Moving to a new town is a hard decision, but looking back at the places you left behind, you realise exactly why you walked away in the first place.
There are certain notorious Irish towns people vow never to return to for various reasons. Mostly it’s due to a lack of local career opportunities, poor nightlife, or a depressing atmosphere.
While adjusting in a new place can sometimes be difficult, those who managed to escape insist there is simply no going back. Here are ten Irish towns people say they would never move back to.
10. Larne, Co. Antrim – the industrial gateway people love to leave
Larne is a small port town in Northern Ireland located on the east coast of County Antrim. Many former residents who grew up here claim the town has lost its coastal charm and there is little to motivate them to stay.
While it’s a functional place to live, most people cite heavy industrial traffic, dereliction, and a lack of social spaces.
Additionally, limited job opportunities have led many people, especially the younger generation, to relocate to larger urban centres.
They prefer to relocate to nearby towns such as Belfast, which offer a better quality of life.
9. Tipperary Town, Co. Tipperary – bypassed by economic growth
Over the past few years, Tipperary Town has faced severe economic decline, with derelict shopfronts and a perceived lack of modern amenities.
This makes the town centre feel quiet, especially during peak afternoon hours when residents expect the streets to be vibrant.
The town lacks a significant investment or regeneration plan, giving residents little incentive to stay. For young graduates and ambitious professionals, Tipperary Town lacks meaningful career opportunities.
While many locals are still proud of its natural inland beauty, former residents vow never to return.
8. Shannon, Co. Clare – a planned town that feels sterile
Those who dislike Shannon are generally driven away by its lack of a traditional town vibe. Unlike most historic Irish towns that grew organically over the years, Shannon was a planned town.
It was built to accommodate workers constructing the nearby airport and the free trade industrial zone.
Many people who grew up here say the town has a sterile architecture that feels very industrial.
Despite the town being a crucial employment hub, former residents prefer to relocate to places with more authentic charm such as Galway or Ennis.
7. Longford Town, Co. Longford – the Midlands spot struggling with dereliction
Longford Town frequently appears on the list of Irish towns that have completely lost their charm.
Many people who have lived here often mention the heavy traffic congestion, high vacancy rates, and socio-economic deprivation as the major issues.
While former residents have fond memories of this town, the harsh economic reality demotivates them from moving back permanently.
For the younger generation, Longford Town offers limited nightlife and amenities, leading to boredom and isolation.
Due to the scarce employment opportunities in this town, most young professionals move to neighbouring towns and villages to seek a better quality of life.
6. Athy, Co. Kildare – commuter convenience with little local charm
Athy is an active community with diverse outdoor activities that locals cherish. However, it is not unusual to find towns within the Dublin commuter belt losing their historical identity.
Despite the convenient transport links to the capital and low housing costs, some people choose to stay away, never to return.
The most common issues that drive people away include high unemployment rates and a lack of investment in youth facilities and amenities.
A severe commercial vacancy rate within the town centre also makes the town appear neglected.
5. Ballinasloe, Co. Galway – a quiet town that lost its charm
Ballinasloe is famous for its annual October horse fair, but once the festival is over, the town can feel quiet and subdued.
People who have relocated from this town often cite issues such as a lack of economic growth, limited local entertainment, and a commuter-town feel.
There are also complaints about limited job opportunities for youth and highly skilled professionals.
This forces them to move to nearby areas such as Athlone and Galway City to seek better prospects.
While Ballinasloe is an ideal place for those looking for a peaceful retirement spot, it can be socially isolating.
4. Navan, Co. Meath – urban sprawl without the urban benefits
Navan is one of the Irish towns people regret moving to, where locals complain about spending more time commuting than at home.
While the town offers a more affordable lifestyle than most major towns, infrastructure issues remain a major cause of frustration.
Former Navan residents who look back at why they left say they were tired of the grueling daily commute.
The growing population has overrun what the town can handle due to poorly planned estates. There are also limited shopping and entertainment options within the town, leaving many locals eager to leave permanently.
3. Carlow Town, Co. Carlow – a student hub with housing issues
Most people who have moved out of Carlow often cite poor public transportation and a lack of modern housing as the major issues.
The local student population helps keep the town busy during the academic term, but the vibe changes once summer begins.
Most former residents moved to major cities such as Dublin after completing their education in Carlow.
Some residents also feel the town lacks enough employment and lifestyle opportunities for the youth, forcing them to move to other towns and cities.
Many shops within the town centre have either closed or relocated. Some locals blame this on poor urban planning and high commercial rates.
2. Tuam, Co. Galway – battling a historical shadow
According to most online forums and social discussions, securing employment in Tuam is one of the main reasons most people are moving away permanently.
The town has suffered economic stagnation for many years, with poor infrastructure compared to its thriving urban neighbours.
Young professionals also describe life here as “Siberian” as the town lacks modern social amenities and nightlife.
Despite efforts by local groups to revamp the town, those who have left prefer to stay away completely as there are too few incentives to change their minds.
1. Arklow, Co. Wicklow – a coastal town that lost its tide
Arklow residents often praise this town for its beautiful coastline and a good work-life balance.
However, those who are dissatisfied mention that the town has a decaying main street. They express disappointment with the town centre, noting that it has seen little development over the years.
There are fewer high-quality dining and entertainment options compared to neighbouring towns such as Gorey.
While older people appreciate the town’s quiet, slow pace of life, younger people prefer to move elsewhere for a better lifestyle.
