Towns & villages of Galway

Snoozecruise

Hello,

I am currently saving for a deposit for a house. I am not originally from Galway, however have settled here, in a relationship and secure job. I am trying to identify areas which would be good to buy in Galway (& relatively cheap).

The main towns I am thinking is Athenry (train transport to town, some amenities - nice running areas, restaurants and shops) and Tuam (Burkes Bus, close to Motorway, Supervalu, some amenities and a park).

just wondering is there any towns I may have overlooked that would be considered a good commuter town? (we both have cars & drive)

Any suggestions would be very welcome, if you live in either town any pros or cons would be welcome too!!

Thank you!

fergiesfolly

Loughrea.
Cheaper house prices than Athenry. More choice of houses. Bigger town. Better selection of shops. More going on. A fair few primary and secondary schools ( although Athenrys reputation is probably better )Only a bus service, but it's regular and often.
An extra ten minutes travel time, but it's motorway and an excellent link road.

Oranmore. Where are you working?
If you bought in town and got rid of one car would it make a difference?
The commute from Tuam in would be a grind.

GerardKeating

Snoozecruise wrote: »

Any suggestions would be very welcome, if you live in either town any pros or cons would be welcome too!!

Thank you!

What part of the City/Country do ye work in, and what time you start?

Are you welded to east of the city ?

PCeeeee

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Oranmore. Where are you working?
If you bought in town and got rid of one car would it make a difference?
The commute from Tuam in would be a grind.

Second this. Commuting from Tuam is dire.

Snoozecruise

Thanks all, Loughrea was not really a consideration so definitely worth looking into.

Oranmore would be out of our budget really for anything decent.

Both in MNCs Parkmore area, he is on site and is 7-15:30 and I am flexi-time (core 9-16:30pm), currently working from home for the foreseeable.

Our main objective was a good life/mortgage balance hence Tuam but if the commuting is that bad it may be worth the extra on the mortgage!

PCeeeee

Snoozecruise wrote: »

Thanks all, Loughrea was not really a consideration so definitely worth looking into.

Oranmore would be out of our budget really for anything decent.

Both in MNCs Parkmore area, he is on site and is 7-15:30 and I am flexi-time (core 9-16:30pm), currently working from home for the foreseeable.

Our main objective was a good life/mortgage balance hence Tuam but if the commuting is that bad it may be worth the extra on the mortgage!

7-15:30 would be a good time to be doing it. I haven't started quite that early in a while but I'd expect traffic to be ok. Maybe someone else would have a better idea.

what_traffic

How about Claregalway as you both work in Parkmore? Or are you looking for a bigger town?

Snoozecruise

what_traffic wrote: »

How about Claregalway as you both work in Parkmore? Or are you looking for a bigger town?

Looking at Claregalway too, a few houses for sale in River Oaks, we hear Claregalway is fairly flood prone? which wouldn't be great for Irish climate!

Homelander

Loughrea isn't a bad call if places like Oranmore and Claregalway are too expensive. It's a nice town, plenty of shops/restaurants/etc and you'd fly in and out on the motorway.

It would be worth the extra to get somewhere like Oranmore though if the budget can stretch. Excellent location right on the edge of the city, has the main supermarkets, nice restaurants/bars, excellent bus service and there's a train station as well, Renville Park is superb and just down the road, good local schools and amenities as well.

I've lived in town the past 12 years but moving back to Oranmore now. It's really a great place to live. Claregalway is nice and excellent location too, but Oranmore has way more facilities and amenities.

kippy

Snoozecruise wrote: »

Looking at Claregalway too, a few houses for sale in River Oaks, we hear Claregalway is fairly flood prone? which wouldn't be great for Irish climate!

Claregalway hasn't had a major flood since 2011 - the OPW have invested a lot in river works there.
That said, things are getting pricy around the village as with a lot of places in fairness.
It would still generally be a cheaper option than Oranmore though.

kippy

kippy wrote: »

Claregalway hasn't had a major flood since 2011 - the OPW have invested a lot in river works there.
That said, things are getting pricy around the village as with a lot of places in fairness.
It would still generally be a cheaper option than Oranmore though.

All true, but it should be noted the worst thing about Claregalway is the road through the middle of it

Snoozecruise

Thanks folks. Lots of great suggestions and advice! Really considering closer to the city given the commute and assesability to work. Glad I posted this thread as I was very pigeon holed in my choices.

Hopefully the restrictions lifiting will bring more houses on the market! 😊

xckjoo

Snoozecruise wrote: »

Looking at Claregalway too, a few houses for sale in River Oaks, we hear Claregalway is fairly flood prone? which wouldn't be great for Irish climate!

