New job in Dun Laoghaire - Thinking about moving to the area..

Atomic Pineapple

Hi Lads & Lassies,

I'm starting my first job since finishing college, got offered a job in Dun Laoghaire and accepted it.

As a commute it would be 50 miles each way for me, from Slane, up the N2, onto the M50, down to the Leopardstown turn off and into Corrig Avenue in Dun Laoghaire then.

It only took me an hour to get up there for the interview but that was leaving at midday, I suffered a 2 hour drive on the way home, so I presume it would be the same if not worse getting to work in the mornings?

So I started looking at house rentals, I've looked at a few places around Dun Laoghaire itself and in particular areas close to Corrig Avenue. There is a few places I'm interested in but there very expensive, upwards of €200 a week and my wages starting off are not the best, I'm looking at €400 a week after tax so half my wages on a house is a bit much.

I have two sort of questions to put in this thread, firstly what is the area I'm looking in like, it seemed quiet enough the time I was up there. Is there any areas to avoid in Dun Laoghaire? What sort of stuff is in Dun Laoghaire itself? Cinemas? restaurants? take aways? Gyms? anything else?

Also any suggestions on areas that might be a little bit outside Dun Laoghaire but will be cheaper? something between €100 - €150 a week would be ideal and I'm only after a 1 bedroom studio apartment or a nice bedsit.

Thanks in advance

LimeFruitGum

DL is grand, but you'd definitely have to move closer to work! I've been working there for over 2 yrs and it is a nice place to work. (I do have a nice sea view from the office ;-) ) Haven't had any issues with skangers, I have to say.

You should be able to get a cheaper house share around Shankill/Bray and get the DART up to DL?

There are plenty of pubs and restaurants in the town, as well as a gym, 2 Tescos and a theatre.

helimachoptor

Op Clarinda park is eternally popular with renters.. but you could try salthill/seapoint for something a bit classier. You could also rent in Stillorgan or somewhere along the 46a route or even in Blackrock.

Dun Laoaghaire tends to be a bit of a ghost town after 6pm.

eclectichoney

What about something in the Sandycove / Glasthule area? I know there are a few studios (ver small mind) around at the moment. Maybe something along the lines of this:
www.daft.ie/2818842

Cookie_Monster

You'll even get a house share in Dalkey for 400-450 a month or so.

Try to avoid DL itself, its not a particularly nice place.
On the other side around monkstown there are a good few good apts

Parking in Clarinda Pk would be very limited

Morlar

If your job is in DL then you could move to anywhere on the dart line really.

If you prefer to commute directly then DL itself is not so bad, it does go quiet after 6 but there is some nighlife too. Rents vary a lot, monkstown, blackrock, or the other direction out as far as Killiney are all viable options. Living beside the sea is a massive plus imo.

Tabnabs

In the mean time for the love of god, don't get off the M50 at Sandyford anywhere near rush hour!

Go on to Cherrywood and then come down straight along Wyattville Road (R118) and follow this same road all the way to Corrig Road. Sandyford in the evening is ok, but should improve greatly in the next few weeks when the roadworks are done.

Atomic Pineapple

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

You'll even get a house share in Dalkey for 400-450 or so.

Try to avoid DL itself, its not a particularly nice place.
On the other side around monkstown there are a good few good apts

Parking in Clarinda Pk would be very limited

Hey Cookie Monster,

Can I ask why its not a nice place?

I have a viewing in Clarinda Park tomorrow which includes secure off street parking which is a plus for me, and its literally on the door step of where I'll be working so a major plus.

What would be the negatives of living there that I should consider?

By a ghost town after 6pm do you mean that everywhere shuts up shop and there's nothing to do or that its just a really quiet place? I wouldn't mind it being quiet I'm not after a metropolitan lifestyle (my starting wages wont allow it)

As long as I can order food to my house, go to a cinema, go to some nice pubs and restaurants every so often then I'd be happy, I'll be moving up from the middle of nowhere.

