Kerry tops the list of the best Irish counties to work from home
The Kingdom is top of the list of the best counties to work from home, followed by Clare, Laois, Roscommon, and “hidden gem” Donegal
A new law that affords a legal right to request remote working has prompted a league of the best counties for working from home – and Kerry is tops.
Since March 7, the legislation offers protection to workers in Part 2 of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. The legal wording explains that remote working is an arrangement in which employees work the same hours and duties at home as they would do in their employer’s workplace.
This entitlement allows employees to request remote working from their first day in a new job. They must however, have six months of continuous service with the employer before the arrangement can start.
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With the new law now in operation, telecommunications giant Virgin Media undertook research to find the best counties in Ireland for working from home.
Listing first is Kerry, followed by Clare, Laois, Roscommon, and “hidden gem” Donegal. The full list of the remaining counties shows Tipperary (6), Westmeath (7), Leitrim (8), Carlow (9), Wexford (10), Longford (11), Offaly (12), and Kilkenny (13).
This is followed by Waterford (14), Monaghan (15), Wicklow (16), Louth (17), Mayo (18), Cavan (19), Kildare (20), Meath (21), Dublin (22), Cork (23), Galway (24), Sligo (25), and Limerick (26).
A Virgin Media spokesperson said: “Recent legislation has paved the way for a more flexible approach to remote work, reflecting the evolving needs of the workforce.
“As the demand for remote work continues to rise, individuals are increasingly drawn to the benefits of working from home, seeking opportunities to improve productivity and improve their quality of life.”
In their study, they also analysed rent costs, broadband speed, crime rates, air quality, sunlight hours, number of restaurants and schools available.
The spokesperson said: “These metrics were chosen as key ranking factors due to their significant impact on remote working. Each metric was assigned a score between 0 and 1, and these individual scores were then summed to provide an overall score, revealing the best county for remote working.”
Kerry was chosen as the top county for remote working as CSO figures show the number of people who are now working from home in Ireland has increased from 19.89 per cent to 36.2 per cent over the last four years.
The spokesperson said: “Beyond its breathtaking beauty, Kerry proves to be an ideal destination for remote workers.
“With rent prices averaging around €1,035 per month, significantly lower than Dublin’s average €2,102 per month, Kerry offers an attractive living option. Moreover, the county ensures seamless remote work experiences with its fast broadband speed, averaging at 83.35mbps.
“Furthermore, Kerry boasts a safe environment, with a low crime rate index of 40.94. For those seeking less crowded locations, The Kingdom’s air quality index of 18 offers an inviting atmosphere for leisurely strolls and relaxation after work. With a choice of 635 restaurants, pubs and cafes, Kerry provides ample entertainment and dining choices, alongside a selection of primary schools.”
The spokesperson continued: “Clare ranks second in the best counties to work from home. The average monthly rent here is around €1,025 and has high-speed broadband reaching 101.65mbps.
“It’s an excellent choice for remote work. The Banner stands out as a safe county, boasting a low crime index of 44.8, notably lower than county Laois, which has a higher crime index of 60.82. Furthermore, county Clare offers ample opportunities to soak up vitamin D, with an average of 1305.12 sunlight hours per year.”
The spokesperson stated that despite its population of only 91,657, Laois is seen as “an excellent option for remote work” due to several factors.
He added: “Rent is affordable, around €1,136 per month, and the internet is super-fast, averaging 249.79mbps, one of the best in the country. It’s beautiful nature also provides good air quality, and for families with children, there are over 63 primary schools available.”
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