Three Reasons Why Skerries Has Been Named Best Town in the World
What makes a town the best place to live? Is it the community spirit, the weather, or the level of engagement in social causes? English anthropologist Daniel Miller sought to answer this question during his 16-month study of an Irish town he named Cuan. Local media quickly identified Cuan as Skerries, the award winning seaside town in North County Dublin. . Miller’s findings shed light on why Skerries could be the world’s best town to live in, revealing three key features that make it stand out.
Tight-Knit Community
With around 10,000 residents, Skerries may seem like any other small town, but it boasts a vibrant and tight-knit community. Residents express their fondness for the town, highlighting its welcoming atmosphere and the strong sense of camaraderie among its inhabitants. As local Margo Fox told Newstalk, “Everyone looks out for one another but no one lives in your ear, so to speak.” This balance between neighbourly concern and personal space fosters an environment where people feel connected yet independent.
Skerries isn’t just about living side by side; it’s about living life together. The town offers activities and events catering to various interests. From sports clubs to cultural gatherings, there’s always something happening there. “We’re fanatical about sport, so any club you can think of is here,” Fox said. Whether it’s Gaelic football, hurling, rugby, or cricket, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Skerries also boasts great schools, pubs, and restaurants, ensuring that residents have access to a diverse range of amenities.
Social Commitment and Community Engagement
Beyond recreational pursuits, Skerries residents are actively engaged in social causes and community initiatives. Environmental activism, in particular, holds a special place in the hearts of many locals. Miller observes that environmentalism is highly valued in the town, reflecting a broader commitment to societal well-being over individual gain. Residents join committees not for prestige but out of a sense of duty and communal responsibility.
Moreover, Skerries is a melting pot of diversity and inclusion. Immigrants from Eastern Europe and asylum seekers find a welcoming home in the town, participating in various community endeavours alongside longtime residents. Maeve McGann, a driving force behind the Tidy Towns committee, spoke to The Guardian about the importance of integration and mutual understanding among Skerries’ residents. For her, community involvement is not just about beautifying the town but also about building bridges between people from different backgrounds.
Calming Environment
Aside from its vibrant community and social engagement. Stepping into the town feels like entering a bubble of serenity, shielded from the chaos of the outside world. Skerries’ coastal location offers respite from the urban hustle, with its own microclimate characterised by fair weather and gentle breezes.
Located 30 km from central Dublin, its roads narrow after passing under a railway bridge. “People joke that if you leave the tunnel you get a nosebleed because the air is so rarified,” David Diebold told The Guardian. “Some days it feels like The Truman Show with blue skies overhead while it’s raining in the rest of Dublin.”In conclusion, Skerries embodies the essence of an ideal community – one where people come together not just to coexist but to thrive. Miller’s study sheds light on what makes Skerries special, highlighting its tight-knit community, social commitment, and pleasant surroundings as key factors contributing to its charm. Whether it’s the warmth of its people or the tranquillity of its coastal views, Skerries offers a glimpse of the good life, tucked away on the shores of County Dublin.