Fratton Fred

As Honey said, there are quite a few bedsit type places around, especially in Clarinda park if you want to live close to work or some out towards Glasthule as well, which would take about 15 minutes to walk to Corrig Avenue.

My view on Dun Laoghaire is that it is a decent enough place to live near, but i wouldn't want to live in it.

Sandycove, Glasthule, Dalkey Killiney etc are nicer but you can easily get into Dun Laoghaire for the Cinema, shopping etc.

There is a Gym under the Pavilion theatre called crunch Fitness, or one at the Royal Marine Hotel. Neither are particularly cheap though.

Restaurant wise, plenty of choice and anything you want more or less. I usually eat out at Jaipur in Dalkey or Toscana along the front in DL.

You also have the best Ice Cream parlour in Ireland on your doorstep as well :cool:

Atomic Pineapple

Thanks for that Fratton Fred,

Can I ask why you wouldn't live in it and what you mean by the other areas are nicer? Do you mean the buildings/houses or the people/atmosphere?

Cookie_Monster

draffodx wrote: »

Can I ask why you wouldn't live in it and what you mean by the other areas are nicer? Do you mean the buildings/houses or the people/atmosphere?

ITs just a fairly run down uninteresting place with little or no redeeming features. No good pubs, nothing much else going on once shops close. Traffic is awful too. Cinema is decent but fairly pricey. Coupled with the volumous amount of scumbags around all add up to make it less than desirably.

As an aside, walking the east peir or along the sea front to sandycove every lunch time is nice.

Morlar

DL highstreet goes very quiet after about 6.30 pm most days - some days are late shopping so it is not as noticeable. Having said that there are some pubs/restaurants along there which are not so bad. Tescos is also open till 10 pm m-sat so it is not completely dead - just a lot quieter.

There is a 'swish apartment block' / hostel for homeless & drug addict types right beside the high street. This means that you may see some (generally harmless) drug addict /alco/stoner types knocking about the place which is a shame and is probably intimidating for women walking alone. It really is isolated though.

Atomic Pineapple

hhhmm it was ok until the volumous amount of scumbags comment, is it real bad? seemed shocking quiet and not many that would look the scumbag type around when I was up there.

So sandycove, glasthule, gleanagary, dalkey areas would be better to look at?

Doesn't seem to be as much available there as in Dun Laoghaire itself

Fratton Fred

I wouldn't live thre because I'd rather live in sandycove. For a single person it's probably not too bad.

Don't get put off too much though, I think we are painting a fairly harsh pisture of the place. Yes, there are alco/junkie types around, but it's not Ballymun.

That place Eclectichoney posted in Glasthule looks pretty handy for you, you could walk to work from there and it is right by the dart so you can get into town easily.. or you could try Glenageary as well.

Have you thought about renting a room in a shared house? that would be cheaper. I know someone who is looking for a tennant in Glenageary.

eclectichoney

Dun laoghaire is quite a big place OP, and some parts are rougher than others. The bit closer to Glasthule (Clarinda park area and opposite the people's park) is a lovely spot imo.

Fratton Fred

eclectichoney wrote: »

Dun laoghaire is quite a big place OP, and some parts are rougher than others. The bit closer to Glasthule (Clarinda park area and opposite the people's park) is a lovely spot imo.

I would second that. I have friends in Clarinda Park and they really like it. They have a young family and are really pleased with the place.

Also, if you are looking for apub to nip to, Walters is just across the road and isn't too bad a place

kpbdublin

Don't write off DL because it is a v big area and there are some very nice streets. The nicer parts are along the seafront, near Vesey crescent on the way to Monkstown. Towards Glasthule. Clarinda Park. Monkstown is a good area to live within easy walking distance. You are very near Dalkey and Killiney (great places to walk).

Deans Grange is possibly a cheaper area very near.

DL's long main street can at times be seedy, particularly if you walk beyond the Bloomfields entrance towards town.

Take into account that the DART line brings many area including town within easy reach. DL is about 20 minutes from Dub city centre.

