Nearly Three Decades of Living Between Ireland and Spain

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, our connection with the Costa Blanca began in 1998 when we bought our first holiday home in Orihuela Costa. Today, we are based here and proud to call the area home.

What started as a place for family holidays gradually became so much more. Over the years, my wife and I — along with our four children — have built a deep connection with the area and experienced many of the realities of owning a home and spending a large part of our lives in Spain.

We've navigated many of the same decisions, challenges and exciting opportunities faced by people moving from Ireland and other countries to the Costa Blanca — from buying property and finding trusted local services, to dealing with schools, residency applications, healthcare, motoring and everyday life admin, as well as discovering everything the area has to offer.

Nearly three decades later, that firsthand experience is at the heart of Costa Living Guide.

We're not simply telling people about life on the Costa Blanca. We've lived it.

Today, we're bringing together that experience and local knowledge to help others make informed decisions, find businesses they can trust and get more from their life on the Costa Blanca.

We've Been Living the Costa Blanca Lifestyle Since 1998

About Costa Living Guide

It's More Than Local Knowledge – It's Real Experience

🏡 Property

  • Purchased four homes in the area.

  • Successfully sold three properties.

  • Experienced the Spanish property buying and selling process from both sides.

  • Worked with estate agents, solicitors, mortgage providers, notaries and property professionals.

💼 Business

  • Successfully launched three businesses in Spain.

  • Worked with local professionals, suppliers and service providers.

  • Built strong relationships within the local business community.

  • Gained first-hand experience of running businesses in Spain.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Life

As a family with four children, we've experienced many aspects of everyday life, including:

  • The Spanish school system.

  • Public and private healthcare.

  • Registering on the Padrón.

  • Obtaining NIE numbers.

  • Spanish residency procedures.

  • Local administration and everyday bureaucracy.

🚗 Motoring

We've bought and sold cars in Spain and understand the practicalities of vehicle ownership, including:

  • Vehicle registration.

  • Motor insurance.

  • Servicing and repairs.

  • ITV inspections.

  • Finding reliable garages and mechanics.

🛡 Insurance & Professional Services

We've arranged and used:

  • Motor insurance

  • Home insurance

  • Private health insurance

  • Banking services

  • Legal and financial professionals

Travel

Living in Spain has allowed us to travel extensively, using Alicante and Murcia airports for trips to numerous destinations throughout Europe.

We've also used airport transfer companies, airport parking services, car hire companies and other transport providers on many occasions.

Sports, Leisure & Community

We've embraced the Costa Blanca lifestyle by becoming involved in many local activities, including:

  • Playing golf at numerous courses throughout the region.

  • Playing with several local golf societies.

  • Joining walking groups.

  • Taking part in aerobics and fitness classes.

  • Fishing clubs and social groups.

  • Padel clubs.

  • Local community organisations and social events.

🍽 Lifestyle

After almost three decades we've enjoyed and experienced:

  • Countless restaurants, cafés and beach bars.

  • Golf club restaurants and clubhouses.

  • Local fiestas and cultural events.

  • Family celebrations and private functions.

  • Entertainment venues across the Costa Blanca.

🏠 Home Improvements

Over the years we've worked with a wide range of trusted local trades and specialists, including:

  • Air conditioning engineers

  • Electricians

  • Builders

  • Kitchen installers

  • Home renovation companies

  • Alarm and CCTV installers

  • Tilers

  • Painters and decorators

  • Landscapers

  • Pool maintenance companies

  • Broadband and internet providers

Why You Can Trust Costa Living Guide

Costa Living Guide is built on nearly three decades of real-life experience—not just research.

Since purchasing our first home in Orihuela Costa in 1998, my wife and I have bought four homes, sold three, launched three successful businesses, raised our family here and experienced almost every aspect of life on the Costa Blanca. From buying property and navigating the Spanish healthcare, education and residency systems to using local trades, joining community groups, travelling throughout Europe and discovering the very best places to eat, play and relax, we've lived the journey ourselves.

That's why every guide, recommendation and business featured on Costa Living Guide is founded on genuine experience, practical knowledge and a commitment to helping others make informed decisions with confidence.

Real experience. Trusted information. Local knowledge you can rely on.

MOVING HERE

Your trusted guide to living, buying property, relocating and enjoying life in Orihuela Costa and the Costa Blanca.

Email

Phone

+34 711 054 411

© 2026. All rights reserved.

PROPERTY
EXPLORE
  • Things to Do

  • Family Attractions

  • Day Trips & Excursions

PROPERTY SERVICES
  • Estate Agents

  • Lawyers

  • Mortgage Brokers

  • Insurance

HOME SERVICES
  • Builders

  • Electricians

  • Plumbers

  • Air Conditioning

  • Solar

  • Pool Maintenance

  • Garden Services

  • Cleaning

LIFESTYLE
  • Healthcare

  • Dentists

  • Fitness

  • Beauty

  • Restaurants

Costa Living Guide provides trusted local information, relocation advice, property guides, visitor information and carefully selected businesses serving Orihuela Costa, La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Villamartín, Playa Flamenca, Punta Prima, Campoamor and the wider Costa Blanca.

FOR BUSINESSES
  • Become a Founding Partner

  • Founding Partner Benefits

  • Launch Pricing

  • Advertising Opportunities

  • Contact Our Team