Commuting from Aughrim to Dublin

ginasdnb · 21-06-2020 9:31am #1

Hey

So my partner and I are considering moving to Aughrim in wicklow. We have always been drawn to the quiet life of the outdoors and absolutely love spending time in wicklow. Were currently living between dunboyne and Maynooth in a quiet area and love it but unfortunately we can't afford to buy out here.

I work as a nurse so I won't be commuting during rush hour traffic. My shifts begin at 7 30am and finish around 8pm, sometimes 6 30pm. I work in cabra so I don't have to get into the heart of the city. Naturally, the commute is something of a concern, it would be about an 1hr 10mins each way, I'm just wondering if this is lunacy and if others who have a similar commuting experience can share their views...

Thanks so much.

jim salter · 21-06-2020 10:04am

Interested in this myself.

One thing: if you are working in Cabra and commuting from Wicklow you will be travelling through the city (South Side to North side) to get to work.

ginasdnb · 21-06-2020 10:18am

jim salter wrote: »

Interested in this myself.

One thing: if you are working in Cabra and commuting from Wicklow you will be travelling through the city (South Side to North side) to get to work.

Hey jim

We were just up viewing a house in aughrim yesterday and whatever way we came back down the m50 (now I'm no good with directions) but I could come around by blanchardstown and down the navan road. I reckon I'd take this route instead of going through the city itself.

Skyfloater · 21-06-2020 1:05pm

Are you mad, 2 hours and 20 minutes commute every day! Move jobs first, then look for a house.

22-06-2020 8:10am

Skyfloater wrote: »

Are you mad, 2 hours and 20 minutes commute every day! Move jobs first, then look for a house.

You would be doing well to go that quickly. Perhaps at certain times if lucky. Even a small issue particularly on the M50 (which is very common) and the commute will take far longer.

I would not do this due to the impact on quality of life and the need to constantly replace and pour money into my car.

Cluster · 22-06-2020 8:14am

ginasdnb wrote: »

Hey

So my partner and I are considering moving to Aughrim in wicklow. We have always been drawn to the quiet life of the outdoors and absolutely love spending time in wicklow. Were currently living between dunboyne and Maynooth in a quiet area and love it but unfortunately we can't afford to buy out here.

I work as a nurse so I won't be commuting during rush hour traffic. My shifts begin at 7 30am and finish around 8pm, sometimes 6 30pm. I work in cabra so I don't have to get into the heart of the city. Naturally, the commute is something of a concern, it would be about an 1hr 10mins each way, I'm just wondering if this is lunacy and if others who have a similar commuting experience can share their views...

Thanks so much.

Hi

I know two people that live in Greystones that traveled daily to Finglas for work. It's not pleasant but they did it an one still does. There is no easy way to go that distance but the only up side is that I believe less people will be using the roads due to work from home so it might be marginally better.

I hope this helps.

22-06-2020 8:20am

Be aware too that traffic is still reduced due to no schools and people working from home so average commute times will be less than reality. When things are normal the N11 northbound, M50 northbound, and Navan Road will all be horrendous every morning. Navan road does be back to Dunboyne most mornings from 7am onwards.

ginasdnb · 22-06-2020 8:27am

Cluster wrote: »

Hi

I know two people that live in Greystones that traveled daily to Finglas for work. It's not pleasant but they did it an one still does. There is no easy way to go that distance but the only up side is that I believe less people will be using the roads due to work from home so it might be marginally better.

I hope this helps.

Thanks for the reply. I should also mention that I usually work nights 8pm until 7am and when I am working during the week it's never more than 2 days of the week, I generally work weekends.

Cluster · 22-06-2020 8:29am

ginasdnb wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. I should also mention that I usually work nights 8pm until 7am and when I am working during the week it's never more than 2 days of the week, I generally work weekends.

Well then you only have to worry about that then. Driving at that time is fine (nights)

Now you only have to worry about your partners commute.

