Killucan, Ireland 4.46

The villages of Killucan and Rathwire nestle closely together in gentle, rolling countryside in the east of the County Westmeath, Ireland. They have a combined population of 1,682 according to the 2011 census. Killucan is on the R156 road about 15km from Mullingar and 60km from Dublin.Local economyThe villages have prospered throughout their history due to their excellent land and transport links to Dublin. The Royal Canal and the Sligo-Dublin railway line pass through the area although neither is used as a mode of transport any more. The canal is impractical while the railway station (called Killucan Station and located nearby at Riverstown) closed many years ago (although the line remains in use). Killucan and its neighbouring village of Rathwire have recently prospered due to their proximity to the M4 motorway to Dublin which means it is less than an hour's drive away, well within Dublin's ever expanding commuter belt. This has led to the construction of many new housing estates in recent years as the Celtic Tiger has led to many new houses being needed within reach of Dublin. Killucan/Rathwire was well suited to this rapid expansion as it had many of the facilities needed for an increased population, unlike many other of the small towns in Ireland which have rapidly grown recently. There are three primary schools and one secondary school in the area as well as ample sport facilities (such as a free golf course and fishing lake), a library and many other amenities. The majority of its inhabitants work in Dublin or nearby Mullingar. The only large employer in the area is Shay Murtagh's Quarry and concrete production.