My wife's childhood family home was at Clonea Strand. We used to spend one weekend each month there, and in and around Dungarvan.
I really like the area. Dungarvan town has some nice pubs and that region has a strong food culture. You have the sea and the Comeraghs close by. Waterford City is a 45 minute drive. Cork city is further away, but still within reasonable reach.
I can''t speak of the quality of life there, e.g. schools, civic pride, anti-social behaviour. It has been about 10 years since we spent time there and the twon has expended materially over that time.