The actress said she felt ‘burnt out’ by living in London and was craving a softer life – now she loves being in a small community and learning more about West Cork
Ali Bastian and David O’Mahoney at the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards (Image: Getty Images)
Ali Bastian is officially a Corkonian as she reflects on her experience living in West Cork over the past two years.
The Hollyoaks actress said she was ‘craving a softer life’ and knew she needed to ‘make a really big change’ after feeling burnt out by the hustle and bustle of London.
The 44-year-old relocated to West Cork back in 2024 with her husband, actor and director David O’Mahony, and two children. The family also adopted a Border Collie named Chloe earlier this year and are having a great time ’embracing’ Irish life.
“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. I knew in my heart of hearts that I needed to make a really big change,” Ali said.
“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.
“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. There’s lots of sea swimming and amazing saunas here. It’s the best and it feels so healing. 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.”
When asked if she would ever consider moving back to the UK, Ali said she doesn’t think so, as the family are happy, settled, and are really ‘putting down roots.’
“This year, we rescued a collie dog, she’s amazing, called Chloe. I adopted her from a rescue called The Haven in Tipperary who are incredible. I drove up there and came home with my collie. She really loves my husband as well, mainly, even though I’m looking at her like, ‘I’m the reason you’re here!’ but she’s absolutely obsessed with David,” she told Zingo Bingo.
“That happened and we also started a performing arts business. That’s kicked off just in the last few weeks. Again, that was actually quite spontaneous. That’s been really good for [me and my husband]. He’s an amazing teacher, performer, writer, director and producer and all of the things! All of us creatives, we all have loads of strings to our bows. I love teaching, and I’d forgotten how much I love teaching. There’s moments where I do really feel like, ‘Pinch me, am I dreaming?’”
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