Don't think River Oaks ever had a flooding issue and the work they did on the river should reduce the risk even more.
Very good primary and secondary schools from what I've heard.

Wompa1

If you go a bit further, you'll get better deals. Areas like Kiltullagh and New Inn are a short drive to Loughrea and Athenry.

Turloughmore and Corrandulla aren't far from Galway City, ClareGalway and Oranmore.

Headford is very close to Galway City and the roads have improved a lot. Also has a large supermarket and a few different takeouts.

Wompa1

Wompa1 wrote: »

If you go a bit further, you'll get better deals. Areas like Kiltullagh and New Inn are a short drive to Loughrea and Athenry.

Turloughmore and Corrandulla aren't far from Galway City, ClareGalway and Oranmore.

Headford is very close to Galway City and the roads have improved a lot. Also has a large supermarket and a few different takeouts.

The problem with going outside even the small towns is you are basically consigning yourself to living on a virtual island. You can't do anything without the car and its miles to anything beyond a small shop and you are taking your life into your hands if you try going for a walk or a cycle

It all depends what your priorities are

Snoozecruise

Deleted User wrote: »

The problem with going outside even the small towns is you are basically consigning yourself to living on a virtual island. You can't do anything without the car and its miles to anything beyond a small shop and you are taking your life into your hands if you try going for a walk or a cycle

It all depends what your priorities are

Yeah for sure, we are already residing in the Attymon area, so close to a small town within walking distance to good public transport is a huge priority! Even if you run low on milk your driving 5k for a shop!

I know the country is more bang for your buck but after WFH for a year and a half its not fun having nothing but boreen roads outside our door.

Snoozecruise

Snoozecruise wrote: »

I know the country is more bang for your buck but after WFH for a year and a half its not fun having nothing but boreen roads outside our door.

Exactly this.

Wompa1

Snoozecruise wrote: »

Yeah for sure, we are already residing in the Attymon area, so close to a small town within walking distance to good public transport is a huge priority! Even if you run low on milk your driving 5k for a shop!

I know the country is more bang for your buck but after WFH for a year and a half its not fun having nothing but boreen roads outside our door.

Bicycles are hugely popular now and don't have to live somewhere where the only thing in walking distance is boreen roads. Plenty of options.

Wompa1

Deleted User wrote: »

The problem with going outside even the small towns is you are basically consigning yourself to living on a virtual island. You can't do anything without the car and its miles to anything beyond a small shop and you are taking your life into your hands if you try going for a walk or a cycle

It all depends what your priorities are

I'd honestly feel safer cycling out in the country than in the city. Even with the new cycle lanes.

what_traffic

Wompa1 wrote: »

Bicycles are hugely popular now and don't have to live somewhere where the only thing in walking distance is boreen roads. Plenty of options.

In reality though - are people taking all these "options" you speak of? CSO stats dont show that
"Safer" - is very subjective, and it really depends on where in the Country you are talking about, big difference between boreens of Woodford v's Claregalway (East of Corrib) and Bearna v's Carna (West of the Corrib)

PCeeeee

what_traffic wrote: »

In reality though - are people taking all these "options" you speak of? CSO stats dont show that
"Safer" - is very subjective, and it really depends on where in the Country you are talking about, big difference between boreens of Woodford v's Claregalway (East of Corrib) and Bearna v's Carna (West of the Corrib)

Options in terms of places to live I believe the poster meant.

Snoozecruise

Wompa1 wrote: »

Bicycles are hugely popular now and don't have to live somewhere where the only thing in walking distance is boreen roads. Plenty of options.

thanks, I have met many bikes while driving on country roads and it wouldn't be for me unfortunately. Maybe some day however the bike solution wouldn't compensate for the lack of urban living which is the main priority.

PCeeeee

Snoozecruise wrote: »

thanks, I have met many bikes while driving on country roads and it wouldn't be for me unfortunately. Maybe some day however the bike solution wouldn't compensate for the lack of urban living which is the main priority.

Well at least you know what you don't want. Should help narrow things down.

what_traffic

xckjoo wrote: »

Don't think River Oaks ever had a flooding issue and the work they did on the river should reduce the risk even more.
Very good primary and secondary schools from what I've heard.

A work colleague of mine lives there - really likes the estate and Claregalway + the convenience of the work commute (we both work in Parkmore).

I can only see public transport connectivity improving between Galway City and Claregalway in the years ahead.
One downside of Claregalway is volume of the through traffic.
Personally think it was a disaster for County Council to put all eggs in the M18 motorway; Claregalway still needs a bypass, it needed one 25yrs ago.

Mrs OBumble

what_traffic wrote: »

A Claregalway still needs a bypass, it needed one 25yrs ago.

