Living the dream in Roscommon 

Roscommon is set to take centre stage in the latest series of TG4’s acclaimed documentary Moving West, which returns for a fourth season, highlighting the growing appeal of life across Ireland’s western region.

The six-part series, presented by Mary Kennedy, explores the experiences of people who have relocated to or returned to the west, drawn by opportunities for work, community and quality of life. While the programme spans six counties, this season places a particularly strong spotlight on Roscommon, with several local stories featured across the series.

Among those highlighted in the opening episode is Lou Talbot Beirne, originally from Bristol, who has made her home in Knockcroghery. Having previously lived in Uganda, where she met her husband, Lou now works from the EpiCentre hub in Athleague. Her work centres on disability inclusion, inspired by her own ADHD diagnosis, and she has founded an online support network, Beyond Her ADHD, aimed at women whose condition is often overlooked.

Remote working and lifestyle balance are further explored in Episode 3 through the story of Anne Marie Staunton, a television researcher who swapped Dublin life for Monasteraden, on the Roscommon-Sligo border. Living in a family home once owned by her uncle, she has renovated the property while continuing her career remotely, enjoying the scenic setting around Lough Gara.

Episode 4 brings a mix of returning emigrants and new beginnings. Máire Ní Donnchú reflects on her own journey, having left for England in the 1980s when teaching jobs were scarce. Now retired and living in Knockvicar, she describes the fulfilment of returning to the countryside she always cherished.

The same episode also features Aisling Owens, who returned to her native Strokestown area after building a successful career in fashion buying in Dublin and Toronto. Her move back west in 2024 marked a significant lifestyle change, but it also led to unexpected new opportunities. Aisling is now part of the team at CycleUp in Athleague, a social enterprise run by the Roscommon Women’s Network that transforms discarded textiles into bags and homeware. Working alongside colleague Alena Gurn (who also speaks to Mary), who originally moved to Ireland from Belarus and joined the project in 2023, Aisling is now part of a small team giving new life to materials that would otherwise be thrown away — while also building meaningful employment in the west.

The focus on Roscommon continues in Episode 5 with the story of Shane Leydon from Arigna, who returned from Dublin to join the family-run business, Arigna Fuels. His experience reflects a wider trend of professionals choosing to bring their skills back to rural communities, supporting local enterprise and employment.

Produced by Dundara Television and Media in partnership with the Western Development Commission, Moving West captures a broader shift taking place across the western region. Communities that were once defined by emigration are now experiencing renewed population growth, as people seek a better work-life balance and stronger connections to place.

The series also highlights key themes such as remote working, entrepreneurship and sustainable living, alongside the cultural richness of the west, including the continued importance of the Irish language.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary has described the programme as an important showcase for the region, pointing to the innovation, enterprise and quality of life that make areas like Roscommon increasingly attractive places to live and work.

Moving West has already earned national recognition, including a Best Collaboration award at the 2026 Spider Awards, and continues to resonate with audiences interested in lifestyle change and regional opportunity.

The new series begins on TG4 on Tuesday, June 2nd at 7.30 p.m. With weekly episodes thereafter.