Atomic Pineapple

Thanks for the replies so far,

Great info there.

Some of the places I've marked to get a look at are the following:

Clarinda Park West

This place is one of the cheaper one's, it includes refuse, Elec is only €20 per month, it has off street parking, cable tv and broadband and is very close to work.

Abbyview, Monkstown

This place is a good big place compared to others for the same price, bit oldish looking though, has cable tv but no broadband, elec is included in rent, own garden. But its a good distance from work and away from the Dart line. Would a bus go by here leading anywhere near corrig avenue?

Neptune Terrace, Sandycove

This one is in SandyCove but it seems a bit away from any Dart stations too, on street parking, cable tv, refuse included, elec is extra, cable tv, it also seems a bit oldish style, again its a bit off the beaten track is it? would a bus be available close by into Dun Laoghaire?

I've been on contact with the ones above but not these ones below

The Willows, Monkstown

This one is stunning but expensive just wondering would it be worth it? It seems to be between the two dart stations

Carn, Barnhill Rd, Dalkey

This one is on the expensive side too, it sounds good but worried a bit about the location too, would it be far from transport into Dun Laoghaire?

Eden Park, Sandycove

This one is the one electicgirl posted and it would actually be perfect but I tried to get in contact today and got no answer.

Fratton Fred, do you fancy pm me details of that house share? I dont mind a house share but I think I'd prefer my own place

eclectichoney

draffodx wrote: »

Neptune Terrace, Sandyfordcove

This one is in SandyCove but it seems a bit away from any Dart stations too, on street parking, cable tv, refuse included, elec is extra, cable tv, it also seems a bit oldish style, again its a bit off the beaten track is it? would a bus be available close by into Dun Laoghaire?

I live about 50m away from this one actually! It's not so much off the beaten track, in fact it's about 5 mins walk from Sandycove village and ten minutes walk to Dalkey village, but it is also about 10 minutes walk to the nearest DART station (Sandycove & Glasthule). The 59 bus stops almost outside it though and goes into DL main street, but you'd walk the distance in 20 minutes anyway. Therefore, it would probably be about 20 minutes walk to Corrig Avenue as well, depending on which end of the street you would be working on (maybe less if it is the end towards the sea).

Tragedy

Where abouts in DL are you working?

If you're looking for something more typically suburban, you could try the Stillorgan area.

I have to pop down to the SWO in Dun Laoghaire from Brewery Road quite often at peak times - traffics generally fairly light and easy and the 46a is grand.

Atomic Pineapple

working in corrig avenue, I need to be able to walk to work or get public transport to close by, theres no parking facilities at work

Chong

draffodx wrote: »

working in corrig avenue, I need to be able to walk to work or get public transport to close by, theres no parking facilities at work

Have you thought about glenageary, the house I live in has rooms spare.

Tragedy

http://www.mkmap.com/Dublin
Select the dart and the 7 and 45a bus. That'll show you whats within easy public transport commute of Corrig Ave.

Glenageary is good!

Atomic Pineapple

Chong wrote: »

Have you thought about glenageary, the house I live in has rooms spare.

can you pm me the details? or any link?

Fratton Fred

draffodx wrote: »

Fratton Fred, do you fancy pm me details of that house share? I dont mind a house share but I think I'd prefer my own place

Chong wrote: »

Have you thought about glenageary, the house I live in has rooms spare.

draffodx wrote: »

can you pm me the details? or any link?

I'll leave it to Chong, that's the one I was talking about

Fratton Fred

The Neptune Terrace one is in a fantastic location. sod the long walk to work, evenings spent sitting on the rocks gazing out to Howth would more than make up for that. You can even go for a morning swim (and yes, they do go for morning swims all year round at the 40 foot. Christmas day there is manic). not sure about the decor though.

Barnhill Road also sounds quite good. Although it is Dalkey, you are probably a ten minute walk from either Dalkey or Glenageary stations and a short stroll down to Dalkey village, which is full of good pubs and eating places.

