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Child Item

Moving to greystones from Rathfarnham

Hans solo

Hi,
My husband and I with our two sons are thinking seriously of moving to greystones and would appreciate any views on this big decision.
I'm excited but anxious.... Love the idea of living by the sea and we are reasonably out doorsy...
If anyone would like to offer advice good or bad it would be a great help.
Thanks
T

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Annasopra

Deleted User wrote: »

This was 6 years ago now. We were looking at the Marina and other spots around Greystones at the time but picked a different house between Bray and Enniskerry so still North Wicklow, suits our lifestyle big time. I think so much is weighted to the house you're buying and what your money is getting you. I'd definitely consider one of the houses in the Burnaby or on Church Road though if the right one was going ;-)

If you have a big budget yes definitely - a lot of the newer parts of Greystones are closer to Kilcoole and Delgany e.g. Eden Gate, Eden Wood, Glenheron - Nice places as well but maybe a bit too far out of the twon

Annasopra

House Hunt wrote: »

One thing I'd add to this conversation if commuting by dart, the single line from Bray to Greystones adds a considerable amount of time to commuting in comparison to Malahide

Plus cost as well - if you pay say everyday on the DART its considerably cheaper to travel from Bray to the city than from Greystones

Cluster

Deleted User wrote: »

This was 6 years ago now. We were looking at the Marina and other spots around Greystones at the time but picked a different house between Bray and Enniskerry so still North Wicklow, suits our lifestyle big time. I think so much is weighted to the house you're buying and what your money is getting you. I'd definitely consider one of the houses in the Burnaby or on Church Road though if the right one was going ;-)

Ah here, we'd all like to live there.

[Deleted User]

bilbot79 wrote: »

Where did you move in the end and what put you off?

This was 6 years ago now. We were looking at the Marina and other spots around Greystones at the time but picked a different house between Bray and Enniskerry so still North Wicklow, suits our lifestyle big time. I think so much is weighted to the house you're buying and what your money is getting you. I'd definitely consider one of the houses in the Burnaby or on Church Road though if the right one was going ;-)

bilbot79

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Greystones a great spot but depends where you live there. There's a lot of places coined as Greystones but they're not...they're Kilcoole which is absolutely fine but it's intelligent marketing and a push at best. It's also an incredibly busy place these days and has changed A LOT compared to what it traditionally was. Dart as mentioned a total pain in the bum too with that one track , hopefully changes soon. Much better pubs and restaurants further North too but Hungry Monk is class, a lovely restaurant. We nearly bought there and did notice strong community feel which is good or bad depending on what you're looking for. Best of luck with the move.

Where did you move in the end and what put you off?

[Deleted User]

Greystones a great spot but depends where you live there. There's a lot of places coined as Greystones but they're not...they're Kilcoole which is absolutely fine but it's intelligent marketing and a push at best. It's also an incredibly busy place these days and has changed A LOT compared to what it traditionally was. Dart as mentioned a total pain in the bum too with that one track , hopefully changes soon. Much better pubs and restaurants further North too but Hungry Monk is class, a lovely restaurant. We nearly bought there and did notice strong community feel which is good or bad depending on what you're looking for. Best of luck with the move.

House Hunt

One thing I'd add to this conversation if commuting by dart, the single line from Bray to Greystones adds a considerable amount of time to commuting in comparison to Malahide

Cheeseplant

seasidedub wrote: »

No, in fairness, I didn't. However, I know for a fact that every school in Malahide is over subscribed and cut throat in terms of admission. There appear to me to be more schools in Greystones, a good variety of same too.

It seems so family oriented here, droves of kids who all appear to be being brought up really well - they all seem to be outdoorsy, personally never witnessed anti social behaviour. I'm out of that phase now, but love seeing all the kids swimming, on their bikes, skateboarding, body boarding, playing football etc. Feels so vibrant.

Might not seem ideal for a middle aged person like me, but I wake up happy every day. Walks, swims, coffee shops, hikes, climbs. I feel like I'm 25.

