What digital nomads value most about life in Ireland

More people than ever are opting for a borderless lifestyle, and this shift shows no signs of slowing down. There are now 40 million digital nomads worldwide, with the number expected to rise to 60 million by 2030. bunq, Europe’s second-largest neobank, surveyed 5,000 digital nomads across Europe, including those from Ireland, to examine the benefits and obstacles of living abroad.

Laughter outshines lunch

Living abroad can be an exciting adventure, but it also brings a sense of nostalgia. Among those 96% of Irish digital nomads who miss life in Ireland, 22% claim they miss family and friends the most. Irish humour (13%) and food (11%) also make them feel connected to home. This sense of nostalgia for Ireland is the second-highest in Europe, trailing only Spain.

The ranked aspects of Irish life missed the most by digital nomads:

Friends & family (22%)
Irish humour (13%)
Irish food (11%)
The friendliness of people (11%)
Scenic countryside (8%)
Guinness (7%)
Social events 6%)
The cosy weather (5%)
GAA (5%)
The nightlife (4%)

Managing mental health but missing milestones

Over a third (37%) of Irish expats secured stronger connections from their international lifestyle, with 41% reporting positive mental health outcomes when overseas. However, almost a third (30%) of Irish digital nomads struggle with their mental health and being homesick. Isolation is a challenge when living abroad, with nearly two-thirds (65%) missing personal milestones such as birthdays, weddings, or funerals. The blurred boundaries of remote work pose difficulties for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, claim 16% of expats.

Navigating finances

One in five (21%) Irish digital nomads feel more financially secure when living abroad. Despite this, one in eight expats (14%) face difficulties opening local bank accounts when settling into new countries. Irish digital nomads also report facing unforeseen costs abroad, with healthcare (21%), banking fees (16%) and data roaming charges (15%) topping the list.

“At bunq, we’ve seen firsthand the changes in the way people approach work, travel, and life,” says Bianca Zwart, Chief Strategy Officer at bunq. “It’s not just about freedom – it’s about the richness of experience. Digital nomads aren’t leaving things behind; they’re building something new.”