Good luck

Mjolnir · 22-06-2020 8:31am

I live in that neck of the woods bit further down than aughrim.
You're deranged that drive is soul killing and drains you of all energy. I mean that in the nicest way op but its a killer.
Did it to maynooth and various parts of Dublin its honestly not worth it op. You'd actually be surprised at what traffic can be like on the motorway at that time and back roads are a serious hazard in the winter.

ginasdnb · 22-06-2020 11:16am

Mjolnir wrote: »

I live in that neck of the woods bit further down than aughrim.
You're deranged that drive is soul killing and drains you of all energy. I mean that in the nicest way op but its a killer.
Did it to maynooth and various parts of Dublin its honestly not worth it op. You'd actually be surprised at what traffic can be like on the motorway at that time and back roads are a serious hazard in the winter.

Thanks Mjolnir for your reply.

I appreciate the input, I just want to be cautious before we make a decision. My shifts tend to be at weekends and mostly night duty (8pm until 7am) I would never usually work more than 2 weekdays during the week as I work shifts.

I supoose there is opportunity for me to work in wicklow down the line or, reduce my hours in Dublin. My partner does the majority of his work from home. Ideally, we'd love to live in wicklow with a smaller mortgage, as opposed to spending mad money on a house in Dublin/ meath.

Mjolnir · 22-06-2020 11:29am

ginasdnb wrote: »

Thanks Mjolnir for your reply.

I appreciate the input, I just want to be cautious before we make a decision. My shifts tend to be at weekends and mostly night duty (8pm until 7am) I would never usually work more than 2 weekdays during the week as I work shifts.

I supoose there is opportunity for me to work in wicklow down the line or, reduce my hours in Dublin. My partner does the majority of his work from home. Ideally, we'd love to live in wicklow with a smaller mortgage, as opposed to spending mad money on a house in Dublin/ meath.

Even with no traffic that journey over and over is a killer.
Have you done the maths on how much fuel will cost add in extra services and wear and tear items.

Honestly having lived in wicklow, Dublin and maynooth, wicklows grand but not a lot going on. Around here we'd slag aughrim but it is grand, be weary of wifi.
There's a massive difference in house prices and county wexford (apart from gorey- its a "commuter town") is cheaper again and grand.

If your partner can work from home mostly and you can cut the commute I can't see why you shouldn't go for it.
If going for an estate have a good nosey round they can be polar opposites in the space of a few hundred metres. I've left my wallet in my unlocked car on the passenger seat and not a bother.
Across a wall in another estate it would be gone and that estate gets a lot of raids.

fjon · 22-06-2020 4:33pm

I think it's madness. 1:10 is optimistic, I'd say you'll be in your car at least 3 hours every day. I'm not sure what the prices are like, but Louth would be closer to Cabra and probably cheaper than Meath?

ginasdnb · 22-06-2020 6:28pm

Mjolnir wrote: »

Even with no traffic that journey over and over is a killer.
Have you done the maths on how much fuel will cost add in extra services and wear and tear items.

Honestly having lived in wicklow, Dublin and maynooth, wicklows grand but not a lot going on. Around here we'd slag aughrim but it is grand, be weary of wifi.
There's a massive difference in house prices and county wexford (apart from gorey- its a "commuter town") is cheaper again and grand.

If your partner can work from home mostly and you can cut the commute I can't see why you shouldn't go for it.
If going for an estate have a good nosey round they can be polar opposites in the space of a few hundred metres. I've left my wallet in my unlocked car on the passenger seat and not a bother.
Across a wall in another estate it would be gone and that estate gets a lot of raids.

Yeah it will naturally be pricy to travel, I tend to work 7 nights on and have around 10 days off at times, so I'm just hoping it'll be worth it. We're obviously going into this eyes wide open and want to know the possible challenges that might lay ahead.

The house isn't in an estate, it's a little cottage on a few acres of land, which is something we've always wanted. We'd never get anything like it in other parts of the country.

Thanks for your help.

ginasdnb · 22-06-2020 6:32pm

fjon wrote: »

I think it's madness. 1:10 is optimistic, I'd say you'll be in your car at least 3 hours every day. I'm not sure what the prices are like, but Louth would be closer to Cabra and probably cheaper than Meath?

Louth isn't somewhere we'd like to live, we always said we wouldn't plan our home around our work, as it's likely to change. We just want to go into this eyes wide open. The house were potentially buying is beautiful, there's nothing like it for the price,anywhere else moderately close to Dublin. Like I said. I tend to work nights and weekends so I'm hoping this will work in my favour. We have a lot of time before we make a decision but we're just being cautious and want to know what we're getting into before we commit.