I can't speak for the Monkstown ones, but TBH, all the others my side of DL look pretty good.

Chong

draffodx wrote: »

can you pm me the details? or any link?

Fratton Fred wrote: »

I'll leave it to Chong, that's the one I was talking about

Fratton Fred wrote: »

The Neptune Terrace one is in a fantastic location. sod the long walk to work, evenings spent sitting on the rocks gazing out to Howth would more than make up for that. You can even go for a morning swim (and yes, they do go for morning swims all year round at the 40 foot. Christmas day there is manic). not sure about the decor though.

Barnhill Road also sounds quite good. Although it is Dalkey, you are probably a ten minute walk from either Dalkey or Glenageary stations and a short stroll down to Dalkey village, which is full of good pubs and eating places.

I can't speak for the Monkstown ones, but TBH, all the others my side of DL look pretty good.

Here you go :

www.daft.ie/3510282

eclectichoney

Fratton Fred wrote: »

The Neptune Terrace one is in a fantastic location. sod the long walk to work, evenings spent sitting on the rocks gazing out to Howth would more than make up for that. You can even go for a morning swim (and yes, they do go for morning swims all year round at the 40 foot. Christmas day there is manic). not sure about the decor though.

.

I have to agree with Fred but then I'm biased, given I live so close (do invite me to the housewarming if you move in lol!) It's definitely worth considering, and at the end of the day a 20 minute walk to work at most isn't much at all Plus as I said there is a Spar about 5 minutes walk from it so handy enough for the SUnday morning pint of milk and the papers etc.!

Dun laoire

The Eden Park looks the job. 2 minute walk to work. The eagle house is only round the corner too, i could meet you for a pint :pac:

Atomic Pineapple

Chong wrote: »

Here you go :

www.daft.ie/3510282

Sweet that is one nice house!! Very tempting! Do you mind me asking what kinda ages are in the house? I'm 26

Fratton Fred wrote: »

The Neptune Terrace one is in a fantastic location. sod the long walk to work, evenings spent sitting on the rocks gazing out to Howth would more than make up for that. You can even go for a morning swim (and yes, they do go for morning swims all year round at the 40 foot. Christmas day there is manic). not sure about the decor though.

Barnhill Road also sounds quite good. Although it is Dalkey, you are probably a ten minute walk from either Dalkey or Glenageary stations and a short stroll down to Dalkey village, which is full of good pubs and eating places.

I can't speak for the Monkstown ones, but TBH, all the others my side of DL look pretty good.

Yeh the location of the Neptune Terrace one has grown on me but the decor is pretty bad, I know my budget is limited but I'd really like something a bit more modern.

Ah the joys of having to balance a good location with bad decor, ya'd swear I was buying the place

eclectichoney wrote: »

I have to agree with Fred but then I'm biased, given I live so close (do invite me to the housewarming if you move in lol!) It's definitely worth considering, and at the end of the day a 20 minute walk to work at most isn't much at all Plus as I said there is a Spar about 5 minutes walk from it so handy enough for the SUnday morning pint of milk and the papers etc.!

Ah a house warming, I cant wait a twenty minute walk is a reason to keep me fit anyway, it would be a safe enough walk would it? No back alleys where I could end up getting an axe in the back of the head or something?

Dun laoire wrote: »

The Eden Park looks the job. 2 minute walk to work. The eagle house is only round the corner too, i could meet you for a pint :pac:

Just organising a viewing for that place now, it looks lovely and modern but pretty small, on street parking too, does it take long to get a permit for parking from the council?

Chong

draffodx wrote: »

Sweet that is one nice house!! Very tempting! Do you mind me asking what kinda ages are in the house? I'm 26



Yeh the location of the Neptune Terrace one has grown on me but the decor is pretty bad, I know my budget is limited but I'd really like something a bit more modern.

Ah the joys of having to balance a good location with bad decor, ya'd swear I was buying the place



Ah a house warming, I cant wait a twenty minute walk is a reason to keep me fit anyway, it would be a safe enough walk would it? No back alleys where I could end up getting an axe in the back of the head or something?