Claregalway needs MOAR ROADS but nowhere else does? Really?

what_traffic

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Claregalway needs MOAR ROADS but nowhere else does? Really?

You obviously live in Black and White world - you don't see all the shades inbetween.

kippy

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Claregalway needs MOAR ROADS but nowhere else does? Really?

Claregalway hasnt had a new road since as far back as I can remember.
I'd agree however a proper bypass isn't the answer to the city's or Claregalways traffic problems.
Light rail from Tuam, with stations in Tuam, Corofin, Claregalway, Carnmore airport, Parkmore, GMIT, and existing station in town may be the answer coupled with plenty park and ride.

That or a free regular bus service subsidized by the hundreds of millions saved on new roads or above rail solution with the same stops is the answer.


Either way OP. Claregalway is a great place to live from what I have heard.

fergiesfolly

And here we go again on another bikes, roads, traffic thread.
I'm sure the OP is aware of the traffic situation in city and county and I know travel to and from home will come into their consideration. But by Christ we have a talent on this forum for diverting every topic and thread down a transportation rabbit hole.


Anyway, just a comment on Claregalway... have family there and it's very nice and the traffic is improving, especially at the times you're travelling, but prices have rapidly increased in the last 2-3 months.

what_traffic

fergiesfolly wrote: »

Anyway, just a comment on Claregalway... have family there and it's very nice and the traffic is improving, especially at the times you're travelling, but prices have rapidly increased in the last 2-3 months.

Any examples?

kippy

what_traffic wrote: »

Any examples?

The poster is correct - prices are increasing due to demand and a serious supply issue - same as most places tbf.
Most of the village is within walking distance of 2 national schools, a secondard school, shops, pubs, and amenities are improving.
It's an area in demand.

fergiesfolly

what_traffic wrote: »

Any examples?

House for sale in River Oaks
Asking €265000. Sold for €290000.
Very quick sale too.
Houses in that estate were asking €240000 a year to 18 moths ago

aw

fergiesfolly wrote: »

House for sale in River Oaks
Asking €265000. Sold for €290000.
Very quick sale too.
Houses in that estate were asking €240000 a year to 18 moths ago

Viewed a house there in 2016, didn't buy. 3 bed semi in good nick was asking €180k.

what_traffic

fergiesfolly wrote: »

House for sale in River Oaks
Asking €265000. Sold for €290000.
Very quick sale too.
Houses in that estate were asking €240000 a year to 18 moths ago

Cheers. Heard about that same one via work colleague who lives in River Oaks , am house hunting in City at the min, demand is strong anywhere within the Galway metropolitan area.

fergiesfolly

what_traffic wrote: »

Cheers. Heard about that same one via work colleague who lives in River Oaks , am house hunting in City at the min, demand is strong anywhere within the Galway metropolitan area.

No worries.
I think it's going to get a lot harder to purchase anywhere near Galway city.
I can see demand reaching to Loughrea, Tuam, Gort and beyond quite easily.
If house building for private owners doesn't return soon, I think we'll see people look more to the likes of Ennis, Ballinasloe and north to the likes of Ballinrobe and Claremorris.
Even at the height of the boom I think that would've been nearly unheard of.

ben.schlomo

fergiesfolly wrote: »

No worries.
I think it's going to get a lot harder to purchase anywhere near Galway city.
I can see demand reaching to Loughrea, Tuam, Gort and beyond quite easily.
If house building for private owners doesn't return soon, I think we'll see people look more to the likes of Ennis, Ballinasloe and north to the likes of Ballinrobe and Claremorris.
Even at the height of the boom I think that would've been nearly unheard of.

Ballinrobe is already seeing demand. I know an auctioneer who reckons a house a couple Kms from there, which is AMV 135000, could go as high as 230000 in the next auction. Apparently renting is getting very competitive there too.

PCeeeee

fergiesfolly wrote: »

No worries.
I think it's going to get a lot harder to purchase anywhere near Galway city.
I can see demand reaching to Loughrea, Tuam, Gort and beyond quite easily.
If house building for private owners doesn't return soon, I think we'll see people look more to the likes of Ennis, Ballinasloe and north to the likes of Ballinrobe and Claremorris.
Even at the height of the boom I think that would've been nearly unheard of.

I'm north of Tuam, the commute is a killer. It can be diabolical at times, totally inconsistent. And sorry OP but getting out of Parkmore/Ballybrit in the evenings is getting worse and worse too. If it were me and I had no particular ties to an area I would make limiting a priority.

fergiesfolly

PCeeeee wrote: »

I'm north of Tuam, the commute is a killer. It can be diabolical at times, totally inconsistent. And sorry OP but getting out of Parkmore/Ballybrit in the evenings is getting worse and worse too. If it were me and I had no particular ties to an area I would make limiting a priority.

