What is Portmarnock like?

MaloryB

Hi all,
My husband and I are moving to the Dublin area from the U.K. in September, because he's got a new job in the IFSC, and I'm trying to narrow down our search areas for housing. I think we've decided that somewhere near the DART line outside the city would be best, and I've come across Portmarnock but don't know anything about it. It seems much cheaper than Malahide- is that because it's not as nice? Any other suggestions would be gratefully received, we're looking to spend no more than €2700 per month in rent, for at least three bedrooms.

Thanks!

Dizzyblonde

Malahide village has many more shops and restaurants but Portmarnock is a lovely area too and has a beautiful beach. Personally speaking, I'd choose Malahide if there's a property within your budget because there's so much more to do with the castle etc and it has a real seaside town feel. Having said that, Portmarnock is only 5 minutes away by car and a very pleasant walk along the coast in decent weather.

towger

If your husband is working in IFSC he can take the train directly there. Malahide and Portmarnock are both on the same line, so consider a house near to either station, Malahide maybe better as Portmarnock station is not close to the village.

Victor

I used to live in Malahide and pass through Portmarnock regularly.

While Malahide has a proper 'grown-up' town feel, Portmarnock is like a big housing estate tacked onto a tiny village. Malahide has the highest median income in the country - not that everyone is rich, but that it has few that are very poor. Portmarnock is more upper working class / lower middle class. The surrounding countryside is full of 'rather nice' houses.

Features: Portmarnock has a couple of primary schools and one secondary school. One medium-sized supermarket (Dunnes Stores) and a modest selection of shops. Plenty of golf, some other sports clubs and the Portmarnock Sports & Leisure Centre. Two hotels. Catholic church (Malahide also has Church of Ireland (Anglican) & Presbyterian). Big beach and coastal walking routes. Bus routes 32, 42 & 102 (in blue on map), and minor routes 32x, 42d, 42n (weekend night service), 142.

https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/2160/420972.png

Bugs: You are nearly under the flight path for most landing aircraft, although rarely under the flight path of aircraft taking off (which tend to be louder), so be aware of noise issues. Also, the beach tends to draw boisterous crowds in sunny weather.

Malahide and Sutton also have medium-sized supermarkets (both Super Valu). There are proper shopping centres at Swords, Donaghmede and Clarehall (Tesco / Dunnes, specialty shops).

Inquitus

Victor wrote: »

Portmarnock is more upper working class / lower middle class. The surrounding countryside is full of 'rather nice' houses.

Interested to work out how you come to this conclusion when property prices are pretty much the same in both locations these days.

plodder

I lived in Malahide for over 25 years, but I never noticed any "class" difference between Malahide and Portmarnock. If you can afford somewhere close to Malahide village, I'd go with that. If not, I don't think there is much difference, so long as you have a car. All the schools in both places are pretty decent.

selassie

You should consider Swords if he's working in the IFSC, the swords express is an express bus which takes 20-30 minutes from Swords to the doorstep of the IFSC.

http://www.swordsexpress.com/Route/

Grawns

As you are looking for a 3 bed can I ask if you have children as as far as I know the schools in malahide and portmarnock or oversubscribed.

Dublin Spur

Its worth noting that there are many parts of 'Malahide' that are actually further away from Malahide Village than Portmarnock.

Inquitus

Just looking at whats out there to rent, and Portmarnock seems to have the best availability in your price range. Both are new developments right next to the Station.

http://www.daft.ie/dublin/houses-for-rent/portmarnock/?s%5Bmnp%5D=2200&s%5Bmxp%5D=2800&s%5Bmnb%5D=3&s%5Bignored_agents%5D%5B0%5D=5732&s%5Bignored_agents%5D%5B1%5D=428&s%5Bignored_agents%5D%5B2%5D=1551&searchSource=rental

There is a 3 bed Town house in Robs Wall, if a Garden doesn't matter to you.

http://www.daft.ie/dublin/houses-for-rent/malahide/?s%5Bmnp%5D=2200&s%5Bmxp%5D=2800&s%5Bmnb%5D=3&s%5Bignored_agents%5D%5B0%5D=5732&s%5Bignored_agents%5D%5B1%5D=428&s%5Bignored_agents%5D%5B2%5D=1551&searchSource=rental

MaloryB

Thanks all, that's all really helpful!

