A new national survey commissioned by Lily O’Brien’s Chocolates has revealed the top traits that define the perfect neighbour in 2025, along with a regional breakdown showing where the country’s friendliest residents live.
The research shows that the hallmark of good neighbourliness is “keeping an eye on the house when someone’s away” (76%), followed by taking in parcels (60%) and keeping the noise down (57%). Thoughtful gestures remain highly valued, with two in five respondents saying “nothing beats a thoughtful gift like chocolates.”
Belfast has emerged as Ireland’s most neighbourly location, with 90% of residents reporting they are friends with their neighbours — well above the national average of 64%.
Elsewhere across the island, results varied:
Connacht: Sligo stood out at 75%, while Galway trailed at 63%.
Leinster: Athlone (70%) and Kilkenny (69%) led the province, with Dublin slightly below average at 62%.
Munster: Cork ranked lowest in Ireland at just 56%. Dingle and Limerick topped the province at 70%.
The survey identified five distinct neighbour personalities shaping Irish communities:
The Watcher – 37%
The Ghost – 35%
The Elected Official – 28%
The Party Animal – 12%
The Borrower – 9%
With the festive season approaching, 60% of adults say simple gestures — from a quick chat to dropping in a small gift — help bring communities together. Popular goodwill offerings include chocolates (43%), handwritten cards (41%) and wine (36%).
Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, highlighted the importance of connection: “Loneliness remains one of the greatest challenges facing older people… Simple acts of neighbourliness can make a profound difference.”
He urged the public to “Share Your Warmth” this Christmas.
Broadcaster Angela Scanlon, partnering with Lily O’Brien’s this year, added: “Building friendships with neighbours is about more than having someone to rely on – it’s about feeling at home in your community… Whether it’s hand delivering a card or dropping by with a box of chocolates, why not reach out this festive season?”
Among the 30 measures surveyed, the top five are:
Keeping an eye on the house when someone’s away – 76%
Taking in parcels – 60%
Keeping the noise down – 57%
Always saying hello – 48%
Bringing bins in – 32%
The survey, conducted by Perspectus Global between 26 September and 1 October 2025 with 1,011 participants, forms part of Lily O’Brien’s festive campaign celebrating community connection.
