The Luck of the Irish: Our Life in County Clare

Ten years ago, Niall and Christine left their careers in New York City for a life in Kiltumper cottage - once Christine's grandfather's stone farmhouse - outside the tiny village of Kilmihil in County Clare. They wanted to lead a more authentic life, to form part of a community, to write and paint and raise children in the scenic Irish countryside where they felt, somehow, they belonged. They have renovated the abandoned cottage, created a grand garden, and adopted two children, Deirdre and Joseph. Niall was fortunate enough to have his very first play performed on the main stage of the Abbey Theatre, Dublin - though they were disappointed by the critical reception. They have seen irresistible forces bringing change to the life of Western Ireland, endangering much of what drew them there. Still they remain committed to Kiltumper even though they must struggle to afford life in their beautiful country where fewer and fewer Irishmen and women are lucky enough to be able to live.