by HRHQ Editorial Team
New research has revealed the best Irish towns for work-life balance. The study by Switcher.ie is based on a range of factors, including access to local amenities such as primary schools, major supermarkets, and leisure centres; essentials like broadband and mobile connectivity; house prices and crime rates; and proximity to green spaces and transport routes.
Arklow claimed the top spot as the best town in Ireland for striking the perfect work-life balance. With surprisingly affordable house prices outside the city, it offers a winning mix of excellent local amenities and good connectivity for hybrid working, plus plenty of green spaces and a scenic coastline to boost well-being.
Ballina was the most affordable town to buy a house in the study. House prices were based on the median house price in October 2025 (Residential Property Price Index).
|
Rank |
Town |
Median House Price |
Work-Life Balance Score |
|
1 |
Arklow |
€290,000 |
6.44 |
|
2 |
Ballina |
€196,250 |
6.42 |
|
3 |
Enniscorthy |
€290,000 |
6.40 |
|
4 |
Wicklow |
€420,000 |
6.13 |
|
5 |
Cork City |
€347,363 |
5.97 |
|
6 |
Gorey |
€350,000 |
5.93 |
|
7 |
Tramore |
€329,999 |
5.90 |
|
8 |
Dublin City |
€505,997 |
5.90 |
|
9 |
Longford |
€200,000 |
5.71 |
|
10 |
Sligo |
€270,000 |
5.65 |
For the full ranking and more top 5 winners, see Ireland’s best towns for work-life balance.
