Castlebar Ranked Ireland’s Best Town for Work–Life Balance — Mayo Dominates New National Survey
Castlebar Ranked Ireland’s Best Town for Work–Life Balance — Mayo Dominates New National Survey
A new national study has named Castlebar the best place in Ireland to live for a healthy work–life balance, with Ballina taking second place — giving County Mayo a dominant presence at the top of the list.
The rankings were compiled by Switcher.ie, which analysed towns across the country based on essential work and lifestyle factors.
Why Castlebar Took the Number One Spot
Castlebar secured the top position thanks to a combination of:
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More affordable house prices compared with larger Irish towns and cities
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Reliable broadband and strong mobile coverage, ideal for hybrid or remote workers
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Excellent local amenities, including schools, GP surgeries, supermarkets, cafés and leisure facilities
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Plenty of green spaces and walking routes
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Shorter commute times and favourable crime statistics
Switcher.ie’s analysis focused on both practical essentials — such as connectivity and services — and quality-of-life factors like access to nature, community facilities, and affordability.
Ballina Takes Second Place
Ballina also performed strongly, praised for its balance of affordability, natural beauty and community infrastructure. With scenic riverside views along the Moy, solid connectivity and a fast-growing amenity offering, the town continues to appeal to families, professionals, and remote workers alike.
Ireland’s Top Five Towns for Work–Life Balance
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Castlebar, Co. Mayo
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Ballina, Co. Mayo
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Longford Town
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Wexford Town
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Arklow, Co. Wicklow
Other towns that received honourable mentions include Cavan, Ashbourne, Galway, and Mullingar.
Meanwhile, Westport — previously crowned Ireland’s best place to live — remains widely celebrated for its lifestyle appeal despite not making this particular top five.
The Bigger Picture: Ireland’s Changing Workplace
The findings come as Ireland continues to adapt to more flexible working arrangements. The Work-Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, passed last year, supports employees in seeking remote and flexible work options.
Eoin Clarke, Commercial Director at Switcher.ie, said:
“Once the Code of Practice is in place for the Work-Life Balance Act 2023, many employees will have the right to request remote and flexible working arrangements. This means that hard-working Irish residents, many with families or carer responsibilities, should benefit from a better quality of life and a financial boost.”
He added:
“The good news is all the top towns in our study have lots to offer. Whether working remotely or commuting, there’s a great choice of affordable, well-served towns to raise a family or simply enjoy life.”
Conclusion
This latest survey reinforces what many already know — Mayo offers some of the best places to live in Ireland, with a strong mix of affordability, connectivity, natural amenities, and family-friendly communities. Both Castlebar and Ballina continue to thrive as two of the country’s most attractive towns for modern living.
