In 2017, I finished my university exams in Dublin and had two goals: move to London and work as a journalist.

My girlfriend had already moved to London, and I got a job at a local newspaper after arriving in Gatwick.

I wanted to live in London because I had visited the city many times as a child to watch football matches.

I achieved my dream and got a season ticket to watch Tottenham Hotspur play at Wembley and their new stadium.

However, by 2023, my dream had changed.

We now live near scenic lakes.

My partner and I had our first child, and we lived in a small flat in Greenwich, London.

We loved our apartment, but it was challenging with a baby.

Our families are in Ireland, so we had to choose between paying more for a bigger flat and childcare in London or moving back to Ireland.

After a few years in London, we moved back to Ireland to raise our family.

I miss three things about the UK.

Raising a family in Ireland is great, despite the challenges.

My parents live in County Meath, and my partner's parents live in County Cavan.

We miss the public transport in London.

In London, I could use the underground, bus, or train to get home.

In Ireland, outside of Dublin, driving is necessary.

There is no train station near me, and I have to rely on the bus to get to Dublin.

I miss using the underground in London.

Since moving back, I've used the bus three times, and it was always late and overcrowded.

London's public transport is much better than Dublin's.

I also miss watching sports events, especially Tottenham Hotspur matches.

I can only watch Spurs on TV now.

I miss the old pubs and meeting friends before and after matches.

I also miss Wimbledon and watching tennis on Henman Hill.

I miss martial arts events, like UFC London and professional boxing bouts.

I support Tottenham Hotspur.

There are sports to enjoy in Ireland, but it's not the same as having Premier League matches nearby.

The weather in London is warmer and sunnier than in Ireland.

People in Ireland take advantage of sunny days to cut their grass.

You might think I regret moving back to Ireland.

Life is good in Ireland.

Moving back has given my family a better life.

My daughter is thriving, and we can get breaks with family support.

We've also bought our first home, which wouldn't have been possible in London.

Being in Ireland has made having a family more feasible.

Raising a family in Ireland is hard to beat.

Despite missing some things, life is calmer now.

I now do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, which is better for my health than watching football.

Ireland has one thing that England can't beat: a pint of Guinness.

So, that's my story.