From bustling market hubs to struggling streets, we take a look at the Irish towns that have stagnated under economic pressure.
Ireland is undoubtedly a place of beauty and historical appeal, but many of its once-thriving towns are gradually becoming eyesores, unfit for homes and businesses. From lush green landscapes and vibrant streets, these towns are facing a daunting task to reclaim their lost glory. Long-established investments are folding and closing down day by day as they struggle to remain viable.
Recent data and reports on economic trends show that many towns in Ireland have been experiencing significant struggles and decline over the past decade, especially in the Midlands, North West, and South East. Most of these towns suffer from high rates of unemployment, lack of local investment, emigration, and dereliction, among other issues.
5. Bray, County Wicklow – the seafront hub that lost its shine
Bray has historically been described as a premier tourist destination, but over the past few years, this town, once known as the “Brighton of Ireland”, has gone through periods of decline and stagnation due to several factors, such as loss of traditional tourism, infrastructure issues, and a high cost of living.
Bray was a popular seaside resort, but over the years, its popularity has declined as more Irish holidaymakers are choosing foreign destinations. The closure of the Bray-Greystones Cliff Walk has been reported to cost the economy more than €73 million. Reports have also shown that economic and social issues, such as a lack of well-paying jobs and anti-social behaviour in some areas, have contributed to Bray’s decline.
4. Ballinasloe, County Galway – a proud gateway fighting to reclaim its glory
Ballinasloe was once a proud, thriving town. A town full of hope, community, and industry, but it has slowly been hollowed out. Locals believe this decline didn’t happen by accident, but the people in charge failed Ballinasloe.
Years of neglect have led to boarded-up shops and young people with no hope. Systemic challenges and economic shifts have led to the loss of major investors, which has dealt a massive blow to the local economy.
The Galway County Council has initiated projects like the Dunlo Hill Development to transform the derelict Ballinasloe Town through renovation and extension of existing terraced buildings.
3. Larne, County Antrim – the industrial port searching for a new lease of life
Larne, County Antrim, experiences persistent dereliction and vacancy in the town centre. Recent audit reports show that a quarter of properties in Larne Town are vacant, with areas like Port Street and Dunluce Street being the worst affected by dereliction.
Experts and local representatives believe that the Larne dereliction issue is a long-term problem that needs to be fixed. The former Dunnes Stores on Main Street, a prominent area in Larne town, is an example of a building that remains abandoned. Over 50 employees are reported to have lost their jobs when the store closed in 2019.
Dunluce Street has particularly been affected by dereliction as fences have been put up around a dilapidated building that has been abandoned for many years. But there are signs of a turnaround as local authorities are drawing up a masterplan to revitalise this town and reclaim its status.
2. Longford Town – the Midlands commercial centre that is struggling with vacancy
As of June 2025, the commercial vacancy rate in Longford Town was 14.8%, a 0.1 percentage point decrease compared to 14.9% recorded in December 2024. This is higher than the national average of 14.6% according to the GeoDirectory Commercial Vacancy Rates Report.
Many Longford businesses are vacating their premises due to industry pressures, including competition from more dominant commercial hubs in the East and South. This has led Longford shoppers to pull away from their local Main Street.
1. Tipperary Town – the heart of Tipp choked by traffic and neglect
Traffic congestion on the main street of Tipperary Town is a major cause of noise and air pollution, hindering local businesses. This town is literally being choked by pollution from vehicular traffic commuting through its historic streets.
Other issues that have plagued this town include a high vacancy rate at 31.2%, loss of indigenous manufacturing industries, and a lack of investment opportunities, resulting in social exclusion and a high unemployment rate.
In 2020, the Tipperary Town Revitalisation Task Force was established in response to mass protests by residents protesting against unemployment and high vacancy rates in the town. The task force operates under the Tipperary Strategy and Action Plan that seeks to facilitate the town’s long-term recovery.
While many of these towns have seemingly gone downhill, it is important to remember that many of these towns are currently undergoing rejuvenation. From local donor support to multi-million-euro government regeneration grants, there is a concerted effort to reverse these trends. Ireland has a long history of reinvention, and while these five towns have faced a difficult decade, we hope to see them return to their former glory in the near future.
