The new roomies: Meet the grown ups living back at home with mum

Irene O’Brien is one of a growing number of adults living back home with their parents. She describes life as a ‘boomeranger’ – and meets other members of her little ‘club’

AS IF part of a secret club, once you declare membership, accounts from others are divulged eagerly: “We moved back home too.” Whether referring to their current living circumstance or a prior two-year stint back in the dado-railed homes of their parents, Boomerangers are more active than ever in the competitive world of Ireland’s adult dwellers.

A few months ago, upon notice of a returning landlord, my husband and I began the endless cycle of search, enquire, repeat, kindly brought to you by Daft. Admittedly, our requirements were a little more discerning than our most recent search three years’ prior — spare room, office space, garden for the dog — but we were three years more grown up, three years more established in our careers, three years further into a relationship which had recently brought marriage.