Oughterard

MinesaG&T

Hi, we can't say we're completely new to Oughterard, but new enough. With a young baby we haven't had the time nor the wherewithall to integrate into Oughterard.
All my family live in town and with house prices the way they are it looks like we're here for the near future anyway.

My question is, and I'd really appreciate advice, is that we feel isolated with no friends in the area or god forbid a social life. Does anyone know if there is a Running Club in Oughterard or anything else that could be a fun way to meet people, particularly those with young families similar to ourselves Our neighbours aren't great and mums and babies groups nearby meet up during the day. Mums at playground seem at bit clannish.

Thanks,

Caribs

Been living in Oughterard the last 5 years and have to say its a great place to live but started like yourselves knowing very few people so can appreciate the challenge.

I'm not aware of there being a running club but there are loads of others, Soccer, Rugby, GAA, Angling, Boxing etc etc. We are lucky that our kids are a little older so it nearly forces you to get to know people as they get involved in a sport and drag you in.

Rather than being clannish at the playground I would reckon this is more an example of the close-knit community in the village but when you feel like an outsider I know exactly what you mean.

If there is a sport you are interested in this is an obvious way to get an "in" into a group so if you want to PM me I might be able to let you know some names if you'd like to get involved either by participating or even coaching/getting on the committee etc. Means you'll have to jump in with both feet but it a great way of getting to know people.

bubbaloo

^^ I'm glad (and amazed) someone got to fit in there. We lived in Oughterard for 2 years and I hated every minute. Nobody spoke to us except our next-door neighbours and even that was once every few months. I found the whole place very clannish and I couldn't wait to get out of it. Sorry I can't offer anything positive, but we sold up and moved to the other side of the city and I've never been happier - that was 6 years ago!
I have another friend living in Rosscahill and she is very unhappy there too.
Best of luck to you - I hope you get to meet people somehow, and that they welcome you. In my opinion, you might have more luck in Moycullen or if you can travel into Galway it might be worth the journey!

Chupath

I live between Oughterard and Moycullen (Doon East) since a year now and omg I really miss Galway city !! We thought people will be as open and friendly as we encountered in town, but the opposite is the case. I rarely see our neighbours and if there is nothing more then a "how you doing". I am really a chatty and open person and find living in the country side really challenging. Everybody keeps to themselfs.
We set our goals to stay another 2 years and then we move again.

padraig71

I've lived at Roscahill for the past two years and I love it. I would never move back to the city now if I could help it. I have a much bigger and nicer place to live in for a lot less rent (a whole house rather than a pokey flat), peace and quiet, and a big garden where I can grow my own food, and I'm surrounded by the most beautiful countryside. Having said that, I don't know anyone around here either, but I find people very friendly when I go into the shops or the library at Oughterard. Maybe I'm just not the sociable type!

I would suggest that, if you can't find any local groups with interests matching your own, you set one up yourself - throw up a few ads around the place and see who bites. You can rent space at the community centre in Oughterard or Killannin if you need it - for running you wouldn't even need that. Perhaps there is a walking group or a reading group or GIY? I think there may be yoga at Brigid's Garden. There are definitely local beekeeping and angling associations. If you're into more physical acitivities, maybe check out the mountain bike track at Derroura, you might get some info about local groups from people there.

One good way to meet people would be to volunteer at the Clann Resource Centre, and I would imagine it is probably a good source of information too. You could also ask at the library or the community centre.
Also check out what's happening during heritage week, arts week, check out the agricultural show etc. Good luck!

dec25532

padraig71 wrote: »

I've lived at Roscahill for the past two years and I love it. I would never move back to the city now if I could help it. I have a much bigger and nicer place to live in for a lot less rent (a whole house rather than a pokey flat), peace and quiet, and a big garden where I can grow my own food, and I'm surrounded by the most beautiful countryside. Having said that, I don't know anyone around here either, but I find people very friendly when I go into the shops or the library at Oughterard. Maybe I'm just not the sociable type!

I would suggest that, if you can't find any local groups with interests matching your own, you set one up yourself - throw up a few ads around the place and see who bites. You can rent space at the community centre in Oughterard or Killannin if you need it - for running you wouldn't even need that. Perhaps there is a walking group or a reading group or GIY? I think there may be yoga at Brigid's Garden. There are definitely local beekeeping and angling associations. If you're into more physical acitivities, maybe check out the mountain bike track at Derroura, you might get some info about local groups from people there.

One good way to meet people would be to volunteer at the Clann Resource Centre, and I would imagine it is probably a good source of information too. You could also ask at the library or the community centre.
Also check out what's happening during heritage week, arts week, check out the agricultural show etc. Good luck!