Just organising a viewing for that place now, it looks lovely and modern but pretty small, on street parking too, does it take long to get a permit for parking from the council?

I am 25 male work in IT in town, then are 2 other, 23yr old girl works in National rehab centre in s-noggin, and lad who is a musician/set designer 20.

Very easy going people and its a cool house. Any other questions drop me a pm.

Atomic Pineapple

Thanks Chong!

I have viewings next week for the place in Clarinda Park, Neptune Terrace Sandycove and the Eden Park in Glasthule.

But generally I get the feeling that Glasthule or Sandycove would be better locations so the place in Clarinda park would have to be very nice to pick it?

Blowfish

Clarinda park is fine really. In general most of the Dun Laoghaire area is actually pretty good, the main areas I'd say to avoid living in would be Sallynoggin, Monkstown Farm (though the rest of Monkstown is actually quite nice), Shankhill and Ballybrack.

None of those areas are anywhere near comparable to the Ballymun/Tallaght/Finglas level of roughness, but they still wouldn't be worth it when there are better options around.

Atomic Pineapple

But on top of that again then I might as well look for somewhere in Glathule or Sanycove as they again would be nicer than clarinda park?

helimachoptor

Clarina park = bedsit paradise.

Plenty more options, foxrock, Blackrock, seapoint etc

Atomic Pineapple

Interested in THIS place in Clarinda park though.

Its probably small but with cable television included, broadband included and secure off street parking it could tempt me, my only worries are the previous comments about the Dun Laoghaire area itself.

That as opposed to THIS place in Glasthule, which is small only has on street permit parking, has cable television but no broadband, but is it a better location than being in Clarinda park?

Then finally there's THIS place which from the comments in this thread seems to be the best location, only cable tv, no broadband, on street parking, further away from corrig avenue and isn't very nice on the inside from pics, bad decor/old facilities etc..

helimachoptor

Op, its hard to know, Geographically speaking Clarinda park and eden park are close.

However (and i may be wrong) Clarinda park is a real rent allowance part of Dun Laoghaire. When myself and my Gf were looking for somewhere to live she wanted to live there cos she found a nice place (i changed her mind).

There isnt anything wrong with Dun Laoaghaire, but it does get very quiet after 6 thurs-sat. Walters and the Kozie are good for a beer and a bit of food.

In saying that Glasthule is empty but "nicer".

I lived in Monkstown Farm all my life only ever had one spot of bother with a guy who was a few years younger than me and thought he was the next Rocky :rolleyes: But if I was you i'd probably live around blackrock, that way you got Dun Laoghaire, Stillorgan, Blackrock and you're nto too far from town.

Blowfish

Blowfish wrote: »

Clarinda park is fine really. In general most of the Dun Laoghaire area is actually pretty good, the main areas I'd say to avoid living in would be Sallynoggin, Monkstown Farm (though the rest of Monkstown is actually quite nice), Shankhill and Ballybrack.

None of those areas are anywhere near comparable to the Ballymun/Tallaght/Finglas level of roughness, but they still wouldn't be worth it when there are better options around.

Shankill, with the exception of one particular estate is a fabulous place to live (known as rathsallagh but consists of rathsallagh, shanganagh cliffs and clifton park)
There is nothing whatsoever wrong with Sallynoggin either apart from lack of pubs/entertainment. Monkstown farm is mostly fine also, some the houses there are still selling higher than some "posher" estates :rolleyes: and Ballybrack fair enough, it wouldn't be my first choice but all of the others are perfectly fine.


(I should add, there is nothing whatsoever wrong with the rathsallagh estate, nor ballybrack, but there are just nicer places around)

Dun Laoghaire is fine, the opposite end of the town (york road area) would be avoidable. My only issue with the town itself is that it's boring as hell, while there are nice places to eat, there aren't really many nice bars.

