When people think of Ireland, few think of the country as a place to start a business, make investments, emigrate to in search of a better life, or retire to in hopes of spending golden years in delightful activities and pursuits. These people don't realize that Ireland possesses an exceptionally high quality of life, low living costs, low crime, and low stress. Without question, Ireland has evolved into Europe's most important offshore financial center, leading to a host of significant advantages to investors. People seeking a superior land for retirement often find Ireland an excellent choice. Along with Ireland's fine investment climate, retirees enjoy free hospitalization, free transportation on buses and trains, and, in some cases, even free fuel and energy. Retirees also find the price of land and housing in Ireland to be most reasonable, and they genuinely appreciate Ireland's low rate of crime. Many people moving to Ireland feel safer in their new homes than just about anywhere else they lived. For those wishing to stay in Ireland at least part of the year, or who would like to obtain residency, Ireland is relatively easy to enter. This is particularly true if you have an Irish ancestor, and in many cases you need not have descended from this individual in a direct line. Ireland has changed remarkably in the last several years, achieving a style of living that is both comfortable and rewarding, but it is likely that the nation's future will be even brighter. During the last two decades the Irish government has invested in infrastructure and telecommunications in an effort to position the country to take part in the grand global economy. The success of this policy is obvious in Ireland's steady economic gains. Furthermore, Ireland is poised to benefit from the investment of overseas companies even as its own economy continues to expand. Strong, consistent growth is expected well into the future. All this makes Ireland an extremely attractive place for relocation, retirement, and investment. Ireland, clearly, has much to offer just about everyone. Over the past 25 years, Adam Starchild has been the author of over two dozen books, and hundreds of magazine articles, primarily on business and finance. His articles have appeared in a wide range of publications around the world-including Business Credit, Euromoney, Finance, The Financial Planner, International Living, Offshore Financial Review, Reason, Tax Planning International, The Bull & Bear, Trust & Estates, and many more. Now semi-retired, he was the president of an international consulting group specializing in banking, finance and the development of new businesses, and director of a trust company. Although this formidable testimony to expertise in his field, plus his current preoccupation with other books-in-progress, would not seem to leave time for a well-rounded existence, Starchild has won two Presidential Sports Awards and written several cookbooks, and is currently involved in a number of personal charitable projects. His website is at http: //www.adamstarchild.com/