Ireland’s Hardest Working Counties Revealed
Every day, people across Ireland get up early, travel long distances, and put in the hours to keep the country running. But which county works the hardest of them all?
To find out, Procure.ie analysed data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to uncover which parts of Ireland are putting in the most effort when it comes to getting to work and staying employed.
The study looked at three key indicators of working life in Ireland:
- The average distance people travel to work
- The average time spent on the journey
- The number of unemployed people in each county
Each data point was then assigned a weighted score out of 100, and the scores were totalled to create a Hard-Working Index score out of 300.
Together, these factors reveal where Ireland’s most dedicated workers live. The results show that Laois leads the way as Ireland’s hardest-working county.
Top 5 Hardest Working Counties in Ireland
1. Laois (Index Score: 271.5)
Laois tops the list as Ireland’s hardest-working county. Residents here travel some of the furthest distances to reach their workplaces and spend long periods commuting each day. With one of the lowest unemployment levels in the country, Laois workers are putting in the effort both on the road and on the job. The findings highlight a county defined by consistency, determination, and a strong local work ethic.
2. Meath (Index Score: 266.6)
Meath ranks second, supported by a strong employment rate and long commuting patterns, particularly among those travelling into Dublin and the Greater Leinster area. The data shows Meath residents spend significant time travelling to and from work, reflecting a county of determined commuters who make up a key part of Ireland’s commuter economy.
3. Leitrim (Index Score: 249)
Leitrim comes in third, achieving high scores for workforce participation and steady employment. Despite being one of Ireland’s smaller and more rural counties, Leitrim’s population is clearly among the most active and engaged in the country. The results show that hard work is not limited to cities, but thrives in smaller communities too.
4. Wicklow (Index Score: 244.2)
Known for its scenic views, Wicklow’s workers face some of Ireland’s longest commutes. Many residents travel daily to Dublin, which demonstrates their strong work ethic and commitment to maintaining employment despite the challenges of travel time. The county’s place in the top five reflects a balance between quality of life and professional ambition.
5. Westmeath (Index Score: 243.9)
Westmeath completes the top five, showing strong employment figures and longer-than-average journey times. The county’s workforce continues to grow, contributing significantly to the regional economy across the Midlands. The findings underline Westmeath’s reputation for reliability and hard work.
Counties rounding out the top ten also performed strongly in the study. Roscommon ranked sixth, with residents travelling considerable distances to work and maintaining one of the lower unemployment levels nationally. Offaly followed in seventh place, supported by a dependable workforce and growing local economy.
Cavan came next, reflecting steady employment levels and a healthy balance between local jobs and commuter activity. In ninth place, Kildare continues to show the impact of long commutes into Dublin, where many residents spend significant time travelling each day. Completing the top ten, Longford demonstrated a consistent work ethic across the county, with strong participation in the labour force and a willingness among workers to travel for employment opportunities.
Top 20 Hardest Working Counties
Our research underlines the effort and dedication behind the nation’s workforce. At Procure.ie we believe that your business energy should back that same commitment.
By comparing suppliers, negotiating market-leading deals and securing the most competitive business energy rates, we empower businesses to reduce overheads and invest more into their teams and operations. Find out how much your business could save today.
Methodology
To determine Ireland’s hardest-working counties, the team at Procure.ie analysed publicly available data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
The index was based on three key factors:
- Average distance from home to workplace (kilometres)
- Average journey time to work (minutes)
- Total number of unemployed persons per county
Each factor was indexed and combined to produce an overall score, ranking every county from highest (hardest working) to lowest.
