Déise delight as Waterford named best place to live in Ireland in new national index

Waterford has come out on top in the newly published Ireland Liveability Index to be crowned the best place to live in Ireland.

The Déise beat all 25 other counties thanks to its winning mix of sunshine, scenery, affordable housing and access to city life.

The county scored a chart-topping 74 points overall, ahead of Wexford (68), Donegal (67), Cork (63) and Clare (61), with major urban centres like Dublin and Galway also trailing behind.

According to the researchers, Waterford's standout score is thanks to its balance of "reasonably priced housing," high ranking for natural beauty, and enviable access to city amenities, all with more sunshine than almost anywhere else in the country.

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Wexford, Donegal and Clare also performed strongly, but it's Waterford that ticks the most boxes for those thinking about a move.

The Ireland Liveability Index was created to help people decide where to live now that remote working and lifestyle shifts are reshaping how, and where, we live.

Counties were scored based on four key factors: property prices, climate, natural amenities, and proximity to a city.

And with beaches, mountains, affordable homes and a thriving city centre all within arm's reach, it's no wonder Waterford topped the charts.

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