If you've got kids, this is a great place.

Yes I can only think of one secondary in Malahide really, and not many options surrounding it.

There is ceratinly a different feeling between the two towns. Alot of what you describe is also available in Malahide as a coastal town, but it doesn't have the same feel to it. And Greystones has more coffee shops than anywhere else I've ever been.. and all pretty good too I have to say!

seasidedub

Cheeseplant wrote: »

Great post. Did you have any kids to cater for in schools?

No, in fairness, I didn't. However, I know for a fact that every school in Malahide is over subscribed and cut throat in terms of admission. There appear to me to be more schools in Greystones, a good variety of same too.

It seems so family oriented here, droves of kids who all appear to be being brought up really well - they all seem to be outdoorsy, personally never witnessed anti social behaviour. I'm out of that phase now, but love seeing all the kids swimming, on their bikes, skateboarding, body boarding, playing football etc. Feels so vibrant.

Might not seem ideal for a middle aged person like me, but I wake up happy every day. Walks, swims, coffee shops, hikes, climbs. I feel like I'm 25.

If you've got kids, this is a great place.

Cheeseplant

seasidedub wrote: »

I am a born and bred Malahider who made the move to Greystones in 2020 just at the beginning of lockdown part one.

Nobody, but nobody could understand what the hell I was doing. I had a 4 bed semi on the coast road in Malahide with a sea view and 3 minutes walk to Low Rock for swimming. But, for me, there are similarities yet significant differences between Malahide and Greystones.

Malahide is a village but still feels more suburban, Greystones is a village and there is still a nice ruralish feel to it.

The outdoor activities are superb. There is no comparison between swimming at North Beach, the Cove or and of the little coves under the Teddy Bear to either Low or High Rock in Malahide.

Generally in Malahide the walk is along the coast road down to Portmarnock and along the velvet strand there, or up to the Castle and around the grounds. There is also Paddys Hill, or the backroads around Malahide and of course drive out to Howth. In Greystones, there is the cliff walk, walk to Delgany via Killincarraig, walk to Sugarloaf, forests, beach, easy drive on back roads to Glendalough, Enniskerry Knocksink woods, any and all Wicklow Mountains from Djouce to Lugnaquilla etc. It just feels like the closest thing to living in the "country" yet with the city close.

You can also dart out to Dalkey, Killiney etc., to see the folks who live on the hill......swim at the Vico or 40 foot with ease.

To me there is no comparison to a coffee along Church Road outside the Happy Pear where the wooden benching now is or at Spendloves at the Harbour to anywhere for coffee in Malahide. The Grain Store in Kilruddery is gorgeous, Avoca in Enniskerry etc.

I was able to unload an inefficient house which needed huge renovation for a new one at the Harbour, A rated, and still have a little left over. A no brainer.

Greystones feels more "hippy", Malahide is more yuppy. It is closer to the airport though......

Caveat: I spent nearly a year coming down to Greystones on days off, even in bad weather to really see was it for me. And I miss Pilates in Malahide tenis club overlooking the sea..........

Great post. Did you have any kids to cater for in schools?

bilbot79

seasidedub wrote: »

I am a born and bred Malahider who made the move to Greystones in 2020 just at the beginning of lockdown part one.

Nobody, but nobody could understand what the hell I was doing. I had a 4 bed semi on the coast road in Malahide with a sea view and 3 minutes walk to Low Rock for swimming. But, for me, there are similarities yet significant differences between Malahide and Greystones.

Malahide is a village but still feels more suburban, Greystones is a village and there is still a nice ruralish feel to it.

The outdoor activities are superb. There is no comparison between swimming at North Beach, the Cove or and of the little coves under the Teddy Bear to either Low or High Rock in Malahide.

Generally in Malahide the walk is along the coast road down to Portmarnock and along the velvet strand there, or up to the Castle and around the grounds. There is also Paddys Hill, or the backroads around Malahide and of course drive out to Howth. In Greystones, there is the cliff walk, walk to Delgany via Killincarraig, walk to Sugarloaf, forests, beach, easy drive on back roads to Glendalough, Enniskerry Knocksink woods, any and all Wicklow Mountains from Djouce to Lugnaquilla etc. It just feels like the closest thing to living in the "country" yet with the city close.

