It’s one of the sunniest counties in the country, with reasonably priced housing, in the top 10 most scenic counties, and with inhabitants having access to facilities in Waterford city, the Comeragh Mountains and beaches along the famous Copper Coast.
The Ireland Liveability Index ascribes scores to each of the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland for the parameters that will influence people’s decision on the location of the ideal home.
These include house prices, sunshine, proximity to a city and natural amenities or scenery. Waterford tops the list, with a liveability score of 74, followed by Wexford (68), Donegal (67), Cork (63), Clare (61), Galway (60), Dublin (59), Louth (58), Wicklow (56), Kerry (56), Mayo (53), Tipperary (53), Limerick (52), Kilkenny (50), and Carlow (48).
The index stated: “Few of us have unlimited financial resources with which to purchase our ideal home, therefore, the cost of housing is one of the most important factors to consider when planning your next move. There is considerable variation across the country.”
In terms of residential property prices, Waterford ranked 13th, with a median house price of €222,000. Longford ranked first in this list, with a median house price of €150,000.
Clockwise from top: Waterford City, Copper Coast, and Lismore Castle are some of the attractions that make the Deise the most liveable place in Ireland
Today’s News in 90 seconds – 5th August 2025
“As a nation of sun worshippers, we depart in our droves to foreign climes every year for our sun holidays. But did you know that there is considerable variation in sunshine levels across our island. The far south east receives more than 1,600 hours of sunshine per annum. This contrasts with 1,000 hours in the more mountainous areas of the west.”
Waterford is the third sunniest county, with 1,356 hours of sunshine per year, behind Wexford and Dublin.
The report goes on to state: “We might dream of getting away from the hassle of city life but many of us like having the facilities and convenience of a city nearby.” The ‘proximity to city‘ index evaluates the distance that the average person in each county must travel to their nearest city. According to this, Waterford is in fifth place, behind Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick. The average distance to a city in County Waterford is 16km.
“The natural amenities of a location refer to the natural physical characteristics of an area that enhance the location as a place to live.”
Kerry tops the natural amenity ranking with its dramatic coastline, rugged mountains, including Ireland’s highest – Carrauntoohil, and beautiful lakes.
The top 10 counties in terms of natural amenities include the nine coastal counties stretching from Donegal in the north west to Waterford in the south east. Waterford is ranked ninth, sure to be disputed by some local residents who would regard it in the top five at least.