"Depressed" in a socio-economic context is measured using various indicators such as unemployment rates, educational attainment, and social status. Bunclody in County Wexford was identified in a significant 2014 study by Teagasc as the most economically depressed town in Ireland at that time based on an index of unemployment and inward migration.
Pearse Street
Perhaps surprisingly, Pearse Street Garda station in Dublin's south inner city is at the centre of Ireland's most crime-ridden district.
Part of the central area of Limerick city, JOHN'S A (King's Island), is considered to be an extremely disadvantaged area in the country with a Deprivation Index Score of -31.9.
Ireland ranks alongside France, Belgium, Finland and the Netherlands as the five EU countries most affected by depression due to psychosocial factors such as job strain, long working hours, job insecurity and workplace bullying, according to the finding of a recent study by the European Trade Union Institute.
Housing was seen as the most important issue facing the Republic of Ireland as of 2025, with 64 percent of respondents placing it as one of the top two issues facing the country.
Ireland has ranked 15th in the 2025 World Happiness Report, making it one of the happiest countries in the world. This blog explores what makes Ireland such a great place to live and study, especially for international students.
Kinsale, Kenmare, and Westport all feature in our 'Ireland's prettiest-town' list. Towns and villages in Ireland combine local charm, walkable streets, history and culture. Visit breweries, take a walking tour or visit filming locations in some of these towns and villages.
Welcome to Drum - the only Protestant village in Republic of Ireland. They march to a very different beat in the village of Drum, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it sort of place that still manages to be an eye-opener in the heart of Co Monaghan.
Affordable locations and local life
ON A BREAK In a world where hustle often overshadows well-being, Hong Kong has been consistently ranked as the world's unhappiest city. The relentless pursuit of success or sustenance can lead to burnout, reminding us all of the importance of taking a break to recharge and rejuvenate.
The United States typically reports higher rates of depression compared to many other nations. Contributing factors may include individualistic cultural values, socioeconomic stressors, and better access to mental health screening.
New evidence shows that people who maintain a range of healthy habits, from good sleep to physical activity to strong social connections, are significantly less likely to experience depression.
What not to do in Ireland
Safest towns to live and work
Newbridge had the lowest rate of recorded crime per 1,000 people in 2022, giving it the top spot as the safest place to live. Top 5 safest places to live and work: Newbridge. Cobh.
It may not seem like a big deal to wear a hat wherever you go when you're in most countries. However, in Ireland it is considered rude to not take off your hat when you're entering a home, church or pub, so do remember this! (Alternatively, it might help to not wear a hat at all.)
Buncrana 'is the most Catholic town' BUNCRANA has been named the most Catholic town in the Republic. BUNCRANA has been named the most Catholic town in the Republic. Figures released by the Republic's Central Statistics Office showed that 94.3% of people in Buncrana were Catholic.
“Drum” or “Drom” comes from the Irish word “Droim/Drom” meaning “ridge.” Place names such as Drumwood, or “Coill an Droma” in Irish, mean “The Wood of the Ridge.”
The Eastern Orthodox Church was Ireland's second largest Christian denomination, with 2.1% of the population identifying as Orthodox Christians. It has been Ireland's fastest-growing religion since 1991.
Scenic Attractions in Ireland
Ennis named 'Ireland's Friendliest Place' at AIBMS Retail Excellence Awards 2022. Ennis, County Clare, known as the 'Boutique Capital of Ireland', was officially named 'Ireland's Friendliest Place' at the AIBMS Retail Excellence Awards ceremony at the Galmont Hotel, Galway, on Saturday, 12th November.
A 'good' salary in Ireland generally ranges from €50,000 to €70,000 per year. This would allow a single person or small family to live comfortably, especially outside of Dublin.
2. High Cost of Living. Ireland, particularly cities like Dublin, has a high cost of living. Housing is a significant expense, with rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in Dublin averaging €1,500–€2,000 per month.
For most people, a household salary of €100,000 would put a family in the category of “rich”. And if you earned that last year, you were among the top 6.6pc of employees, Revenue figures show. The average gross pay for a PAYE worker nationwide was €42,100 in 2024, while the Dublin average was €49,500.
The actual roles in highest demand vary depending on the industry, but here's a snapshot of the top ten jobs employers will be hiring for in 2024: