Moving to Dublin, advice please!

[TheCatsJimjams]

Hi all,

DH has got a new job in the IFSC, beginning in September, so I'm trying to get a feel for where we'd like to live and what our budget is likely to be, given the need to factor in things we don't pay for in the UK, like health insurance (I know, not strictly necessary, but I have a condition which makes pregnancy very high risk so possibly advisable) and bins.

In terms of location, we'll be renting initially and I think looking to spend no more than €3000 per month for at least three bedrooms. We're moving from the rural north of England, where our nearest neighbours are sheep, so it's going to be a bit of a shock suddenly being within a reasonable commute of a major city. We're hoping to ameliorate that to some extent by being near the coast, so I'm thinking we'll end up somewhere on the DART line. Some friends of my parents live in Greystones and I think that would probably be ideal but DH is concerned about the length of commute and missing DS's bath time etc. Can anyone think of anywhere with a similar sort of coastal village vibe but closer to the IFSC? We will be travelling to West Cork regularly so we're thinking that the South side might make more sense but not really sure. I've looked at Bray, Dalkey, Sandymount, Sutton, Howth (in my dreams!), Malahide and Skerries...do any of those make more sense than others? We're hoping to stopover on our way over to West Cork in the summer but it'd be good to be able to try and narrow things down in advance. Any non-coastal suggestions would also be welcome, especially if they've got good access either to a really nice park or to really good rural walks, and reasonably short commutes.

I'd also appreciate thoughts on what sort of costs we should factor in, over and above our living costs in the UK.

Thanks in advance!

[Lissette]

There's Scoil Lorcain in Monkstown and St Killian's German school further inland.

[butterfly990]

I used to belong to Cuidiu when I lived in Dublin. It's not just for breast feeding mothers. They have groups all over Ireland and I used to go to the informal group meetings.

We used to meet at alternate peoples homes for a coffee and a chat once a week. There would normally be around 5 or 6 mums each time and I got to make some really great friends that way.

The Dublin North group also meet up at Ikea I think once a month.

www.facebook.com/groups/107451909290628/

One other thing I have thought about is that you may have to get help from DH's company opening a bank account as you won't have any "credit history" in the Republic.

We also had the reverse for our no claims history for our car insurance returning to the UK. Only one company would accept our previous no claims from the Republic.

[butterfly990]

Other costs ;
Medicine - www.niassembly.gov.uk/globalassets/documents/raise/publications/2014/general/6114.pdf

Primary school - I had to pay for books, pens, exercise books, photocopying charge @ €150/annum. on top of this you pay a "voluntary payment" (harassed until you pay it) of €250/child/annum. These payments may have increased.

Pre-school you have to pay for the first year, get the year prior to starting school free. there are very few after school and before school clubs.

[EmeraldIsle100]

You are right when you are up to your knees in babies, nappies, trying to get some sleep it's tricky. I am from the Southside and highly recommend Dun Laoghaire, Glasthule, Deansgrange, Cabinteely, Blackrock, Rochestown, Sandyford, Mount Merrion & Monkstown (both v expensive), Stillorgan, Ballybrack and Cherrywood for starters. These are places with young families etc.

[EmeraldIsle100]

Just to point out again I know nothing about scbools etc.

[PassiveAggressiveLunchbox]

I'm another southsider. Educate together has just been announced as the patron of a new primary school in dun laoghaire to open sept 2017. There are also some church of Ireland schools in the area (3 within a stones throw of me) which may have lower demand for places.

For location, I'd pick Glasthule/Killiney /Dalkey over Greystones, then again I've never really got the massive attraction for the place. Blackrock is also gorgeous but probably less good value for money.

I'd love to know which schools you all went to too

[PassiveAggressiveLunchbox]

Actually, butterfly, it's back up to 2 years pre school on the ECCE scheme which gives 15 hours led week in term times (36 weeks?)

[EmeraldIsle100]

Rockfort Manor - it sounds a million times posher than when we called it Rockfor

[EmeraldIsle100]

Apols for typo - Rockford Manor!

[EmeraldIsle100]

I was a year below Marion Keyes. I wish I knew her back then and that we were bezzies!

[PassiveAggressiveLunchbox]

I didn't realise Marian was an alum! I might know some people you do

[EmeraldIsle100]

Likely!!

[1bighappyfamily]

It's never six degrees of separation in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown. Never ever more than two

[chartreuse]

I live in the Dalkey area, its lovely here, dh cycles or DARTs to work at IFSC.

I have 3 dc in different schools here, feel free to pm me if I can help

[DublinBlowin]

I'm a Londoner who moved to Dublin via a series of expat postings last year.

Personally for me Dalkey would be too far of a commute into the IFSC - one of the reasons to move to Dublin is that you avoid the horrid London/big city commute and you have so many alternatives it seems absurd.

On the plus side I'm crying at the idea that dublin is more expensive than London: Rents are significantly cheaper, school fees are a fraction of London prices (if you're so inclined) eating out is cheaper, I cannot think of a single thing that is more pricey.

[hollyisalovelyname]

The DART ( quick rail link) from Dalkey into IFSC shouldn't be too onorous imo. The carriages will be packed but a small price to pay for living in a great area. Dalkey is not an option for us though. Out of our price range and the other side of the River Liffey.
DH a confirmed Northsider.
I'd hate to drive into / out of town in commuter traffic though from Dalkey/ Dublin quays.