Mary Kennedy speaks to people who now call Mayo home in TG4's Moving West

Following the hugely successful first season, Moving West is back for a second series on TG4 this month. The show is produced by Dundara Television & Media in association with the Western Development Commission.

Shot against the backdrop of the unique natural beauty and culture of the west, this series puts a spotlight on Mayo, Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Kerry and a special episode on the islands. The series follows the lives of individuals and families who have moved or are in the process of moving to a new home along the Atlantic coast.

Presented by Mary Kennedy, over the course of six half-hour episodes, the series sets out to help viewers discover a genuine message – that life, and in particular your career, won’t take a step back if you are considering a move west. In a relaxed, entertaining and informal fashion, each episode explores the many opportunities that the region has to offer.

The second episode next Wednesday (January 18) features Michael Keane, who left his Mayo home when he was 16. He went to live in London first, then New York. After many years abroad he discovered that what he really wanted all along was right back home in remote Blacksod.

Michael returned, built a house and formed his Blacksod Sea Safari business so people can see the beauty of the area from the water. He lives with his partner Anne Barrett near Blacksod.

Also featured is Sophie Woodliffe, who moved from York in the UK and works at Portwest as a product developer. Even though she relocated during Covid, she felt a very warm welcome from everyone, especially within Portwest.

Director of Portwest, Cathal J. Hughes, speaks to Mary about the company, why the west of Ireland is so important to it, and how they welcome those who move in with open arms.

Mary also meets Donncha Ó Muirthile, general manager at UISCE Gaeltacht College, who moved from Dublin via Australia. His hobbies are windsurfing, surfing, freediving and fishing, making Belmullet the perfect place to relocate.

Domnick Reilly has worked in airports in various parts of the world since 1991, including Vyborg/St. Petersburg, Moscow, Damascus, Barbados and Kyiv. He is now retail manager at Ireland West Airport Knock. Joe Gilmour, CEO of Ireland West Airport, talks about connectivity for those thinking about moving west.

Also featured in the programme is Teresa Fitzgibbon, who lived in Dublin, London and NYC from 1996 until 2019. She is originally from Castlebar, and has returned to Mayo. Based at the Innovation Hub in Castlebar, Teresa is self-employed and works with corporate companies as a consultant, trainer, speaker and facilitator.

All of these stories from Mayo can be seen on Moving West next Wednesday (January 18) at 8.30 p.m. on TG4.