You can also dart out to Dalkey, Killiney etc., to see the folks who live on the hill......swim at the Vico or 40 foot with ease.

To me there is no comparison to a coffee along Church Road outside the Happy Pear where the wooden benching now is or at Spendloves at the Harbour to anywhere for coffee in Malahide. The Grain Store in Kilruddery is gorgeous, Avoca in Enniskerry etc.

I was able to unload an inefficient house which needed huge renovation for a new one at the Harbour, A rated, and still have a little left over. A no brainer.

Greystones feels more "hippy", Malahide is more yuppy. It is closer to the airport though......

Caveat: I spent nearly a year coming down to Greystones on days off, even in bad weather to really see was it for me. And I miss Pilates in Malahide tenis club overlooking the sea..........

Sounds like you made a great move. I'm completely sold on Greystones being the better place and definitely prefer 'hippie' to 'yuppy'!!

We could only afford a house a half hour walk outside the village in Malahide but it is still closer to family and the city. We keep jumping from one place to the other and can't make our minds up.

Great post by the way.

seasidedub

I am a born and bred Malahider who made the move to Greystones in 2020 just at the beginning of lockdown part one.

Nobody, but nobody could understand what the hell I was doing. I had a 4 bed semi on the coast road in Malahide with a sea view and 3 minutes walk to Low Rock for swimming. But, for me, there are similarities yet significant differences between Malahide and Greystones.

Malahide is a village but still feels more suburban, Greystones is a village and there is still a nice ruralish feel to it.

The outdoor activities are superb. There is no comparison between swimming at North Beach, the Cove or and of the little coves under the Teddy Bear to either Low or High Rock in Malahide.

Generally in Malahide the walk is along the coast road down to Portmarnock and along the velvet strand there, or up to the Castle and around the grounds. There is also Paddys Hill, or the backroads around Malahide and of course drive out to Howth. In Greystones, there is the cliff walk, walk to Delgany via Killincarraig, walk to Sugarloaf, forests, beach, easy drive on back roads to Glendalough, Enniskerry Knocksink woods, any and all Wicklow Mountains from Djouce to Lugnaquilla etc. It just feels like the closest thing to living in the "country" yet with the city close.

You can also dart out to Dalkey, Killiney etc., to see the folks who live on the hill......swim at the Vico or 40 foot with ease.

To me there is no comparison to a coffee along Church Road outside the Happy Pear where the wooden benching now is or at Spendloves at the Harbour to anywhere for coffee in Malahide. The Grain Store in Kilruddery is gorgeous, Avoca in Enniskerry etc.

I was able to unload an inefficient house which needed huge renovation for a new one at the Harbour, A rated, and still have a little left over. A no brainer.

Greystones feels more "hippy", Malahide is more yuppy. It is closer to the airport though......

Caveat: I spent nearly a year coming down to Greystones on days off, even in bad weather to really see was it for me. And I miss Pilates in Malahide tenis club overlooking the sea..........

Cheeseplant

bilbot79 wrote: »

That's great feedback everyone. Thanks very much. I'll definitely have a few days WFH after corona and my wife maybe. We would get the dart in though.

I guess one of my fears is choosing Malahide at extra expense for practicalities (like proximity to family) but then realizing that I had overthought it. People scare me into thinking you need the aunties and cousins right there. And with it being an only child for sure, is it more important to have closer relationship with family members?

That said I can't think of a better place to raise a child than Greystones and if we dont go there then like yourself I'll always think about it when I go to North Wicklow

PM sent

bilbot79

Cheeseplant wrote: »

We have experienced both. We moved from Greystones to Malahide for family reasons as we have family connections to Mala. They are similar towns in some ways; coast, somewhat self-contained. However, lifestyle-wise I would think they are very different. Greystones is more outdoorsy/ health conscious/ green. I couldn't see the Happy Pear business survive in Malahide! Greystones is more lefty and although the town is smaller than Malahide, it definitely has better cafes/ restaurants (well certainly until the 3Qs closed, such a shame). Malahide is friendly enough. They are both well to do towns. Greystones was also friendly enough and my partner loved it, although I wasn't a keen at the time, but now we have left can see us moving back for all the reasons above. Big pull for us would be a new house for less than Malahide. Every time we go back to North Wicklow we regret the move and talk endlessly about moving back but we now have family to consider and a move of schools. I also don't think there is a good selection of secondary schools here.
Living close to family isn't all it's cracked up to be, It very much depends if they are of an age that they can help with babysitting etc. Our relatives here are not and so don't really provide us with any support.
one negative for Greystones which impacted on me was the commute. The N11 was a nightmare. For saying that, the M50 the other direction is also crap in the morning and takes almost as long to get to work as it did from Greystones.

That's great feedback everyone. Thanks very much. I'll definitely have a few days WFH after corona and my wife maybe. We would get the dart in though.

I guess one of my fears is choosing Malahide at extra expense for practicalities (like proximity to family) but then realizing that I had overthought it. People scare me into thinking you need the aunties and cousins right there. And with it being an only child for sure, is it more important to have closer relationship with family members?

That said I can't think of a better place to raise a child than Greystones and if we dont go there then like yourself I'll always think about it when I go to North Wicklow

Cheeseplant

bilbot79 wrote: »

I'm torn between a move to Greystones or Malahide from D7. All our connections are northside (aswell as my parents up north) and we've a first baby on the way. I know Malahide would be better for family distance wise but Greystones just resonates more naturally for all the reasons you outlined plus 'slightly' cheaper.

Really don't know what to do. Family vs Place.

We have experienced both. We moved from Greystones to Malahide for family reasons as we have family connections to Mala. They are similar towns in some ways; coast, somewhat self-contained. However, lifestyle-wise I would think they are very different. Greystones is more outdoorsy/ health conscious/ green. I couldn't see the Happy Pear business survive in Malahide! Greystones is more lefty and although the town is smaller than Malahide, it definitely has better cafes/ restaurants (well certainly until the 3Qs closed, such a shame). Malahide is friendly enough. They are both well to do towns. Greystones was also friendly enough and my partner loved it, although I wasn't a keen at the time, but now we have left can see us moving back for all the reasons above. Big pull for us would be a new house for less than Malahide. Every time we go back to North Wicklow we regret the move and talk endlessly about moving back but we now have family to consider and a move of schools. I also don't think there is a good selection of secondary schools here.
Living close to family isn't all it's cracked up to be, It very much depends if they are of an age that they can help with babysitting etc. Our relatives here are not and so don't really provide us with any support.
one negative for Greystones which impacted on me was the commute. The N11 was a nightmare. For saying that, the M50 the other direction is also crap in the morning and takes almost as long to get to work as it did from Greystones.

dannyc31

bilbot79 wrote: »

I'm torn between a move to Greystones or Malahide from D7. All our connections are northside (aswell as my parents up north) and we've a first baby on the way. I know Malahide would be better for family distance wise but Greystones just resonates more naturally for all the reasons you outlined plus 'slightly' cheaper.

Really don't know what to do. Family vs Place.

If you like your family then Malahide, on the other hand if you would prefer it wasn't as easy for them to pop around then Greystones.

i'm also a northsider and myself and my partner are considering moving to greystones to buy a place. having rented in malahide i will say that my experience is the people are generally more friendly and welcoming in greystones with the few friends that we have living there and weekend visits to the town. but its all personal preference in the end.

bilbot79

Taltos wrote: »

Malahide is lovely too and with a new baby on the way you want to make it easier.
Unless you enjoy the escape...

Thanks. You seem pretty clear that unless we want to avoid our family there's a high value in being near then? This is the part I find difficult to weigh up. The place I know is right for us vs need to be 20 mins from relatives instead of 45 mins

Taltos

bilbot79 wrote: »

I'm torn between a move to Greystones or Malahide from D7. All our connections are northside (aswell as my parents up north) and we've a first baby on the way. I know Malahide would be better for family distance wise but Greystones just resonates more naturally for all the reasons you outlined plus 'slightly' cheaper.

Really don't know what to do. Family vs Place.

Malahide is lovely too and with a new baby on the way you want to make it easier.
Unless you enjoy the escape...

bilbot79

Cluster wrote: »

When you get here, you'll find yourself getting into the same conversations as everyone else, that is pulling up the drawbridge behind you. The building thats taken place in the last few years is insane. The pressure on local infrastructure has been widely documented and it is an issue but...

Lovely people, the sea, the hills, the walks, the trees, the mass paths, the hills. Its gorgeous out here and as a blow in, I know Im part of the problem but damn you all to hell Greystonions, you live in the best kept secret in Ireland. I love it.

PS - We both work from home

I'm torn between a move to Greystones or Malahide from D7. All our connections are northside (aswell as my parents up north) and we've a first baby on the way. I know Malahide would be better for family distance wise but Greystones just resonates more naturally for all the reasons you outlined plus 'slightly' cheaper.

Really don't know what to do. Family vs Place.

Cluster

gecko81 wrote: »

Did Hans Solo ever move to Greystones and what was the verdict? In a similar situation myself at the moment and would appreciate some advice.

When you get here, you'll find yourself getting into the same conversations as everyone else, that is pulling up the drawbridge behind you. The building thats taken place in the last few years is insane. The pressure on local infrastructure has been widely documented and it is an issue but...

Lovely people, the sea, the hills, the walks, the trees, the mass paths, the hills. Its gorgeous out here and as a blow in, I know Im part of the problem but damn you all to hell Greystonions, you live in the best kept secret in Ireland. I love it.

PS - We both work from home

grudgehugger

Not sure Hans is still reading boards..

If you share a bit more about your own situation and questions uppermost on your mind I'm sure some of us will weigh with a current opinion.

gecko81

Did Hans Solo ever move to Greystones and what was the verdict? In a similar situation myself at the moment and would appreciate some advice.

CaoimheSquee

Myself and my partner moved here in August 2015 and it was the best thing we ever did.
I initially was anxious about the distance from city centre and my own family in Dublin 16, but Greystones is such a community in itself that you really don't feel the need to leave unless for work or the odd social occasion in town (for which you can get a nitelink or Finnegans bus home on).

There is a real sense of community here and as a renter for the last 15 years this is something that is such a pleasant surprise. You know your neighbours, people say hello and there are so many things to get involved in and do like farmers markets, vintage fairs, sunday music sessions, sailing, fitness clubs, hikes and even outdoor cinema events!

There are so many gorgeous places to eat and have a great cuppa. From Indian to Italian to Tapas to the superb Hungry Monk (and of course the Happy Pear lads) there is so much to get the mouth watering! (could do with a few more early bird deals though!)

The beach and marina walk are so lovely. I don't mind the harbour. It is definitely a bit of a mess as you head on to the cliff walk from the Greystones end but I am sure it will get there. Sitting outside the Beach House looking out on it during summer evenings definitely made us feel somewhere quite special!

Ok, now the downsides and imo there are two big ones.

Pubs - they are grand for an afternoon tipple with some food but otherwise absolutely rubbish. We usually head to Bray if we fancy a few drinks out but close by.

Commute - Dublin Bus will make you want to pull your hair out. If you are beside the Dart you will be mostly grand, but if you need to get the 84 or 184 to connect you to or from the stations, or the 84x (this is impossible to get home unless you work right in city centre as it fills up after a couple of stops) then prepare for a few rageful moments!

However, the good very much outweighs the bad. We have definitely found a home here and find we have a lot of visitors wanting to come see us since we moved out!