22-06-2020 7:23pm

fjon wrote: »

I think it's madness. 1:10 is optimistic, I'd say you'll be in your car at least 3 hours every day.

I live near Greystones and my office is in Tallaght. Although a very commutable distance a small issue of the M50 often adds over an hour to my far shorter commute. I would not even consider this move, no quality of life.

In the winter getting to work from Aughrim is always not possible due to snow. Add to that, the risk of crashing due to tiredness of driving so far for many years is significant.

Having said that it is lovely area to live in so I can see the attraction.

fjon · 22-06-2020 7:31pm

ginasdnb wrote: »

Louth isn't somewhere we'd like to live, we always said we wouldn't plan our home around our work, as it's likely to change. We just want to go into this eyes wide open. The house were potentially buying is beautiful, there's nothing like it for the price,anywhere else moderately close to Dublin. Like I said. I tend to work nights and weekends so I'm hoping this will work in my favour. We have a lot of time before we make a decision but we're just being cautious and want to know what we're getting into before we commit.

Ok, fair enough. There are some nice places around that part of Wicklow and I could see how you could fall in love with somewhere there.
I commuted from Bray to Blanchardstown for many years and on a normal day the drive was a pain. On a day where there was a crash (happens more than you think), or bad weather, it was absolutely painful. I was travelling outside normal rush hour times too, it was just mostly the distance that took time. It's a pity you can't get an idea of what the commute is like under normal circumstances as you could try it and see how you feel about it.

u140acro3xs7dm · 22-06-2020 8:09pm

fjon wrote: »

I think it's madness. 1:10 is optimistic, I'd say you'll be in your car at least 3 hours every day. I'm not sure what the prices are like, but Louth would be closer to Cabra and probably cheaper than Meath?

1:10 is incredibly optimistic, and when you are working days it will be easily 2 hours each way. From Aughrim to the n11 isnt a great road and it has a lot of slow moving traffic to get stuck behind.

ginasdnb · 22-06-2020 8:52pm

fjon wrote: »

Ok, fair enough. There are some nice places around that part of Wicklow and I could see how you could fall in love with somewhere there.
I commuted from Bray to Blanchardstown for many years and on a normal day the drive was a pain. On a day where there was a crash (happens more than you think), or bad weather, it was absolutely painful. I was travelling outside normal rush hour times too, it was just mostly the distance that took time. It's a pity you can't get an idea of what the commute is like under normal circumstances as you could try it and see how you feel about it.

Yeah I supoose it isn't feasible at the moment to get a real idea of what the commute is like, given the current circumstances. It's a tough decision to make, in theory it's not that far away but considering crashes, traffic etc it's miles away. It's just a case of deciding between convenience or living in a dream home and being willing to put in a few years commuting until I find a closer job. Can I ask what times you were commuting at?

fjon · 22-06-2020 9:06pm

ginasdnb wrote: »

Yeah I supoose it isn't feasible at the moment to get a real idea of what the commute is like, given the current circumstances. It's a tough decision to make, in theory it's not that far away but considering crashes, traffic etc it's miles away. It's just a case of deciding between convenience or living in a dream home and being willing to put in a few years commuting until I find a closer job. Can I ask what times you were commuting at?

I was going in for 10, and leaving at 1830ish. I’d say I was averaging 1:15 door to door going in and about 1:30 going home (the M50/M11 merge is bad from 1600-1900 on weekdays). Note that going into Cabra this way you will also need to take into account the Navan Road which is often really bad too.

Kaylami · 22-06-2020 10:14pm

I travel Aughrim to Bray every day. To be in work for 8.30 I have to leave by 7.15 at the latest. The traffic on the n11 is horrific during term time.

Add that to getting stuck behind a cement lorry or woodfab lorry and your easily adding 20 extra minutes.

I love Aughrim and can totally understand the appeal but I think your commute would be soul destroying after a while.

jim salter · 22-06-2020 10:19pm

ginasdnb wrote: »

Hey jim

We were just up viewing a house in aughrim yesterday and whatever way we came back down the m50 (now I'm no good with directions) but I could come around by blanchardstown and down the navan road. I reckon I'd take this route instead of going through the city itself.

While I love the idea of moving to Wicklow, realistically getting from there to Cabra will be a nightmare (as most others have said).

