'Like a foreigner in my own home' - Returning to Ireland can be a lonely experience

After living abroad for 13 years, Irene Halpin Long wasn’t prepared for was the loneliness she felt once the excitement of returning home had died down. But she persevered to settle down again.

I emigrated in June 2003. At the time, there were plenty of job opportunities in Ireland. I simply wanted to spread my wings and live overseas.

Aged 22, I had finished my final year exams at University College Cork 10 days previously.