In recent months, centenarians interviewed by this newspaper have variously attributed their longevity to “hard work, staying positive and the pint of Guinness”, “fresh air, golf and bridge” and “healthy eating, healthy living and all things in moderation”.

However, data released to The Irish Times by the Department of Social Protectionshows differences in longevity in different counties with higher-than-average numbers of centenarians in Connacht – particularly Co Mayo – and Co Longford.

A total of 402 centenarians were in receipt of an old-age pension from the department as of the last day of 2014, with more than a fifth located in Dublin.

Location, location, longevity? Irish centenarians mapped