Two Mayo towns are best in Ireland for 'work-life balance'

Castlebar and Ballina have emerged as the best places to live in terms of work-life balance in Ireland.

According to a survey from Switcher.ie, the county town is the best place to live in, while the North Mayo capital is in second place.

The study is based on data like access to local amenities like primary schools, major supermarkets and leisure centres, services like broadband speed and mobile coverage, proximity to green spaces and transport routes, plus house prices and crime rates.

The Work-Life Balance Act 2023 was brought in by the Irish Government last year, with the Work Place Relations Commission introducing a new Code of Practice regards remote and flexible working during 2024.

The top five towns that emerged as the best place in terms of work-life balance were Castlebar, Ballina, Longford, Wexford town, and Arklow, Co Wicklow.

Castlebar grabbed the top spot as it is well provided for in terms of supermarkets and leisure centre facilities. It also has good primary school provision, and parks. 

"It’s a bustling town that offers a winning mix of leisure facilities, shops, cafes, good connectivity and plenty of green spaces," Switcher.ie said.

"With affordable housing, a low crime rate, and easy access to schools and health services - it’s a great place to balance work and family life.

It also found that Ballina was the best place to balance work with family.

"With the River Moy and Belleek Woods on its doorstep, the small town of Ballina in County Mayo offers the best of both worlds. Affordable housing, good local amenities, and accessible services set in such a lovely location make Ballina the perfect town to work and raise a family."