2011

According to the CSO Greystones has the highest residential property prices in Ireland outside of Dublin:

http://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/revealed-most-expensive-places-to-buy-property-outside-dublin-1.2799566

Taltos

You'll love it here OP.

You've got
The sea - year round fun right there, with or without a wetsuit. South beach, gets deep very fast. The Cove - a bit more sheltered but watch out for the barnacles.
Clubs - coming out of your ears - you've GAA, football, rugby, tennis, lawn bowls, rowing club, sailing club etc etc
Library
Cinema within a short drive - Arklow, Dundrum etc. Or the new Cove screenings.... Love that but haven't made it yet.
Schools - primary, secondary, as gaelige, educate together - you choose...
Transport - Dublin bus (hmm), Dart. Taxis can be pricey if coming from town so agree a fare up front.. Close to N11 - which can also be a curse in bad weather or during an accident.
Coffee shops / restaurants - great selections to choose from. Eg Tomasso's coffee on the mainstreet, he's hilarious. 3Qs for some really nice food, or Bochelli's or Homans - the list goes on - try them all and get the loyalty coffee cards where offered (you'll need a second wallet).
Forests / walks - loads.... All within an easy drive/cycle and some within a walk...

As to dog poo - no worse than other towns. Unfortunately we do have a high incidence of folk not watching where they're going, whether it's playing Pokemon or whatever the skill I was taught as a kid to watch where you place your feet is a lost or dying art.

Harbour - love it or hate it - you choose...

And walks - people still salute each other as they walk. I regularly say Hi to folk I pass, freak some out but sure that's half the fun.

beepbeeprichie

I think this thread perfectly sums up greystones, the locals love it there but also enjoy complaining about anything at all. Honestly, mentioning dog poo as a reason to consider moving here?? I'm sure the dogs in rathfarnham poo as well, I'm sure she doesn't need a heads up about it.
If you can afford to move to greystones,i doubt you'll have any regrets, good community, low crime rate, good coffee shops and restaurants and plenty of activities for kids and adults.
Good luck

2011

I think the chronic traffic issues that exist at certain times are sufficiently covered now.

It would be more beneficial if other experience/ advice can be offered to the OP.

FirstIn

Re the traffic. The unfortunate thing is they had the chance to get it right. They failed miserably.

Of course lots of other places have traffic congestion. Does that automatically mean Greystones should too? No.

Though perhaps it was felt necessary to give us some congestion seeing as all the other places close to Dublin suffer it!

By no stretch is it a horrible place to live. I don't think anyone said that. It's good but should be better.

loyatemu

FirstIn wrote: »

It's good. Was much much better.

A victim of bad planning , such a shame. Building schools at the wrong end of town has led to chronic congestion in the mornings as the masses from the south of the town on school runs try to make it to the north of the town mix it with people trying to get out of the town for work.

Lots of green field sites at the south of the town served by dual carriageway where most with kids of school going age live but they had to build at the other end. Daft.

Has lost its old lovely local feel. It's all coffee shops and "look at me" types.
Harbour is another mess as far as I'm concerned. Ruined.

If you like coffee, enjoy been seen liking your coffee and enjoy time sitting in your car then it's probably the place for you.

Lots of sport activities too.

Unless she has a time machine, she can't go back to the old harbour and the days when the only place you could buy a coffee was the Copper Kettle. The town has changed but it has a buzz about it now that it didn't have 20 years ago, and the harbour will be fine once it's finished. The town is not getting bigger because its a horrible place to live.

You're right about the traffic and planning, but that's a problem all over, good luck finding somewhere to live near Dublin that doesn't have a traffic problem.

yesap

As others have said, commute depends on where you need to get to...

For 5 months of the year when schools off for summer, mid term, Christmas etc the car commute is very quick, I would be leaving Charlesland for Ballsbridge after 8am driving and be there easily for 9am.

The other 7 months the commute is under an hour to D2 if you leave at 7am driving, for 8am departure and under 1 hr commute you need to be able to get dart or drive to Luas.

Living here 10 years now and love it. The harbour area is really coming together now also and great community feel down there at weekends.