Ireland is great if you can handle the weather.
We had a holiday home in Co. Mayo for 20+ years and loved the place, the people but the weather can get you down. It's better down Waterford way but not a lot.
Maintenance costs on the house weren't exactly a major problem but they did mount up [we were on a small cliff overlooking the Atlantic] and regular maintenance was a must.
There's a bit more of a cash culture than in the UK, you must get quotes in writing for any work you get done. Don't get involved in any local feuds!!
We decided to sell up as we are heading into our 70s. We were extremely lucky to sell as just nothing was selling at the time and in fact our house was the last one sold in the area for almost a year. Luckily our site was in a great position and a multi-millionaire wanted it.
Mayo is a spectacular place and I'd always recommend it over the East coast where life is so similar to the UK, hectic, fast and crazy. The West is laid back and there's some decent fishing in the sea and the rivers and loughs.
By the way you'll really need to buy a boat.
If you want to know anything else drop me a pm.
Colin