Bizarre research says Waterford is one of best places to survive zombie apocalypse

Waterford has ranked fourth among the safest counties in Ireland to survive a zombie apocalypse, with a survival score of 378.1.

The Last of Us season 2 has taken over our screens, showing just how hard survival can be in a world overrun by Runners, Stalkers, Clickers and Bloaters. But what if that world was Ireland?

Legacy Communications, a creative digital PR and communications agency conducted a study analysing several data points including CSO data to create the Zombie Apocalypse Survival Index revealing which counties would give you the best shot at staying alive if an apocalypse like in The Last of Us ever hit Ireland.

They examined seven key survival factors, including population density, the distance to pharmacies, A&E units and supermarkets, as well as access to agricultural land, fresh water and high point mountainous areas, all crucial for avoiding becoming zombie-bait.

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The top survival hotspots were:

Galway

Cork

Limerick

Waterford

Tipperary

A statement read: "Galway tops the list with a survival score of 442.5. With a low population density of just 45.1 people per km², access to 28,499 hectares of fresh water, 336,401 hectares of farmland, and the natural protection of the Connemara mountains, the county offers everything you need to stay hidden and self-sufficient. Just like Joel and Ellie found safety in Jackson, Galway gives you the space, resources, and cover to avoid becoming infected.

"Cork, also known as “The Rebel County,” ranks second with a survival score of 425.9. Cork has the largest agricultural land in Ireland at 529,666 hectares, with pharmacies only 2.88 km away and supermarkets 2.43 km away, making it a prime location for survival. Like in The Last of Us, where universities are stocked with essentials, places like UCC and MTU could offer food, tools, and medicine when it matters most.

"Limerick ranks third with a score of 421.0. With its expansive farmland, mountain ranges, and 918-meter-high terrain, it offers both essential resources and a height advantage, perfect for spotting threats. Just like Joel and Ellie scout from rooftops in Pittsburgh, survivors in Limerick could take advantage of tall buildings like the Clayton Hotel for a safer lookout against Clickers or hostile groups like the W.L.F.

"Waterford ranks fourth with a score of 378.1. Known for its abundant sunlight and 122,231 hectares of agricultural land, it is perfect for growing your own food. With pharmacies and supermarkets within 3.45 km, you can easily grab supplies when needed. Just move quickly!

"Tipperary rounds out the top five with a score of 372.5. With only 39 people per km², 5,239 hectares of lakes, and over 300,000 hectares of farmland, it’s the quiet, resource-rich spot you’d need to stay off the infected’s radar.

"In the event of a Last of Us outbreak, some parts of Ireland would give you the best shot at surviving. With a combination of resources, strategic terrain, and access to food and medicine, some counties are better equipped to protect you and help you stay self-sufficient."

Mícheál Brennan, Head of Search Marketing at Legacy Communications commented: “While this research is, of course, tongue-in-cheek, it’s built on real data and highlights how access to resources like food, water and healthcare can make all the difference in a survival scenario.

“Whether you’d be heading for the hills or not, this index gives a light-hearted look at which counties might offer the best shot at staying safe — and which ones you might want to avoid if the unthinkable ever happened.

“So, while you're counting down the days until the next episode, you can start planning your survival strategy... Just in case!”