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The Irish Island of Arranmore Wants Americans and Australians to Move There

June 14, 2019
•
3 min read
Cloghcor, Arranmore Island, County Donegal, Ulster, Republic of Ireland, Europe
The Irish Island of Arranmore Wants Americans and Australians to Move There
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We've all fantasized about it before. You know, ditching the rat race and relocating to a remote, picturesque European island in the middle of nowhere.

Well, it turns out, it might be easier to make like Diane Lane in "Under the Tuscan Sun" than you thought, because Arranmore — a small island off the coast of County Donegal, Ireland — wants you to move there.

Occupancy on the island has been, according to CNN, waning since the 19th century. So, with a current population of 469 residents, Arranmore (or Árainn Mhór in Gaelic) has been writing open letters to the people of the United States and Australia in hopes of bolstering their community.

In the open letters, Arranmore boasts about the many perks that come with living on the island three miles off the coast. While the weather is unmistakably Irish (warm and cold showers; misty with brief spots of sun here and there) they do have towering clifftops, clean, quiet beaches, a community of close-knit people and — here's the kicker — high-speed internet.

Arranmore Island in 2004 (Photo by NUTAN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Adrian Begley, of the Arranmore Island Community Council, even told CNN that Arranmore is "the most-connected island in the world," in an effort to attract remote workers. "Traditional industries such as fishing and farming just aren't enough of a draw to keep young people here anymore," reads one of the open letters. "It's been a challenge for people to work here. Until now."

The island also offers rock climbing, boating, sea safaris and Irish language lessons as well a traditional bar scene known around the island for providing legendary music and, of course, a good serving of craic. That, and a pint of Guinness that will "blow them out of the water," according to the Arranmore website.“Your commute, no matter where you are, will only ever be five minutes. You’ll have the best diving in Ireland on your doorstep and seafood to rival the tastiest New England chowder," reads the letter. “There are fewer people here than would fit in a couple of Amtrak carriages, but enough musicians and good Irish whiskey to keep the party going well into the night.”

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Featured image by Getty Images/Collection Mix: Sub

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.