Towns & villages of Galway

Snoozecruise · 10-05-2021 10:16am #1

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 · 10-05-2021 10:32am

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.

[Deleted User] · 10-05-2021 10:47am

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 · 10-05-2021 10:55am

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 · 10-05-2021 10:57am

pg633 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 · 10-05-2021 11:07am

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 · 10-05-2021 12:01pm

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 · 11-05-2021 9:17am

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

Snoozecruise · 11-05-2021 10:45am

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 · 11-05-2021 1:53pm

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 · 11-05-2021 2:10pm

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.

[Deleted User] · 11-05-2021 2:59pm

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 · 11-05-2021 3:18pm

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! ðŸ˜Š

xckjoo · 11-05-2021 9:28pm

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 · 11-05-2021 10:15pm

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.

[Deleted User] · 11-05-2021 10:49pm

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 · 12-05-2021 10:47am

DaCor 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.

[Deleted User] · 12-05-2021 5:31pm

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 · 13-05-2021 8:59am

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 · 13-05-2021 9:00am

DaCor 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 · 13-05-2021 9:31am

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 · 13-05-2021 9:39am

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 · 13-05-2021 9:46am

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 · 13-05-2021 9:49am

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 · 13-05-2021 10:41am

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 · 13-05-2021 11:01am

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 · 13-05-2021 11:03am

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 · 13-05-2021 4:00pm

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 · 13-05-2021 6:14pm

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 · 14-05-2021 8:49am

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 · 14-05-2021 9:15am

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.

Towns & villages of Galway

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