Which route do you travel in?
I'd be using the motorway to Tuam if it was me. It's less than 30 minutes from Briarhill junction to the exit at Tuam.

Tuam, if you pick your area carefully, offers more bang for your buck.
I know a couple of lads in Milltown that get to work in 40-45 minutes.
I also think Abbeyknockmoy is worth a look. 10 minutes to Briarhill and 10 mins to Tuam. There are a couple of small estates, pub, shop, takeaway, petrol station etc.

PCeeeee

fergiesfolly wrote: »

Which route do you travel in?
I'd be using the motorway to Tuam if it was me. It's less than 30 minutes from Briarhill junction to the exit at Tuam.

I try them all. Motorway adds a good few km and you're still in a q at Briarhill to get off, depending on what time I finish I might take it home. N17 (N83) is a disaster almost all the time, mostly I go out the N84 now.

PCeeeee

fergiesfolly wrote: »

Which route do you travel in?
I'd be using the motorway to Tuam if it was me. It's less than 30 minutes from Briarhill junction to the exit at Tuam.

Tuam, if you pick your area carefully, offers more bang for your buck.
I know a couple of lads in Milltown that get to work in 40-45 minutes.
I also think Abbeyknockmoy is worth a look. 10 minutes to Briarhill and 10 mins to Tuam. There are a couple of small estates, pub, shop, takeaway, petrol station etc.

Milltown to work in 45 mins is great in fairness, I dunno how they do it.

Sorry OP, we're off topic

Mrs OBumble

fergiesfolly wrote: »

Tuam, if you pick your area carefully, offers more bang for your buck.

Yesterday, quite literally.

PCeeeee

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Yesterday, quite literally.

To be fair to Tuam unless you're involved in the oul fueding yourself then you really won't be bothered.

loriexxx

Craughwell is a good option, house prices are rising as the prices in Oranmore are pushing people further out. Two news estate recently built. Few pubs, pharmacy and lovely cafe. In between oranmore and Loughrea and you can make it into Galway in about 20 mins.

fergiesfolly

Don't know what it is about Craughwell but it always seems deathly quiet when I'm driving through it. Consequence of the motorway I suppose.

kippy

fergiesfolly wrote: »

Don't know what it is about Craughwell but it always seems deathly quiet when I'm driving through it. Consequence of the motorway I suppose.

Seems quiet and is a lot quieter than it used to be but isn't that a good thing? (The peopel of Claregalway are crying out for it for years)
Craughwell is a lovely spot, good school, great sporting facilities, pubs, shops and not too far from bigger towns etc.
Prices have gone up a lot in the past year though, as with a lot of good places to live.

Blue850

fergiesfolly wrote: »

Don't know what it is about Craughwell but it always seems deathly quiet when I'm driving through it. Consequence of the motorway I suppose.

I live in Craughwell and tbh for commuting to work the motorway has been a blessing. It takes a lot of the traffic from Loughrea and Athenry of the old N6

1perriwinkle

There was a discussion on the merits of Claregalway V's Athenry quite recently which may be of help
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2058118660

Wiggywiggle

Snoozecruise wrote: »

Hello,

I am currently saving for a deposit for a house. I am not originally from Galway, however have settled here, in a relationship and secure job. I am trying to identify areas which would be good to buy in Galway (& relatively cheap).

The main towns I am thinking is Athenry (train transport to town, some amenities - nice running areas, restaurants and shops) and Tuam (Burkes Bus, close to Motorway, Supervalu, some amenities and a park).

just wondering is there any towns I may have overlooked that would be considered a good commuter town? (we both have cars & drive)

Any suggestions would be very welcome, if you live in either town any pros or cons would be welcome too!!

Thank you!

Oranmore is a lovely village

Snoozecruise

1perriwinkle wrote: »

There was a discussion on the merits of Claregalway V's Athenry quite recently which may be of help
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2058118660

this is great, thank you!

Wompa1

Ballinderreen and Kilcolgan are worth a look. Brand new road between Kilcolgan and Kinvara. Handy enough to get onto the M17 and the M6, if you do want to drive but they are also putting in a cycle lane as part of a greenway. The bus isn't all that regular from Kinvara or Ballinderreen but Ballindeeren is a short cycle to Kilcolgan and there is a very regular service through there every day of the week.

wassie

Great area if you work locally, less than ideal for a daily commute. The Kilcolgan-Kinvara road is horrible when it gets a bit of traffic or slow moving visitors in tourist season. The upgrades will only marginally improve it (by taking away some of the cyclists for part of it) and it will still be a single carriageway with limited overtaking opportunities.