Daria Bilyk, 27, From Russia, Finds Home in Ireland After 2021 Move

Daria Bilyk, 27, moved to Ireland from Russia in 2021 with her husband Nikita, fulfilling a lifelong dream to live abroad. Growing up in Severomorsk, beyond the polar circle, she disliked the town and the pervasive government propaganda that blamed foreign enemies for Russia's economic issues. Her Ukrainian father and parents encouraged curiosity over hatred, leading her to study international relations in St. Petersburg, where she met Nikita.

The couple chose Ireland for its growing economy and welcoming people, despite neither speaking English as a first language. They arrived in autumn 2021 to pursue master’s degrees in management at Trinity College Dublin. Nikita immediately worked as a waiter to support them, a period Daria recalls as difficult due to his demanding schedule.

They faced a severe housing crisis upon arrival. After two weeks in an Airbnb, they struggled to find suitable accommodation, encountering unsanitary conditions and numerous rejections. They eventually found a small but pleasant space in a good area thanks to a kind landlord. Aside from housing, they experienced no major culture shocks, having researched Ireland extensively due to internet restrictions in Russia.

Both secured jobs before graduating: Nikita in a graduate program and Daria at a medical device company, shifting from an insurance start-up. Daria noted the contrast between Russia's challenging work environment and Ireland's supportive one. Last year, they welcomed a son and bought a house in Mullingar, chosen for its public transport accessibility, as neither drives. Daria now considers Ireland home but misses her family, who face increasing difficulty visiting or communicating due to Russia's political situation and internet blockages. Raising her son without family support is challenging, but she finds strength in overcoming these difficulties.