Donegal, Ireland

Donegal may be a scenic wonderland, but its population of just 161,137 means you'll be battling bureaucracy and isolation at every turn. The county is the most rural in Ireland, with over 70% of residents living outside urban areas. And as the windiest place in the country, you can expect a climate that's downright Arctic - Malin Head records an average of 20 days of snowfall per year. While the region's natural beauty is undeniable, the persistent headache of red tape and bleakly cold winters make Donegal a tough sell for all but the most committed nature lovers.