Moving to Galway - Kinvarra or coastal village/town?

JoJoK

Hello

In the next six weeks or so, I am planning on moving from rural Meath to County Galway and would love some input/advice please.

I love the landscape and fresh air, especially to the south side of Galway Bay and have always felt as if I've come home when on business or holiday trips to the area. Due to ill health I've recently had to retire early, and feel it's now or never to make this move. However, I'm in my 40's and it will be my first time living alone and I don't know anyone at all on that side of the country.

Next week I am going over for a few days to look at a couple of rental apartments/houses in the Kinvarra, Ballindereen and Oranmore areas and would appreciate any advice on areas to avoid and things to look out for in addition to heating source, insulation levels/damp etc. My budget is tight as I just have a modest pension and will not be entitled to any social assistance.

Before this health thing, which isn't going to improve, I loved to travel and was very active, but now, while I'm very independent by nature, I'm quite physically restricted and have lost a lot of confidence.

Art, particularly drawing, painting, sculpting in clay - anything creative, including a bit of writing, are things I plan to pursue there. Don't get me wrong, I'm not very good at those things and won't become a famous artist or anything but really like being absorbed in them.

I would really appreciate if anyone could recommend any art focused groups or classes, either in the areas I've mentioned or in the City that I could join up with? Also, is there anywhere in particular that has a good level walking surface where I could enjoy the ocean with the dog, without losing balance?

Any input at all would be much appreciated, Thanks for taking the time to read this

JoJoK

Just wondering if this might get some response in the city forum?

biko

Let's keep this in the county forum. You have to give it some time.

Kinvara would be best from an arty point of view but also a bit more expensive to rent. Check www.daft.ie for prices in the various places.
Perhaps Doolin would be something to consider, or Lisdoonvarna.
Oranmore is good and close to the city if you intend to visit often.

JoJoK

Ok, thanks very much for that

RubyGirl

Tawin, Maree Oranmore is a beautiful spot near Oranmore to add to your search.

For Paws

Hi JoJoK,

Do you drive ?. I'm assuming you do if you're living in 'rural Meath'.
I'd certainly agree that the Kinvara area offers most, if not all, of the stuff you're looking for. And lots of 'blow ins' (like myself) choose Kinvara, so you'll fit in easier there than in some areas (unless you're a 3 time All-Star hurler looking to transfer clubs it can take a while to become assimilated - usually 50-60 years).

Talk to Ian Cahill:www.cooleproperties.com
Nice guy & knows the area well.

JoJoK

Hello For Paws, Biko and Ruby Girl

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Should have said at the beginning that I drive

Love it For Paws! My family's been here for about 60 years but didn't produce a GAA champion so we are still very much blow ins so am used to that status in life, alas that seems what I'm destined to be..

JoJoK

Will call Ian tomorrow, thanks for that contact For Paws, and for confirmation that Kinvarra could be a good spot.

Haven't seen anything available in Tawin yet RubyGirl. If anyone has any contacts on info on places that go by word of mouth would appreciate a PM. Am heading over on Wednesday until Saturday so planning on looking at a few then.

JoJoK

Hello again

Just wondering what peoples thoughts would be on Clarinbridge? All input welcome, thanks

hupyago

a few nice places here for kinvara
some are for longer term though most are self catering type
http://www.kinvara.com/accselcat.html
and the community site

therss some good stuff here in the area also
http://www.airbnb.com/search?location=Galway
a hostel in kinvara as well as a retreat centre
and a place in ardrahan, apartments with a music room etc near the town and transport
you can check the local paper for classes or accomodation as well
http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/
good luck with your search
galways a good spot
been on the look out myself also for a while
but seem to have struck gold/found something special, what I'm looking for with this place outside gort http://www.crann-og.net/
its an organic farm and yoga centre in idyllic location
theres also this place has plenty going on including art classes a coffe shop ands gardens to walk around http://www.brigitsgarden.ie/
best of luck
hope you get a good place
these people migh be able to help out too
http://www.threshold.ie/
Threshold National Housing Charity is based in Dublin, Galway and Cork and advises people on their housing rights.
clare also has lots of creativity goin on as well
http://www.clarefocus.ie/
you might get some healing therapies in some of these places too
hope it all works out for ya
good luck

sparkles100

JoJoK, How did you get on?
Anybody know of any reason why it is so hard to rent a detached house in Ardrahan/Kinvara/Kilcolgan/Ballindereen/Clarinbridge/Oranmore at the moment? Looking for a 4/5 bedroom for 650 a month max..finding it very hard
Thanks in advance for any help...