Wicklow, Ireland

Capital City

Living in Wicklow isn't all picturesque seascapes and rolling hills - the town has its fair share of challenges. With a population of just under 13,000, Wicklow is heavily reliant on its status as a commuter town to Dublin, located 42 km to the north. While the climate is generally mild, locals must contend with sharp temperature drops in winter due to the town's exposure to easterly winds. And the history of Wicklow is not without its dark moments, with accounts of "savage and indiscriminate" violence by English troops in the 17th century. Overall, Wicklow offers an appealing coastal lifestyle, but the bureaucratic headaches and climatic quirks may be more than some are willing to deal with.