Former Hollyoaks actress Ali Bastian has opened up about the deeply personal reasons behind her decision to swap the fast pace of London life for the peaceful countryside of Ireland.
Now settled in Cork with her husband David O’Mahoney and their family, the actress says she was “craving a softer life” after years of feeling burnt out in the UK capital.
The former soap star revealed how much she was loving her new life
|Speaking candidly about the move to GB News on behalf of Zingo Bingo, Ms Bastian explained that the decision came from a need to slow down and reconnect with what truly mattered.
When asked what the sort of differences were she had noticed since moving over to Ireland and how life in Ireland compared to the UK, she didn’t hold back.
“I really love it here. I was really craving a softer life, and maybe it’s the time of life that I was at as well, and feeling very burnt out by the pace of things in London," she began.
"I knew in my heart of hearts that I needed to make a really big change.”
She said her life was 'softer' after feeling burnt out in London
|The actress revealed that she and her family relocated to Ireland two years ago, although she admitted the transition “didn't go completely to plan" after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Despite the health challenges, she says the move allowed her to finally embrace the kind of life she had always wanted.
“I have this opportunity to really live the life that I felt during that time that I was looking at through a pane of glass,” she explained. “I knew it was here and I knew I wanted it.”
For the Hollyoaks star, the appeal of Ireland lies in its simplicity and strong sense of community.
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“It was the simple things that I wanted, the walks, the quality time with my friends and neighbours and family, especially.
“I live in a small community and I absolutely love it. It feels special and it feels like we're still discovering so much about this incredible place.”
The actress has fully embraced Irish life and is already dreaming of exploring even more of the country with her family.
“My current thing is I really want a caravan so I can explore the country. Put the dogs and the family in the car, take a caravan around and camp out and see more of this place that I get to call home now. Those are my dreams.”
Ms Bastian praised her husband's support
|Ms Bastian also praised Ireland’s outdoor lifestyle and wellness culture, particularly the sea swimming and saunas that have become part of her new routine.
“There's lots of sea swimming and amazing saunas here. It's the best and it feels so healing,” she said.
“I feel like, to have been through what I have been through the last couple of years, this was the most incredible place to heal and get back on my feet, and I feel very grateful for that.”
And while many celebrities eventually return to the UK, Ms Bastian says she can’t imagine leaving Ireland behind anytime soon.
“I don't think so. I can't see it,” she admitted when asked whether she would ever move back. “I feel so happy here and settled and I feel like we're really putting down roots.”
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