Dalkey would be ideal, it's a lovely village with great restaurants/bars. Glasthule/sandycove is perfect because it is within ealking distance of both dalkey and dun laoghaire

I would say glasthule area would be perfect for you OP.

TheCandystripes

move to dalkey. i live near well killiney. ok its quiet well lol i come from a global city so dublin like my sig says is just a big town buts its really nice. near where tubridy used to live is awesome, sandycover is cool too.lovely at summer time.

helimachoptor

Deleted User wrote: »

There is nothing whatsoever wrong with Sallynoggin either apart from lack of pubs/entertainment.
Dun Laoghaire is fine, the opposite end of the town (york road area) would be avoidable. My only issue with the town itself is that it's boring as hell, while there are nice places to eat, there aren't really many nice bars.

Dalkey would be ideal, it's a lovely village with great restaurants/bars. Glasthule/sandycove is perfect because it is within ealking distance of both dalkey and dun laoghaire

I would say glasthule area would be perfect for you OP.

Big time about the noggin, the really lost a landmark when they got rid of the Deerhunter, had some great memories there

But op it will depend on you, let us know when you make a decision!

Blowfish

Deleted User wrote: »

There is nothing whatsoever wrong with Sallynoggin either apart from lack of pubs/entertainment. Monkstown farm is mostly fine also, some the houses there are still selling higher than some "posher" estates :rolleyes: and Ballybrack fair enough, it wouldn't be my first choice but all of the others are perfectly fine.

In fairness, there are a lot of scumbags in those areas. As I said before, they aren't as bad as some other areas, but there's a definite element of 'anti social behaviour'.

Blowfish

Blowfish wrote: »

In fairness, there are a lot of scumbags in those areas. As I said before, they aren't as bad as some other areas, but there's a definite element of 'anti social behaviour'.

You're talking about very very specific areas within a town though. It is completely wrong to paint a bad picture of an area based on one or two estates. If that's the case we could definitely say that Dun Laoghaire is a total kip and to avoid. Same goes for Glasthule. And Blackrock!

I think it's pure snobbery to base your opinions purely on an address. There are extremely well to do estates in Ballybrack also. Abberley, Albany court, Norwood, Brackenbush etc. Shankill there's Castlefarm, Hazelwood, Aubrey Park and many others. Monkstown Farm there is Carriglea Downs, Rosepark, Ardmore.

The problem with Ballybrack mostly lies with the new social housing, it's not nice, it has to be said, and I would certainly avoid living near there, however ballybrack is huge and there are really nice places to live there too.

Sallynoggin has matured alot over the years and it's a very quiet and very nice place to live.

Anyway, the above is pointless as I think the OP is better off alot closer to work if he's going to move out this way he may aswell do it right!

Blowfish

Of the 4 areas I mentioned, I've lived my entire life between 2 of them and still live in one. I went to school in one of the others, with a large percentage of my classmates being from the 4th one.

In my lifetime, we've called the guards about 8 times for break ins (3 were for our house), had graffiti, windows smashed, house egged, bangers through the letterbox and had the fire service out countless times because the 'locals' have set fire to mattresses, cars/coaches and the odd building or two. Granted averaged out over 24 years it averages out as only a one or two 'incidents' a year and it has definitely been quieter in recent years, but none of this is snobbery, it is my life experience.

Fratton Fred

Deleted User wrote: »

I think it's pure snobbery to base your opinions purely on an address. There are extremely well to do estates in Ballybrack also. Abberley, Albany court, Norwood, Brackenbush etc. Shankill there's Castlefarm, Hazelwood, Aubrey Park and many others. Monkstown Farm there is Carriglea Downs, Rosepark, Ardmore.

My In laws live in the Brack and where they live is quite nice. It is a funny area, anything in Ballybrack that has been built in the last ten years gets called Killiney for some reason. Ballybrack/church road is the perfect example of snobbery in Ireland, just look at the walls as you go from Loghlinstown up towards the Graduate roundabout. Metal railing for the council estate at the bottom, block walls and railings for the cheap houses further up and Granite walls for the posh houses at the top. The dual carriageway even goes down to one lane so the big houses at the top aren't on a dualer:D Then when you go into Ballybrack Village, you have big houses practically in the middle of the village who swear blind they live in Killiney.