Well done Padraic, good response. People who move into a new area have to put in more effort than those already living there. We moved into North Galway eight years ago and the first few months were bleak but gradually we got to know a good circle of people and everything is grand. In fact our next door neighbours are one of the least we socialise with but we are all very civil. Also remember that the people who live in Oughterard don't know you and are reluctant to make the first move. Just get involved, go for a couple of pints and try and do some of what Padraic suggested . . . even the beekeeping!!

bubbaloo

dec25532 wrote: »

Well done Padraic, good response. People who move into a new area have to put in more effort than those already living there. We moved into North Galway eight years ago and the first few months were bleak but gradually we got to know a good circle of people and everything is grand. In fact our next door neighbours are one of the least we socialise with but we are all very civil. Also remember that the people who live in Oughterard don't know you and are reluctant to make the first move. Just get involved, go for a couple of pints and try and do some of what Padraic suggested . . . even the beekeeping!!

I understand what you mean but wouldn't totally agree. Sometimes "outsiders" are just not welcome. As I mentioned above we have lived on the other side of Galway for 6 years now and were made to feel very welcome, and have integrated very well into the community there - with effort from ourselves and those around us.
To put it in context, I know a guy whose family are in Oughterard since 1922 and he would still get the "ah sure you're only a blow in" comments!

Birroc

bubbaloo wrote: »

^^ I'm glad (and amazed) someone got to fit in there. We lived in Oughterard for 2 years and I hated every minute. Nobody spoke to us except our next-door neighbours and even that was once every few months. I found the whole place very clannish and I couldn't wait to get out of it.

Its odd but I have heard this about Oughterard loads of times especially during the boom years. Not sure why.

allgo

bubbaloo wrote: »

^^ I'm glad (and amazed) someone got to fit in there. We lived in Oughterard for 2 years and I hated every minute. Nobody spoke to us except our next-door neighbours and even that was once every few months. I found the whole place very clannish and I couldn't wait to get out of it. Sorry I can't offer anything positive, but we sold up and moved to the other side of the city and I've never been happier - that was 6 years ago!
I have another friend living in Rosscahill and she is very unhappy there too.
Best of luck to you - I hope you get to meet people somehow, and that they welcome you. In my opinion, you might have more luck in Moycullen or if you can travel into Galway it might be worth the journey!

I can so relate to this! We moved to Oughterard 8 years ago and despite making many attempts to befriend people we really had no luck, even after 4 years. After we had kids I found that I really couldn't stand to live there a second longer and we too moved to the other side of the city! Am so much happier now than I ever was in Oughterard.

dec25532

allgo wrote: »

I can so relate to this! We moved to Oughterard 8 years ago and despite making many attempts to befriend people we really had no luck, even after 4 years. After we had kids I found that I really couldn't stand to live there a second longer and we too moved to the other side of the city! Am so much happier now than I ever was in Oughterard.

Jeeze, that is scary and doesn't say much for Oughterard. I thought having kids would break down a lot of the barriers but obviously not. You are well out of the place. Shame on the people of Oughterard as this seems to be a common occurrence if this thread is anything to go by.

Caribs

dec25532 wrote: »

Jeeze, that is scary and doesn't say much for Oughterard. I thought having kids would break down a lot of the barriers but obviously not. You are well out of the place. Shame on the people of Oughterard as this seems to be a common occurrence if this thread is anything to go by.

I think that is a little extreme Dec25532. Like any place in Ireland people have very different experiences, some people love an area and others hate it. My family love Oughterard and we count ourselves very lucky to have a broad range of friends in the area. They are a mix of people who have spent all their lives in the area and blow-ins like us. To be honest I don't buy this them/us blow in mentally. I'm not saying it doesn't exist but if people want to be that narrow minded well off they go and that's true of the blow-ins and natives. We regularly slag each other about it and I am quite proud to admit that I am a blow in.

In reference to your previous post you are spot on that newcomers to an area have to make an extra effort to try to get to know people and by the sounds of the original post they are both working so opportunities to get out and about are more limited. There are many great community events such as the Halloween parade and Christmas parade's that draw great crowds and everyone rows in together helping to create a fantastic atmosphere.

