The Arizona couple known on YouTube as Joey and Lauren would consider a move to Ireland, naming one city in particular that they would love to live in, after visiting places like Cork and Dublin
YouTubers Joey and Lauren during their trip to Cork (Image: Joey and Lauren / YouTube)
An American duo, who recently embarked on an Irish tour, including a stay in Cork City, delved into why more of their fellow countrymen are swapping the States for the Emerald Isle.
YouTube creators Joey and Lauren, who wouldn’t mind calling Ireland home themselves, revealed their top pick for a city to live in, as well as one they’d steer clear of.
The Central Statistics Office has reported a whopping 96% surge in US citizens relocating to Ireland between April 2024 and April 2025. This equates to 9,600 individuals, a significant leap from the previous year’s figure of 4,900.
Reflecting on this trend, Arizona-based Joey, who tried his first ever chicken fillet roll in a Dunnes Stores in Cork, suggested that while gun violence might be a concern for many, the sense of isolation and lack of togetherness could be even more compelling reasons.
He further commented: “It is a little surprising since it is such a far move, but we can see why at the same time since it’s an English-speaking country and it has a really nice landscape and nice people.
Lauren tucking into her first ever chicken fillet roll inside a Dunnes Stores in Cork (Image: YOUTUBE/Joey and Lauren)
“I’m sure some of it is because of political reasons, some because of lack of social cohesion in America and some because they have the money to and thought Ireland was a beautiful country prior to moving.
“We would definitely consider moving here, but we don’t know if we could do it long term. Although the US has its fair share of problems, it is hard to permanently leave your home country.”
During their recent trip, Joey and Lauren ventured across various regions of Ireland, taking in Dublin, Cork and Galway alongside Northern Ireland’s capital – Belfast.
They revealed that the primary obstacle preventing them from relocating entirely would be the challenge of integrating into Irish society.
The duo explained how their American background brought distinct customs, traditions and sense of humour that might hinder their ability to genuinely settle in a foreign nation.
They opened up about their time in Ireland (Image: Joey and Lauren)
Yet they also highlighted: “One thing that would make us want to move is the walkability. It was really nice to be active everyday and get to places by walking as opposed to driving long distances all the time.
“Another big reason would be how together Irish society felt compared to here. Here it can feel very isolated at times and there is not really one American identity that everyone can relate to.”
Joey and Lauren reside in a property situated a 20-minute stroll from their nearest corner shop, and they relished exploring Irish cities on foot.
When asked to identify their preferred destination for potential relocation, they unanimously chose Galway as their top pick from the places they’d experienced.
Lauren enthused: “We really enjoyed Galway. It had a great city centre and quite a few things to do but didn’t feel too big. We really liked it because of the friendliness of the locals. Also, Eyre Square and the pubs were very nice. It was a good balance of lively but not so crowded.”
Nevertheless, when it came to somewhere they’d steer clear of, both mentioned the capital. Joey elaborated: “We don’t think there was any city that was really absolutely horrible, but we may not want to live in Dublin due to the size and increasing problems that we have heard about.”
The pair were left shaken during their Dublin visit when chaos kicked off on the red Luas line merely half an hour into their journey.
Footage from on the Luas incident (Image: Joey and Lauren/YouTube)
Following the disturbance on the tram, a scuffle then erupted at Connolly station, as reported by Dublin Live, with the couple capturing footage of the unsettling incident.
Detailing their reservations about residing there, Joey continued: “Dublin just seemed to have the problems that all major cities do which is crime, anti-social behaviour from some people, and just overcrowding in some areas.
“Also, driving in Dublin seemed very stressful due to the tight congestion and tight roadways.”