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New analysis has found two midlands town cracked the top 20.
A midlands town has cracked the top ten for work-life balance in the country.
Athlone is ranked ninth in Switcher's latest report, with shopping centres and a regional fitness complex behind the justification for its position.
Castlebar, Ballina and Longford make up the top three on that list, while Mullingar comes in at 19 and Tullamore has been ranked 21st.
Portlaoise is last among the midlands representation, and 36th among the towns surveyed.
Mullingar also cracks the top five among best towns for hybrid-working, while Athlone is third in the best places for shopping, cafes and cheap eats.
Commercial Director of Switcher.ie, Eoin Clarke says:
"Once the Code of Practice is in place to support the Work-Life Balance Act 2023, many employees will have the right to request remote and flexible working arrangements. It means that hard-working Irish residents, many with families or carer responsibilities, should benefit from a better quality of life and a financial boost.
Property price is often a crucial factor when housebuying, but broadband and mobile coverage, easy access to local amenities and plentiful green spaces can make all the difference when juggling family commitments, home life and work.
The good news is all the top towns in our study have lots to offer. Whether working remotely or commuting, there's a good choice of affordable, well-served towns to raise a family or simply enjoy life. Hotspots range from places on the windswept west coast to the satellite towns of Dublin, with areas to suit every budget.
So, if you're planning to buy your first home or hunting for your next, don't just consider affordability - choose somewhere that makes you happy and strikes the perfect work-life balance, too."
For the full breakdown of Switcher's latest report on Work-Life Balance, see here.