Victor, I hadn't thought of the flight path at all, so that's really helpful, thank you!

Selassie, we were hoping to be near the coast, so Swords would have to be pretty special to lure us away! What would the benefits of Swords be would you say?

Grawns, we do have a child. He's not even 5 months yet but I know that in and around Dublin his schooling is something we're going to have to factor in fairly early. Hopefully we'll get away with thinking about it when we look to buy in a year or two though- does that sound sensible or will it be too late?

Thanks again!

Victor

plodder wrote: »

I lived in Malahide for over 25 years, but I never noticed any "class" difference between Malahide and Portmarnock. If you can afford somewhere close to Malahide village, I'd go with that. If not, I don't think there is much difference, so long as you have a car. All the schools in both places are pretty decent.

There are people who do notice it. People who have been in Malahide for 70 years are sometimes referred to as 'blow-ins', certain estate referred to as "Talahide".

Hollister11

I went to secondary school in portmarnock. It's fine place to live, but nothing special. It's pretty lifeless tbh. I'd choose malahide as you would enjoy it much more.

I'd pick Howth over both though.

Cloudio9

MaloryB wrote: »

Thanks all, that's all really helpful!

Victor, I hadn't thought of the flight path at all, so that's really helpful, thank you!

Selassie, we were hoping to be near the coast, so Swords would have to be pretty special to lure us away! What would the benefits of Swords be would you say?

Grawns, we do have a child. He's not even 5 months yet but I know that in and around Dublin his schooling is something we're going to have to factor in fairly early. Hopefully we'll get away with thinking about it when we look to buy in a year or two though- does that sound sensible or will it be too late?

Thanks again!

If you're living in the catchment area for a school, shouldn't be an issue getting a place. You'll be higher up the list than just about anyone outside the catchment area. Both primary schools in Portmarnock are adding additional classrooms at the moment.

Grawns

MaloryB wrote: »

Grawns, we do have a child. He's not even 5 months yet but I know that in and around Dublin his schooling is something we're going to have to factor in fairly early. Hopefully we'll get away with thinking about it when we look to buy in a year or two though- does that sound sensible or will it be too late?

Thanks again!

Hi Malory
I couldn't say whether it would be too late or not but I would make enquiries wherever you move to immediately. The rules re. admission to schools are changing at the moment. One of the criteria that may disappear is first come first served I think. The baptismal barrier is probably going. It's a minefield. Baby boom!
Best of luck

Lusk_Doyle

"Upper working class / lower middle class?" Born and raised there. I think rather not, muh lord.

adox

Dont choose Swords over Malahide and Portmarnock. They are both much nicer areas and are on the coast.

Malahide has a much more centered town/village with lots of shops, restaurants etc and the train station is also in the town. Malahide Castle and Grounds are very close to the town centre too. Houses can be very close/in the town or much further out so make sure you check location when looking at properties.

Portmarnock has a village but doesnt have as near as much as Malahide does, although it is slowly changing. There is a Dunnes Stores at the top of the town and Lidl is opening in the village next month.
What Portmarnock does have is a fantastic beach. You can walk for 2 - 3 mile on it. It also has 2 hotels(Malahide does have The Grand Hotel).

The train station in Portmarnock is a little outside the village but within walking distance if you are from the lower part of Portmarnock.

Prices will be a little cheaper in Portmarnock but remember that both are very close together, maybe 2 miles between each centre of the towns.

They are both very safe places to live with Portmarnock being the quiter purely because it has less in it.

I grew up in Portmarnock and did the vast majority of weekend socialising in Malahide. They are both lovely areas.

MaloryB

Thanks all!

Adox, that's all really useful, thanks for taking the time to respond in so much detail :-)

gearoidc

Victor wrote: »

Portmarnock is more upper working class / lower middle class.

The houses are twice the national average so go figure...

:rolleyes:

Dizzyblonde

Mod note:
I'd imagine the decision has been made by now since the thread is 3 years old.
I'm closing it, but feel free to start a new one if you like.