Claremorris, Ireland

Life in Claremorris is no fairytale. This small west Irish town saw its population surge by 31% from 2006 to 2011 and another 23% from 2002 to 2006, reaching 3,857 residents as of the 2022 census. While it boasts amenities like two secondary schools and a modern leisure center, the relentless cloud cover - averaging under 1,200 hours of sunshine annually - can be a persistent headache. And with over 13,000 vehicles passing through daily, bureaucratic hassles around traffic and infrastructure are a daily reality. Claremorris may appeal to those seeking a more affordable pace of life in Ireland, but it's no idyllic rural retreat.