What Makes a Great Place to Live?
Our 2026 rankings evaluate Irish towns and cities across six key metrics: cost of living (particularly housing), employment opportunities, education quality, healthcare access, transport links, and community amenities. The data draws from CSO statistics, property listings, school inspection reports, and resident satisfaction surveys to provide the most comprehensive picture available. This year's rankings reveal interesting shifts as remote working patterns continue to reshape where people choose to call home.
Top-Ranked Locations
Several locations outside Dublin have risen in the rankings as improved broadband infrastructure and the normalization of hybrid working have freed residents from daily commuting constraints. Galway, with its vibrant arts scene, strong university presence, and west coast quality of life, continues to score highly. Waterford's combination of affordability, employment growth in the tech sector, and coastal living has seen it climb the rankings significantly.
Dublin vs Regional Living
Dublin remains Ireland's economic engine with unmatched employment opportunities, cultural amenities, and transport connections. However, it also ranks highest for cost of living, particularly housing. For families, the trade-off between Dublin salaries and regional quality of life has become more favourable outside the capital, particularly in locations with good motorway and rail connections that allow periodic office attendance while enjoying lower housing costs and more space.