The Last of Us: Ireland Edition – Top Counties for Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse
Ever watched The Last of Us and thought, “Where in Ireland would I actually survive this?” Well, wonder no more.
As Season 2 continues to grip viewers, we’ve crunched the numbers and ranked Ireland’s counties based on their ability to survive a zombie apocalypse. Whether you’re planning your escape from Dublin’s city centre or scouting for a secluded farm in Tipp, this guide could be the difference between thriving… or becoming zombie-bait.
As experts in analysing complex data to tell stories, our digital PR team analysed data from the CSO to create the Zombie Apocalypse Survival Index – a totally serious, not-at-all-panicked look at where in Ireland you’d have the best (or worst) chance of outlasting zombies.
Let’s get to it.
Top 10 Counties to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse
From lakes to farmland and distance from danger, these are the best places to ride out an apocalypse in peace — and hopefully in one piece.
1. Galway – Survival Score: 442.5
Galway takes the crown as Ireland’s safest haven when the undead rise. With a low population density of just 45.1 people per km², you’re far less likely to run into infected neighbours. But it’s the 28,499 hectares of lakes and reservoirs, vast stretches of 336,401 hectares of farmland, and the rugged, mountainous terrain of Connemara that truly make this a clicker-proof paradise. Just like Joel and Ellie found safety in Jackson, Galway offers a perfect blend of resources and natural defences. If the outbreak starts tomorrow, pack your bags and head west.
2. Cork – Survival Score: 425.9
“The Rebel County” proves it’s just as rebellious against brain-eaters as it is historically. With a huge supply of farmland (529,666 hectares — the most in Ireland), and close proximity to essential services like pharmacies (2.88 km away) and supermarkets (2.43 km), Cork offers both space and supplies. The presence of major universities like UCC and MTU may also mean access to labs, gear, and — if you’re lucky — a scientist who knows how to synthesise a cure. Or at least someone handy with a Molotov.
3. Limerick – Survival Score: 421.0
With 203,732 hectares of agricultural land and high elevations of up to 918 metres, Limerick is ideal for self-sufficiency and high-ground security. The county’s tallest landmark, the Clayton Hotel, could double as your personal watchtower — à la Joel and Ellie’s rooftop scouting in Pittsburgh. It’s the perfect place to track incoming threats, spot rogue groups, or just enjoy a view while filtering rainwater.
4. Waterford – Survival Score: 378.1
“The Crystal County” shines bright as a survival hub, combining accessibility with resources. Pharmacies are just 2.9 km away, supermarkets are a mere 2.2 km down the road, and 122,231 hectares of farmland mean you can keep your pantry full even if the world ends. Bonus: Waterford is one of Ireland’s sunniest spots, with 1,349 hours of sunshine a year — ideal for growing food or maintaining morale while the world burns.
5. Tipperary – Survival Score: 372.5
It may be a long way to Tipperary, but it’s worth the trip. With only 39 people per km², 5,239 hectares of freshwater lakes, and 312,356 hectares of agricultural land, Tipperary has all the makings of an off-grid, apocalypse-proof lifestyle, ideal for growing vegetables, fish quietly in the lake, and lay low from infected hordes.
The 10 Worst Counties to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse
Some counties might be beautiful, but they’re far from ideal if the undead come knocking. High density, long distances from essential services, and a lack of farmland or natural resources could make survival next to impossible.
1. Roscommon – Survival Score: 178.8
Roscommon might seem peaceful, but it’s a trap. Despite being relatively quiet with a population density of 27.6 people per km², access to emergency services is grim. The nearest A&E is 43.2 km away, and pharmacies are 6 km out — a long, risky walk if you’re bitten. It does have decent water access (9,162 hectares of lakes), but in an emergency, distance equals danger.
2. Monaghan – Survival Score: 215.2
With limited agricultural land (104,046 hectares) and extremely poor access to A&E services (43.1 km), Monaghan doesn’t score well for long-term survival. Even though supermarkets are close by (2.43 km), the lack of high ground or serious food production puts you at the mercy of the elements — and the infected.
3. Longford – Survival Score: 220.1
This compact county might have some appeal, but its lack of elevation (just 278 metres), limited farmland, and middling access to services make it a risky refuge. When Joel and Ellie sought safe zones in The Last of Us, they avoided flat, exposed areas. You should too.
4. Leitrim – Survival Score: 231.2
Leitrim is stunning — and that’s the problem. While there are 8,367 hectares of lakes and beautiful scenery, it’s a logistical nightmare in an emergency. With pharmacies 5.7 km away and A&E 37.9 km out, a twisted ankle could turn into a death sentence. It’s peaceful… until it isn’t.
5. Clare – Survival Score: 283.9
With 201,829 hectares of farmland, Clare has one major asset — food. But don’t let that fool you. The county’s low elevation (532 metres) and difficult access to key medical services (42.9 km to A&E) make it dangerous. The infected won’t care how green the fields are.
Methodology: How We Built the Survival Index
To figure out where you’d have the best odds, we used real data from the CSO to score each of Ireland’s 26 counties across several zombie apocalypse-critical categories:
- Population Density – Fewer people = fewer infected. Simple.
- Distance to Pharmacies, A&E, and Supermarkets – Because you’ll need more than just toilet paper to survive.
- Access to Fresh Water – Lakes and reservoirs can be vital when clean water runs dry.
- Farmland Coverage – If the shops close forever, you’ll need somewhere to grow your own spuds.
- Mountainous Terrain – Great for scouting threats and staying off-grid.
Each factor was assigned a score out of 100 and the counties were ranked based on their total survival score.
Ready to Pick Your Safe Zone?
Whether you’re mapping out your escape from Dublin or settling into a cabin in Galway, this guide should help you make informed decisions before the spores spread.
Stay alert, stay prepared — and maybe download a few survival podcasts. Just in case.