Strange place.

Blowfish

Blowfish wrote: »

Of the 4 areas I mentioned, I've lived my entire life between 2 of them and still live in one. I went to school in one of the others, with a large percentage of my classmates being from the 4th one.

Well you're exactly the same as me then, I grew up in one area, married a man from another, and we now live in another of them!!!! (I'm sure I probably know you hehe!)

Maybe I've just been very lucky, but in 28 years my mam and dad have never had any trouble, infact, the street where they live is (pre recession!) extremely sought after, houses were sold almost before they were put on sale (and these are ex council houses). Where I live now, and have been living for the past 3.5 years, I never have any hassle either but then, I don't live in the "rough" part, so maybe that's why??

I do think there is an unecessary snobbery when it comes to the name of an area though and it does bug me to be honest!

Edit: Anyway, sorry, I didn't intend to drag the thread off topic - oops!

Atomic Pineapple

Deleted User wrote: »

she may aswell do it right!

I'm a he!

draffodx

draffodx wrote: »

I'm a he!

yeh I copped that after I had replied but didn't edit it for some reason!

Sorreee!

Atomic Pineapple

Introducing a wild card.......Eaton Place, Monkstown

What would that place be like?

Think the small place in glasthule is favourite at the minute though, I started work today and got to walk around Dun Laoghaire a bit and I see what people mean, the area is fairly run down and looks like its just in a depression.

So I definitely think I'll aim for glasthule or sandycove

draffodx

draffodx wrote: »

Introducing a wild card.......Eaton Place, Monkstown

What would that place be like?

Think the small place in glasthule is favourite at the minute though, I started work today and got to walk around Dun Laoghaire a bit and I see what people mean, the area is fairly run down and looks like its just in a depression.

So I definitely think I'll aim for glasthule or sandycove

Really nice area, 7 and other buses on your doorstep, dart only a few minutes walk, 20-30min walk to Dun Laoghaire. Closer to the city centre for a taxi home if needs be or better still - on a nitelink route.

Stroll to monkstown village where there's shops, cafes, pubs (all really nice)

Longer walk to Blackrock where you've got shopping centres, pubs, restaurants, cafes.

You mentioned a gym in your OP, there's a gym very close to here, monkstown fitness centre I think it's called, locally known as the blue pool, small enough but has a pool and a small workout area, can be membership or pay as you go.

Whiskey Devil

I lived in Clarinda Park West for a couple of months and it seemed fine. Almost too quite to be honest - even the local kids that hang about at night are alright. :eek: I recognise that place you're looking at and it's literally around the corner from where you'll be working. Very handy on a cold or wet morning!

Dun Laoghaire itself can be pretty depressing after a while though. Serious lack of night life and basic shops. The streets are literally deserted at night. Probably because the pubs are so bad. Walters has a good name but I wasn't too keen on it - a lot of knobs, but it has a decent selection of live music all weekend. The Kozie (3 min walk from top of CPW) is nice for a quite pint - friendly staff and a decent older crowd. Dunphy's beside the Bloomfields Centre does a great pint of Guinness too. I'd probably avoid the rest, they're just too depressing.

You've probably noticed the number of winos/junkies around but most of them seem harmless. I haven't come across anywhere in Dun Laoghaire that I'd be afraid to walk at night etc. Far from it actually.

I think a lot of people here have been privileged enough to have never lived in a real ****hole.

From what I've seen, Glasthule is a nicer area but just as uninteresting.

In and around Monkstown village is nice, but it might be a bit out of the way for you. You can find free parking in around that area though.

Blackrock is nice, but not sure it's worth the time commuting for the money you're earning (join the club ).

Dalkey is Dalkey. It's not difficult to see the appeal..


I've been here four 7/8 months now.

Atomic Pineapple

i'll be a southsider come sunday!