Cork second safest for zombie apocalypse!

Cork has ranked second among the safest counties in Ireland in which to survive a zombie apocalypse, and it’s not for our lack of delicious brains!

Only Galway was ranked as being safer in the long-awaited Zombie Apocalypse Survival Index created by Digital PR company Legacy Communications.

The zombie experts at Legacy examined key survival factors, including population density, the distance to pharmacies, A&E units, and supermarkets, as well as access to agricultural land, fresh water, and high point mountainous areas, all crucial for avoiding becoming zombie-bait.

Overall, Munster seems like a decent place to ride out a zombie apocalypse with Limerick, Waterford, and Tipperary ranking 3rd, 4th, and 5th safest respectively. Sorry Dublin!

Galway topped the list with a survival score of 442.5 thanks to its low population density of just 45.1 people per km squared, access to 28,499 hectares of fresh water, 336,401 hectares of farmland, and the natural protection of the Connemara mountains.

Cork came a close 2nd with a survival score of 425.9. Legacy found that Cork has the largest agricultural land in Ireland at 529,666 hectares, with pharmacies only 2.88km away and supermarkets 2.43km away, making it a prime location for survival.

Our two universities, UCC and MTU, would also be of great benefit, packed to the rafters with food, medicine, and clever people.

Limerick ranks 3rd with a score of 421.0. With its farmland, mountain ranges, and 918 metrehigh terrain, it offers both essential resources and a height advantage, perfect for spotting threats.

In 4th place, Waterford bagged a score of 378.1. Known for its abundant sunlight and 122,231 hectares of agricultural land, it is perfect for growing your own food. With pharmacies and supermarkets within 3km, survivors can easily grab supplies when needed, as long as they move quickly.

Tipperary rounds out the top five with a score of 372.5. With only 39 people per km², 5,239 hectares of lakes, and over 300,000 hectares of farmland, it’s the quiet, resource-rich spot you’d need to stay off the infected’s radar.

The Zombie Apocalypse Survival Index comes as season two of acclaimed series ‘The Last of Us’ hits Irish screens this week.

Mícheál Brennan, Head of Search Marketing at Legacy Communications, said: “While this research is, of course, tongue-in-cheek, it’s built on real data and highlights how access to resources like food, water, and healthcare can make all the difference in a survival scenario.

“Whether you’d be heading for the hills or not, this index gives a light-hearted look at which counties might offer the best shot at staying safe — and which ones you might want to avoid if the unthinkable ever happened.

“So, while you're counting down the days until the next episode, you can start planning your survival strategy just in case!” he added.