Irish Life on the Costa del Sol with Consul General Marylee Wall | Kore Conversations
In this episode of Kore Conversations, we sit down with Marylee Wall, Ireland’s Consul General in Málaga, to talk about life on the Costa del Sol, the support available to Irish citizens and what to consider before moving to southern Spain.
What does the Irish Consulate in Málaga do?
The Consulate supports Irish citizens living in or visiting Andalusia, Extremadura, Murcia and the Canary Islands. Marylee explains that her team helps with certain documents, such as certificates of freedom to marry, and provides consular assistance in difficult situations, including hospitalisation or the death of an Irish citizen abroad.
What happens if an Irish citizen loses their passport on the Costa del Sol?
Marylee says lost or stolen passports are among the most common reasons visitors contact her team. Depending on the circumstances, the Consulate may be able to issue an Emergency Travel Certificate for a return journey to Ireland. If this happens to you, contact the Consulate directly to discuss your travel plans and what documentation you’ll need.
Consulate General of Ireland in Málaga
Why are Irish people choosing to live on the Costa del Sol?
The weather and the coast are part of the appeal. For Marylee, what stood out after moving to Málaga with her family was the warmth of the welcome and how much both cultures value family life. She’s also seeing a change in who moves here. Alongside retirees and second home owners, she meets younger people who can work remotely or run their businesses from Spain.
How can Irish residents get involved in the local community?
Marylee points to Gaelic football clubs in Marbella and Málaga, Bloomsday celebrations in Málaga and St Patrick’s Day events along the coast. She also mentions Age Concern in Mijas and Lux Mundi in Fuengirola, where outings and coffee mornings give older residents and people living away from family a chance to meet others.
What advice does Marylee have for anyone moving from Ireland to Spain?
Speak to people who have already made the move. Before relocating, Marylee asked others about neighbourhoods, schools and what everyday life was really like. She also recommends starting to learn Spanish early and getting professional legal advice if you’re buying a property.
Watch the full conversation above. If you’re considering a move to the Costa del Sol, contact KORE Estates to talk through which areas might suit you.