Donegal deemed second best county in Ireland to raise a family
Donegal has been deemed the second best county in Ireland to raise a family.
The experts at home insurance comparison site Quote Devil recently analysed key metrics, including the number of schools, average house prices, crime rates, access to green spaces, and local amenities, revealing the best counties for family living.
Mayo topped the list as Ireland’s most family-friendly county, with Donegal coming in second and Kerry taking third place.
Quote Devil said that Mayo offers ‘an appealing lifestyle with relatively affordable houses (€199,500). ‘
"The county has a low crime rate of 297 incidents per 10,000 residents, 151 primary schools, and 26 post-primary schools. Mayo offers families both security and strong educational opportunities.”
Quote Devil added that Donegal, ‘stands out as the second-most affordable in the top ten, with a median house price of €165,000, making it particularly attractive for growing families.’
"It also has the highest number of primary schools among the leaders at 171, improving access to local education, and offers 5.7 parks per 10,000 residents, supporting outdoor family life.”
Kerry’s house prices are slightly higher at €260,000, but ‘the county stands out for its exceptional access to green space, with 7.1 parks per 10,000 residents, and everyday convenience of over two supermarkets per 10,000 residents, making everyday life both active and accessible.’
Kildare faces the biggest challenges when it comes to family-friendly living,with high housing costs (€415,000 median price), limited green space (0.8 parks per 10,000 residents), and high crime levels (510.5 per 10,000 people).
Conor Mulcahy, Head of Product & Renewals at Quote Devil, shares his thoughts on the findings and what they mean for families choosing where to live:
“It’s important to note that ‘challenging’ doesn’t mean unsuitable. Many of these counties are still hugely popular with families thanks to strong communities, good job prospects, and reliable transport links.”
“Wherever you decide to settle, it’s worth protecting your home with the right home insurance, especially in areas where affordability or safety pressures are higher. Even when you’ve considered external factors like schools, green space, and local amenities in your county, family-friendly living also starts at home. Simple safety steps inside the house can make a big difference for peace of mind, daily convenience, and insurance readiness.”