I live in the Dublin 15 area and drive to Dublin 7 every day (when we were in the office)and that can take up to 40 mins and up to 90 mins home. Have worked in other parts of teh city (south side included) and the Navan road can be an absolute nightmare, right down into Cabra and onto the NCR, have also worked by the docks and teh same thing.

I really don't believe the commute would be worth it and as another poster pointed out, the traffic is reduced now (and even at that there is build up in the Dubin 15 area now).

Hope you get the best outcome for yourself

Spanish Eyes · 22-06-2020 10:24pm

I really could not contemplate that commute from deep Wicklow to Cabra.

But each to their own I suppose. Not for me ever. Despite the lovely Wicklow surroundings.

fjon · 22-06-2020 10:24pm

Interesting to see we have all the sections of the journey covered here. If you were to make the journey at rush hour time (and outside of “Covid world”) it would take 3:10 hours one way from aughrim to Dublin 7. I Realise OP won’t be doing it at peak times, but still it’s a crazy journey

Spanish Eyes · 22-06-2020 10:27pm

Kaylami wrote: »

I travel Aughrim to Bray every day. To be in work for 8.30 I have to leave by 7.15 at the latest. The traffic on the n11 is horrific during term time.

Add that to getting stuck behind a cement lorry or woodfab lorry and your easily adding 20 extra minutes.

I love Aughrim and can totally understand the appeal but I think your commute would be soul destroying after a while.

Aughrim to Bray is probably doable, but not enticing either.

Going from Aughrim to Cabra is a totally different animal altogether.

smelly sock · 22-06-2020 10:30pm

I can work from home now. I'd consider moving down the country to get a nice house and cut my mortgage. I wouldn't be doing it if it meant a 4 hours commuting a day a 6 euro on the M50. That's crazy really.

Weepsie · 22-06-2020 10:35pm

I know someone who is from there and on rare occasion has to go home and commute up not to far from Cabra.

It's not something you'd want daily. You're doing close to the length of the M50 and /or getting off one of the worst junctions if Blanchardstown for sheer volume.

Aughrim is lovely mind, but would be a tough ok slog, tougher still in winter.

Kaylami · 22-06-2020 10:41pm

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Aughrim to Bray is probably doable, but not enticing either.

Going from Aughrim to Cabra is a totally different animal altogether.

completely agree Spanish Eyes. I can't even see me keeping up that commute long term.

ginasdnb · 22-06-2020 10:53pm

Weepsie wrote: »

I know someone who is from there and on rare occasion has to go home and commute up not to far from Cabra.

It's not something you'd want daily. You're doing close to the length of the M50 and /or getting off one of the worst junctions if Blanchardstown for sheer volume.

Aughrim is lovely mind, but would be a tough ok slog, tougher still in winter.

Thanks weepsie. I reckon I will get a job in wexford/wicklow boarder or Newcastle in wicklow. As I said, I'm a nurse so don't necessairly have to stay in Dublin. It might just be temporary until we find our bearings. My other half lectures and is rarely in, the majority of his work is online. Also, we have no kids so that won't be an issue. Wicklow is just so beautiful, a place I've always dreamed of living in. Fingers crossed.

Bigus · 22-06-2020 11:08pm

You should perhaps consider traveling further down the M11 that takes the same time as going inland to Aughrim , a lot safer to be traveling on motorway than country icy unsalted roads in winter , and more predictable journey times . The biggest problem I’d have with aughrim is only really one road in and one road out which can become very tedious, unless you go over the desolation of the mountains. I’d say try this commute in dark winter before you commit.

bigroad · 22-06-2020 11:43pm

Yea Dublin to Aughrim is the same as Dublin to Gorey timewise. That road from the m11 out to Aughrim can be very time consuming.
But if you have your heart set on the property than maybe give it a go with a view to moving your job closer.
Also I would suggest the biggest most comfortable safe and economical car you can afford as that will make your commute a lot easier.
From the m50 to cabra I think I might go off at Palmerstown and up through the Park to avoid the toll.Personal choice really.

tradtshirt · 23-06-2020 12:16pm

Aughrim is one of the nicest villages in Wicklow, apart from its natural beauty it is remote enough to not have become a commuter area and maintains a local feel. It has a great community spirit built largely around a very active tity towns, and it punches above its weight in sports in the county.

