offer in terms of lifestyle, outdoor amenities, food culture and quality of life.

The series is funded by the Western Development Commission and ties in with the ‘More to Life’ campaign.

Each episode will take an in depth look at the opportunities and challenges involved in moving West and throughout the series viewers will see that the region is populated with major national and global companies, with a thriving start up ecosystem whilst yet retaining its natural charm and beauty.

The show follows the families on their relocation journeys and in each episode the viewer gets to take a peek behind the curtains of the county, the local communities and those driving the region into the future.

According to the producer and director of “Moving West” Enda Grace (pictured above with Mary Kennedy in Leitrim) the series is very timely.

“The Covid-19 pandemic gave people the opportunity to re-assess their lives in many ways,” he said.

“Covid-19 has propelled the concept of working from home which makes such a move no longer a dream for many people.

“In the past, people thought moving West wasn’t a viable option due to deficiencies in broadband, infrastructure or lack of career opportunities.

“We found when filming the show that these barriers are no longer in place, with many choosing to work from a hub, start their own business and ample job opportunities across all sectors from FDI to indigenous.”

The Western Development Commission (WDC) is a state agency that promotes the Western Region, provides policy analysis, is leading the development and rollout of the National Hubs Network and manages the €75m Western Investment Fund dedicated to supporting business growth in the region.

WDC CEO Tomás Ó Síocháin says the new series will showcase all the West has to offer for our returning diaspora.

“The West of Ireland is seizing the opportunity to renew itself by attracting thousands of young professionals and families to make new lives in the region,” he said.

“This new series reflects the findings of our National Remote Work Survey recently conducted with NUIG highlighting that people are now choosing to find More To Life in the West of Ireland.

“The transition to remote work has allowed people to choose where to live and throughout the series we meet those now working from home, from a hub or finding a new role with one of the many employers across the region.

“Our new platform Westernjobs.ie highlights some of these roles and ConnectedHubs.ie, the National Hubs Network, offers employees the opportunity to find a suitable base for their remote work outside the home.

“For employers Connectedhubs.ie offers a connected, sociable work environment and for communities, it’s a driver of economic and social change.

“The series highlights the vibrant towns and villages that can and should benefit from our diaspora returning home and those finding a new life across the region.”

Moving West begins on TG4 on Thursday 23rd September at 9pm and is repeated every Monday at 7.30pm