Move to Dublin - not sure where to start!

[EmAHC]

Hi all!

I’m looking for some advice please as feeling a little lost.

My husband has a two year contract for DCU in north Dublin and we are hoping to all make the move over from a small village in the north of England. It’s a great opportunity (i.e sounds good in academic circles but pays little) and I’m very worried about schools and the high rents given our budget.

Ideally we’d love to be in the countryside and/or near the sea as we’re not really city folks - easily commutable (by train/bike/car). Most importantly we’d be looking for a friendly school for a very nervous six year old!

Just not sure where would be good to start looking so any suggestions for schools and areas would be much appreciated!

It’s all feeling a bit overwhelming ATM so hoping some wizened people on here can offer clever advice 😉.

Ta in advance!

I would ask DCU have they accomodation on their books to help people seconded or is someone moving the opposite way ( to UK ) or contacts / help with getting a home. Honestly this is going to be very difficult and will dictate schools . Liase with DCU .

Thank you @Radyward!

I'm a DCU allum.
It's situated in North Dublin so you could try to find accommodation in North county Dublin or Co Meath/Louth. maybe somewhere around Drogheda. The commute wouldn't be too bad by car. There are some lovely seaside towns on the East coast.
Primary school education is generally very good in Ireland. There are different options for schools but you'll need to know where you'll be living before you can apply.
Goodluck with the move

I would advise you to centre your search on Co. Meath (if you want to be in the country) as it has coastline and country and is close to the DCU area. North Co. Dublin is not really affordable in the really nice areas (Malahide, Portmarnock etc) and these are all very built up city suburbs. You could look up Bettystown or Laytown. Do not move to Balbriggan which is the north Dublin coast.

If it does not have to be the seaside, but close, Slane is a fabulous town and has lots of activity. Your main problem is that it will be hard to find a school for you 6 year old - we enrol our children the year before they start and all schools in commuter areas have waiting lists. If you are willing to commute by train you could move south of the city (I live here and am a grad of DCU). It is much nicer and the coast is gorgeous. You could try somewhere like Bray or Greystones although it would be an hour on the train. But at least it has a train, you will not be able to commute by train from the west side of the city.

I'm sure more people will be along to help. If you are willing to embrace living close to the college, Botanic Gardens is a fabulous location about 1km from the University and is in Drumcondra, a lovely area of North Dublin City, as is Glasnevin where the college is located. Finally the nicest areas of the coastal city area Northside are Clontarf and Howth, so if you could afford these, that would be an amazing place to spend 2 years.

Also, if you are willing to look into private schools they are way cheaper over here than in the UK but this might not be an option for you.

Good luck with the move.

Thank you! You star! Will investigate...

Thank you! X

This might be useful

Portrane and donabate could be good? DCU is not on the dartline though so it's either drive, bus, cycle.

Do not go anywhere Southside - the commute is horrendous unless he can do it outside of the high volume hours.

The rental market is crazy compared to the UK. Drogheda and environs are a rent pressure zone and properties go v v fast, so be prepared to put down money if you see anything you like.
Loads of public and private bus services from Drogheda, Bettytown and Julianstown to DCU, which would be handy for you. The commute is short, but can be extremely busy.

Any thoughts OP?

Ashtown seems like an affordable area. A friend of mine bought there and it was cheaper than moving out to more traditionally suburban areas. Finglas is on the edge of Glasnevin and would be a bit less expensive.