I genuinely hope the OP settles into Oughterard and if they don't then this is a pity but I don't think it's fair to tar everyone's experiences with the same brush. I think there is a balance of good experiences and bad experiences here - doubt if it would be much different anywhere.

heidi_ho

Ya I agree that Oughterard is very difficult to live in. Have been here now 3 years. Made no friends. I've lived lots of places but none like this! As soon as I have the money I'm outta here.

cmcunn

I was told about this link a few weeks back, read the entries and have been mulling over it since.I spent my first 18 years in Oughterard, moved away to college/work/travel and moved back as a trial a year ago with my husband and 3 small children.I am lucky to have a few pals around from school but they too have their circles and I am keen to re-integrate myself and make and effort and find my new 'place'.I have lived in a few similarly sized areas and I really do feel that you have to make a big effort and put yourself out of your comfort zone a bit to make the initial steps. I started helping out at the mother and toddler group and suggested we all go out at night without children...by the way that's next friday the 8th July at 9pm in Faherty's and none of us have been out together before so if you're keen to meet a few then definately come along.
Regarding the clubs. The women's soccar has started and is meant to be great craic..up in the new pitch area in new village.training is on Tuesday nights(tourist office or newsletter has more details)..the focus is mainly on the training and fitness I believe.
Regarding the running- I don't think there is a club but i know several of the mammies run casually as i do myself and I';m sure a couple of them would like to join up from time to time or even discuss setting up a club. So either Friday night next or mothers and toddlers via Clann is a good start. The group may not be up and running in the summer hols but a few of us are thinking of having the odd group at each others homes...if you ring the resource centre they will get your details and we'll put you on the contact text list.I'm going on a bit i know but it takes time and it isn't all bad...some people are just happy withtheir own network and don't feel the need to get to know new people but there are loads of young families -both native and new to the town- who are very open to opportunities to socialise. good luck with it all and you have ensured that i say hello and try to make an effort with everyone i meet in the playground! maybe see you soon!

squamata

If there are so many people having issues with Oughterard, why don't you just meet for a Pint or something?

crusher000

It's a while since someone posted on here but sad to hear people find it hard to integrate into the community. Just to let you know that there are 39 different voluntary groups and clubs in Oughterard. There is bound to be something here for everyone. At a meeting betweee some of these clubs and orgs we all agreed that it's hard to get volunteers and have questioned our own aproach as how we can be more "friendly". If it was only locals joining these groups then they would never survive? Some people may use the blow in tag but do you really want to be involved with such people? It can be daunting to join a group of strangers but if you make the effort I can't see anyone rejecting an offer of help or advice.

Mek11

I just found this thread now and was wondering are there any walking clubs in Oughterard or is there anyone interested in setting one up.
Also is the may-flyers running group still up and running?

Who can I contact about becoming a volunteer with the playground committee?

Just a note aswell:
I thought it was just me that found the locals hard to get to know.. been living here for a few years and they are impossible..they will not let you in to the clique at all.. no good for even small talk in the shops. I come from the east of the county originally and people are much easier relate to out that direction and are much more welcoming of visitors and "blowins" in my opinion.

crusher000

Hi Mek11, firstly welcome to Oughterard. To answer your questions there is a walking group called Corrib Ramblers I don't know who runs it but if you call into the Boat Inn Tourist point or the Old Tourist Information Office they will let you know the contact. Mayflyers are still meeting at car park at 7pm on Tuesdays and have now linked up with their Killanin Conterparts whom run on a Thursday again 7pm from Killanin Communtiy center. Both are free as far as I know. The two groups have joined together and are forming an Athlethics Club. Organisers of the run on Tuesday with let you know who to contact about the play ground group. They are currently looking for volunteers to man the food stop for the Iron Man as the organisers will make a donation to any group that provides volunteers . Last year we had 70 volunteers and 'll be there myself. Note some of the people that started these groups are as you put it outsiders so if the towns peolpe are slow to open up these people have special powers. Hope you find the above helpful and if you have any other questions just let me know. Glad to help.

crusher000

Just received this:

Sunday Aug 26th: Golden Mile Heritage Oughterard Walk guided 10.45am – 12.30pm

Mek11

Thanks a mill Crusher000 for that information. Will try and make some walking meeting some tuesday evening and take it from there!

lykin

I moved there nearly 7 years ago and found it fine to meet new people i didn't know any one when i moved their and was welcomed straight in with in a couple of weeks i was going out and meeting up with new people all the time

UB Dude

Great place. Made plenty of friends, even though I'm a blow in! There is a running club.

JKeane2004

agreed, have been coming here every summer for the last 16-17 years as one of the relatives has a house there, completely dead town. It was only a year or two ago where I actually saw and talked to some other teenagers in the village and they were weren’t very friendly, it’s a shame as it’s a great town

WillmaDickfit

Stay Humble folks