If affordability is high on your priority list and you’re wondering where the cheapest place to live in Ireland is, we’ve got you covered. At the end of last year, average house prices in the Emerald Isle were €290,998, but there are plenty of areas where property is much cheaper than this. Here are five affordable places to buy a home in Ireland.
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Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim – Average property price €121,421
Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim
As the name suggests, Carrick-on-Shannon lies on the banks of the River Shannon in County Leitrim. It is an attractive town with a lovely marina, vibrant atmosphere and welcoming community.
The town is surrounded by stunning countryside and is considered the central point for cruising in Ireland with riverboating and bird watching being popular pastimes.
The town is also the location of “Carrick Carnival”. This action-packed 10-day festival takes place around the June Bank Holiday weekend and involves a whole host of free family events, an air stunt show, live music and even a firework display.
Monaghan Town, County Monaghan – Average property price €189,000
Lough Muckno, County Monaghan – JASM Photography_Shutterstock
County Monaghan is part of both the Ulster province and the Republic of Ireland. Known as Contae Mhuineacháin in Irish, meaning “the county of small thickets” or “small hills”, the county certainly lives up its name with lush countryside blanketed with delicate green hills. Some even call it Ireland’s ‘best-kept’ secret.
The county is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors. Lough Muckno is ideal for angling and wakeboarding while the rugged countryside is a hiker’s dream. There are no shortage of quaint market towns to explore either.
Monaghan Town is the county town and is a thriving market town with clean, well-kept streets and affordable property. If you’re looking to really live the Irish lifestyle, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of traditional Irish pubs where you can enjoy live music, plenty of banter and good food.
Waterford City, County Waterford – Average property price €202,150
Waterford city
Officially voted as the ‘Best Place to Live in Ireland’ by the Irish Times, the city of Waterford ticks many boxes, with affordability being one of the main reasons it won such a title.
Waterford is actually Ireland’s oldest city and is rich in history dating back to the Vikings. The city also used to be a major hub for Ireland’s wine, textile and glass trade, evidence of which is still present today.
The city is full of life with numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the best are the West Waterford Festival of Food and the Waterford Film Festival. There are also plenty of traditional pubs, gourmet restaurants, excellent shopping and a pretty harbour lined with impressive Georgian townhouses.
Those who live in Waterford regularly say the city offers the perfect balance between city bustle and the community feel of a town.
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Blackrock, County Louth – Average property price €278,125
Blackrock, County Louth
Blackrock is a delightful seaside town sheltered in the crook of Dundalk Bay. It was described by the Irish Times as “an old-fashioned holiday destination with chip shops, ice-cream and tea stops, yet regular bus and train services from Dundalk to both Dublin and Belfast making it a modern commuter town”.
Being by the sea, the watersports on offer are second to none. Swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing, windsurfing and kite surfing are all popular activities. The town also boasts some award-winning restaurants and bars.
The community in Blackrock are very conscientious and there is a very active tidy towns group who take pride in keeping the town clean and litter free. They have done such a good job that Blackrock was Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town in 2019!
Gorey, County Wexford – Average property price €284,411
Dunbrody Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery in County Wexford
Last but not least is Gorey in County Wexford. This is a buzzing market town that expertly combines urban and rural living. The town is becoming an ever more popular commuter town for those who work in Dublin thanks to its excellent road and rail links.
The town has something to offer all ages. There are wonderful countryside and stately homes nearby as well as great shopping, clubs, bars, restaurants and lots of activities for children.
Gorey is also a brilliant base to explore the rest of Ireland’s Ancient East with the medieval towns of Kilkenny and Glendalough both being within easy driving distance.
