Situated in the heart of Ireland, we are one of the country’s fastest growing regions, built on a proud history of community, industry, openness and a more authentic way of life. Home to a young, dynamic population, the Midlands is thriving and open to you.
The Midlands region encompasses 4 counties, each with their own distinct character
The Midlands of Ireland is a thriving, vibrant region located in the heart of Ireland. Within easy reach of coastal cities, with opportunities for living, learning, enterprise and tourism. Encompassing the counties of Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath, it is one of Irelands youngest and fastest growing regions, home to 324,600 people.
Longford is located in the heart of the Lakelands, making it the ideal location for angling, kayaking or perhaps a boat trip to experience the stunning lakes and river first-hand. Most of Longford lies on the River Shannon with Lough Ree forming much of the county’s western boundary.
Often referred to as ‘the Lake County’ due to the abundance of lakes, rivers and waterways, Westmeath is the largest county by population in the Midlands at 95,840. Home to the vibrant university town of Athlone, and Irelands’ music capital, Mullingar.
From the Slieve Bloom mountains, to the wide open spaces of the vast peatlands, Offaly is a county with space to explore. The county town of Tullamore is a hub for regional business, while the Georgian town of Birr hosts a thriving tourism and arts scene.
The county of Laois is the most southerly of the Midlands. The diverse landscape features the Slieve Bloom mountains to the lavish country estates and woodlands, with wonderful organic and artisan producers. The county town of Portlaoise is a thriving centre for enterprise, within easy reach of Ireland’s main cities.
The Midlands of Ireland is a thriving, vibrant region located in the heart of Ireland. Within easy reach of coastal cities, with opportunities for living, learning, enterprise and tourism. Encompassing the counties of Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath, it is one of Irelands youngest and fastest growing regions, home to 324,600 people.
Longford is located in the heart of the Lakelands, making it the ideal location for angling, kayaking or perhaps a boat trip to experience the stunning lakes and river first-hand. Most of Longford lies on the River Shannon with Lough Ree forming much of the county’s western boundary.
Often referred to as ‘the Lake County’ due to the abundance of lakes, rivers and waterways, Westmeath is the largest county by population in the Midlands at 95,840. Home to the vibrant university town of Athlone, and Irelands’ music capital, Mullingar.
From the Slieve Bloom mountains, to the wide open spaces of the vast peatlands, Offaly is a county with space to explore. The county town of Tullamore is a hub for regional business, while the Georgian town of Birr hosts a thriving tourism and arts scene.
The county of Laois is the most southerly of the Midlands. The diverse landscape features the Slieve Bloom mountains to the lavish country estates and woodlands, with wonderful organic and artisan producers. The county town of Portlaoise is a thriving centre for enterprise, within easy reach of Ireland’s main cities.
The Irish Midlands is the most connected region in Ireland, centrally located and within easy reach of coastal cities thanks to strong connections to national motorways, rail lines and transport services.
Encompassing the counties of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath, the region is home to the bustling towns of Athlone, Tullamore, Portlaoise, Mullingar and Longford, as well a host of smaller towns and villages. Wide open space is at the heart of the region, with a diverse landscape ranging from mountains to lakes, rivers and our beautiful peatlands.
The Midlands is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and also the youngest, with 50% of people under 35.
The Midlands has a younger demographic than the national average with almost 50% of people under 35 years of age, an expanding network of Innovation, Technology and Co-Working Hubs distributed throughout the region plus emerging Research clusters in Life Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, and Low Carbon/Green Enterprise.
Household gross income is in line with the national average at €45,610 but is supported by lower costs, giving a higher standard of living.
With lower childcare costs, rents and property prices distributed throughout the four counties, living is significantly more affordable than in much of the surrounding country, and particularly when compared to key coastal cities.
With a household gross income in line with the national average, prospective buyers have more purchasing power here than in other major counties.
MidlandsIreland.ie is a joint initiative from the Local Authorities of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. The project is an action of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024, and is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027. Working together, and with the other public and private stakeholders of the region, our aim is to promote the Midlands region a destination of choice to invest, live, work, study and visit – by showcasing our region and highlighting all we have to offer.
Discover a different pace in a region filled with lakes, rivers and forests. From vibrant towns, to rural villages, and the best in locally-grown produce. We’re home to many of Ireland’s largest festivals and events. The Midlands truly offers something for everyone.
Discover a new pace & more space
From vibrant towns, to quiet country villages, the Midlands is a great place to call home. With better value housing, excellent schools, all closer to nature and wide-open spaces, more people than ever are choosing to live in the heart of Ireland.
Discover opportunities to grow & develop
Discover new opportunities, and new career paths in the Midlands. Our regional employers are hiring, with roles in tech, engineering, manufacturing and much more.
Discover open spaces & thrilling activities
From ancient historical sites, wonderful lakes and outdoors trails, to warm friendly people and fantastic eateries. It is also in places like this where you can enjoy wide open tranquil spaces, the sounds of nature, catch your breath and slow down.
Discover your future, wherever you want to go
Learn in an education system that is both creative and practical, from our regional university, TUS, through to our lifelong learning opportunities. Upskill, reskill, train and grow with the thousands of students who choose to study in the Midlands each year.
Discover a connected region to build your business
Take your business forward to the next level in a region that has the supports, connections, location and people to help you grow, whatever stage your business is at. From award-winning start-ups, to the world’s largest MNC’s, discover why business is choosing to locate in the Midlands.