Apart from the commuting to Cabra nightmare that others have pointed out, many people in Aughrim will find themselves driving into Arklow (15-20 mins) or Wicklow (25-30 mins) on a very regular basis for shopping, entertainment, schools etc. But thats the same for Avoca, Redcross, Annucurra, Tinahely, Rathdrum etc.

There are trident holiday homes beside Lawlesses Hotel in Aughrim, maybe rent one for a couple of weeks and live from there and get a feel for the area. I know it will cost a few quid, but consider it a holiday mixed with investigation - in the long run it may be worth it.

Best of luck.

23-06-2020 7:40pm

It sounds like this house has won you over already!
I have a friend who lives in Aughrim. Works in Dublin. But is looking at transferring to Wexford Town. The commute would be similar timewise but it's a lot less soul destroying actually driving, as apposed to moving a mile every ten minutes, which can be the M50/M11 at rush hour.
I suppose I would advise looking to switch job soon as you can, if you make the move.

sugarman20 · 23-06-2020 7:42pm

It's a lovely area and I can see the appeal but there's no way I'd do that commute.

murpho999 · 25-06-2020 11:53am

Cluster wrote: »

Hi

I know two people that live in Greystones that traveled daily to Finglas for work. It's not pleasant but they did it an one still does. There is no easy way to go that distance but the only up side is that I believe less people will be using the roads due to work from home so it might be marginally better.

I hope this helps.

I don't see how you can compare Greystones to Aughrim as it's right beside the M11.

OP, I would definitely not follow your plan, the M50 is a gamble every day and when lockdown ends and economy picks up then it will just get busier again.

Your work shifts seem long enough and your commute will make it even longer and it will wear you down eventually.

If you really want to live in Aughrim (and I can understand why, it's a lovely spot) then you need to try and find a job closer.

It really would make a huge difference to your quality of life and stress.

Best of luck.

Cluster · 26-06-2020 3:54pm

murpho999 wrote: »

I don't see how you can compare Greystones to Aughrim as it's right beside the M11.

OP, I would definitely not follow your plan, the M50 is a gamble every day and when lockdown ends and economy picks up then it will just get busier again.

Your work shifts seem long enough and your commute will make it even longer and it will wear you down eventually.

If you really want to live in Aughrim (and I can understand why, it's a lovely spot) then you need to try and find a job closer.

It really would make a huge difference to your quality of life and stress.

Best of luck.

Its not comparable, you're right.

CelticCub · 08-07-2020 10:55am

We moved down a to Aughrim a few years ago from Dublin and I commute to Dublin 6 daily - it takes one hour 20 mins at that is leaving at 0615 to beat the traffic (pre-Covid) . It is a great place to live as others have said and there are people down here working in the airport, Blachardstown etc so it is do-able (most these people work shifts so travel off peak). Just think long and hard about the commute - some people can do it no problem, for others it breaks their hearts!

listermint · 09-07-2020 10:23am

Pre Covid, Daily commute Woodenbridge to Leopardstown. Handy on motorbike. Relax and listen to podcasts / books. Actually quite enjoyed it.

I would not do Cabra though, Its just too far. My commute between 40-50 minutes. Traffic is inconsequential on this mode of vehicle ,Training dependent.

The Nal · 09-07-2020 10:31am

Unless you have a helicopter or a Star Trek transporter its not an option. Throw in a bit of ice or rain and the schools back etc and that could take you 2 1/2 hours each way. 3 hours sometimes.

Even on normal days if you've to be in for 7.30, you need to leave at 6am. And if you finish at 8pm you'll be home for 9.30pm just to be up at 5/5.30am to do it again.

Supercell · 09-07-2020 11:02am

OP the house and location may be heaven but your life will be hell , don't do it, you will regret.
Apart from the awful traffic on the M50 which grows year on year apart from now with COVID, its going to be busier as time goes by.
The roads in that area in winter can be treacherous and impassable in bad weather.
I would get the job sorted out first, it might not be as easy as you think or where you want it to be.
There is a reason prices there are so affordable despite being in such a lovely scenic area, think about it.

I have somewhere like it in Wicklow in mind for my retirement and honestly it will just have to wait until then.

Commuting from Aughrim to Dublin

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