Whether it’s for sustainability or to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s been an increase in people looking at how they can live an off-grid lifestyle, all over the world. With the current housing market constantly being in the news and the overwhelming pressures placed upon homeowners, Calor Ireland decided to conduct research to reveal which counties in Northern Ireland are the best to live off-grid. They looked at various factors crucial to off-grid living, including:
The research revealed that Fermanagh is the most suitable county to live off grid in Northern Ireland. Renowned for its charming town of Enniskillen, you'll find an attractive town built onto a hilly island in the centre of Lough Erne. But that’s not all with its large volume of land per capita, competitive property prices, the most amount of land for sale per capita and one of the best greenspace rankings; this is what makes Fermanagh the best county to live off-grid in Northern Ireland.
Tyrone stands out as a compelling runner-up for those exploring the idea of an off-grid lifestyle in Northern Ireland. Its favourable ranking in several key categories makes it a compelling option for prospective off-grid enthusiasts. County Tyrone has a substantial amount of land per capita and abundant sunlight hours. Sunlight serves as an excellent ranking factor as it can be used to generate heat as well as grow plants and live a sustainable off-grid lifestyle. With its breath-taking Sperrin Mountains and scenic forest parks, it's a fantastic spot for walkers and cyclists choosing to live off-grid.
Tyrone also offers ample opportunities for sustainable living. Its relatively affordable property prices and availability of land for sale contribute to its appeal as an off-grid destination. While it may not top every category, Tyrone's overall index ranking positions it as a strong contender among Northern Ireland's off-grid-friendly counties.
Derry takes the third spot as one of the best places to live off-grid. Despite facing some challenges in certain areas, such as property prices and land availability. Derry shines in other aspects essential to off-grid enthusiasts. Its abundance of sunlight hours and vibrant local markets make it an attractive option for those seeking a self-sufficient lifestyle. Sitting snug on the River Foyle, County Derry is Northern Ireland’s only surviving walled city. Derry's history has even made it to the screen, famous for its TV show “Derry Girls,” which adds to the city's charm and makes it even more appealing for off-grid enthusiasts.
Local markets are very important for people living off-grid. They help people get fresh food, make friends in the community, boost the local economy, and encourage eco-friendly shopping. With its favourable greenspace ranking and overall index ranking, Derry offers a promising environment for off-grid living endeavours.
Armagh, known as the “ecclesiastical capital of Ireland,” has rich history and cultural heritage, making it a top contender for off-grid living. Its fame extends beyond its historical significance; it's also renowned for its orchards and is often referred to as the “Orchard County.” Armagh ranks fourth and its strengths lie in its sunlight ranking, providing ample opportunities for sustainable living. However, its competitive property prices and availability of land for sale may hinder its appeal.
Antrim and Down find themselves at the bottom of the list when it comes to the best places to live off-grid in Northern Ireland. County Down has its strengths, such as moderate property prices and availability of land for sale, however it faces challenges in other areas crucial for off-grid living.
Antrim, renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes and the iconic Giant's Causeway, falls behind due to limited land availability and sunlight hours, despite its local markets. Similarly, Down, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including attractions like the historic town of Downpatrick and the Mourne Mountains, falls short in terms of land availability and sunlight hours despite having some green spaces. This poses obstacles for those seeking a self-reliant lifestyle. Despite these challenges, both counties still offer some potential for off-grid living but may require more effort and adaptation compared to their higher-ranked counterparts.
If you’re thinking of living off-grid in Northern Ireland, places like Fermanagh have lots of land and good prices for houses, making them great for off-grid living. Others, like Tyrone and Derry, also have their perks, like plenty of sunlight and local markets. Whether it's escaping the city or being more eco-friendly, living an off-grid lifestyle is possible.
It's crucial to understand that regardless of the county you are looking to live off-grid in, there exist laws and regulations governing local planning and construction that affect off-grid living. These factors must be considered when contemplating a transition to an off-grid lifestyle.
‘Whether motivated by a pursuit of sustainability or wanting to reconnect with nature, the path to off-grid living illuminates the way towards a more balanced lifecycle. Embracing off-grid living provides a break from urban stress and empowers sustainable living. Our recent research highlights the top destinations in Northern Ireland for this lifestyle’ – Louise Carrick, Head of Marketing & CX at Calor.
Whether it’s for sustainability or to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s been an increase in people looking at how they can live an off-grid…
Go to article
With dairy farming, maintaining impeccable hygiene isn't just a goal; it's a cornerstone of ensuring the health of cows…
Go to article
