Wicklow town

kcv_dcm · 20-04-2020 7:27pm #1

Hi Guys. I and my wife are thinking (whether) to buy a house in Marlton Road, Wicklow town. We are new to Dublin (less than 3 years) and we like quite life, close to nature. But we are not sure about commuting. I work near the UCD Stillorgan and my research job does not require for me to be present more than 3 days a week and much of my research work is done from home. We don’t have a car and don’t wanna buy one anytime soon. So, we have to rely on public transport (bus 133 and Intercity rail). We don’t need to travel to Dublin city more than twice or thrice a month. I will be grateful if you can provide some insights about commuting. Is it a nightmare as I read somewhere?

Also, how reliable is internet speed (currently I am on Virgin media account)? My research work depends a lot of internet speed.

Thanks in advance guys.

loyatemu · 27-04-2020 12:56pm

you'll struggle living in outer suburbia without a car IMO.

the train service to Wicklow Town is poor, only 5 services a day and the last one leaves Dublin at 18.30
The 133 bus is fairly frequent but gets badly affected by traffic congestion on the N11.

Broadband - depends on the house, there is 1Gb fibre available in Wicklow, you'd have to check before buy.

Annasopra · 28-04-2020 9:13pm

The 133 is very unreliable

https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklowpeople/news/133-the-most-complained-about-bus-route-last-year-38360051.html

kcv_dcm · 17-05-2020 4:59pm

Thanks guys..

Mortelaro · 17-05-2020 5:01pm

Train and Dart would leave you walking distance to UCD from Booterstown

ElMatt · 16-06-2020 9:19am

Hi everyone,

Could I hijack this thread quickly? Does anyone have a decent idea of good and bad parts of Wicklow? We're (young family) moving from the UK in the next couple of months, I work at UCD too. I know some areas but just don't have the more in depth knowledge about where is nicer or not!

Baybay · 16-06-2020 12:41pm

When you say good & bad, do you mean in relation to proximity to schools for your young family, train station for yourself, house prices etc or which areas might be more desirable than others? All of it, I suppose!

Are you familiar with the town already, ElMatt?

sumo12 · 17-06-2020 11:23am

ElMatt wrote: »

Hi everyone,

Could I hijack this thread quickly? Does anyone have a decent idea of good and bad parts of Wicklow? We're (young family) moving from the UK in the next couple of months, I work at UCD too. I know some areas but just don't have the more in depth knowledge about where is nicer or not!

Loads of new estates being built, plenty of choice in new builds. What is a good area and what is a bad area is highly subjective. I'd have personal opinions but they are just that and I certainly wouldn't put them on here

As a sweeping generalistion I think the whole town is decent, yes there are a few rogues / dodgy neighbours / narcotics sellers dotted around but hey, that's the same as everywhere...

becm · 28-07-2020 3:55pm

sumo12 wrote: »

Loads of new estates being built, plenty of choice in new builds. What is a good area and what is a bad area is highly subjective. I'd have personal opinions but they are just that and I certainly wouldn't put them on here

As a sweeping generalistion I think the whole town is decent, yes there are a few rogues / dodgy neighbours / narcotics sellers dotted around but hey, that's the same as everywhere...

Hey - could I jump in on this thread too? We have been looking at Wicklow Town too, but more at the south of the town, around Bayside Glen, Yachtman's Point and Seapoint....distance in terms of to the town etc not an issue so much as I drive but more wondering from a quietness/any trouble perspective!
Thanks!

Baybay · 29-07-2020 8:19am

becm wrote: »

Bayside Glen, Yachtman's Point and Seapoint....distance in terms of to the town etc not an issue so much as I drive but more wondering from a quietness/any trouble perspective!
Thanks!

Those are quite established estates, some of the first houses built maybe twenty or so years ago. I haven’t heard anything untoward about any of them.
They are quite a bit out of town in terms of walking with the nearest commercial premises being Wicklow Golf Club whose bar/restaurant has the most amazing coastal & links views.

becm · 29-07-2020 10:38am

Baybay wrote: »

Those are quite established estates, some of the first houses built maybe twenty or so years ago. I haven’t heard anything untoward about any of them.
They are quite a bit out of town in terms of walking with the nearest commercial premises being Wicklow Golf Club whose bar/restaurant has the most amazing coastal & links views.

Thanks a million for that, useful to hear from people that know the area! The views out there are stunning alright, I just love the sea views

storker · 29-07-2020 3:53pm

becm wrote: »

Thanks a million for that, useful to hear from people that know the area! The views out there are stunning alright, I just love the sea views

Wait til you do the lighthouse walk...

Wicklow is fine. I've lived here most of my life and there are only a couple of areas I'd avoid. Ironically, one has probably the best view in the whole town, but it's neither of the ones you asked about.

XxMCRxBabyxX · 29-07-2020 4:20pm

becm wrote: »

Hey - could I jump in on this thread too? We have been looking at Wicklow Town too, but more at the south of the town, around Bayside Glen, Yachtman's Point and Seapoint....distance in terms of to the town etc not an issue so much as I drive but more wondering from a quietness/any trouble perspective!
Thanks!

I grew up is in one of these estates and my parents still live there. The only noise or trouble problem we ever had was our 90 year old neighbours' family house parties!

It is a bit of a walk into town - about 25 minutes to the nearest bus stop at Flannerys and you'd need to drive to any of the supermarkets. The walk home is also very steep!

Cerco · 30-07-2020 11:39am

XxMCRxBabyxX wrote: »

The walk home is also very steep!

There are few places in Wicklow town that are not on a steep hill. Mind you the benefit is in the lovely views.

XxMCRxBabyxX · 30-07-2020 12:16pm

Cerco wrote: »

There are few places in Wicklow town that are not on a steep hill. Mind you the benefit is in the lovely views.

True, but I just particularly hate the walk back to my house which is very much the top of the hill!

into_the_wild · 08-08-2020 4:28pm

We are a couple in our early 30s looking to buy somewhere close to the sea. Is Wicklow town nice and safe? I know some areas are to be avoided. Is the Wexford bus to Dublin reliable enough in case we are to start working back in offices later on?

storker · 08-08-2020 4:37pm

into_the_wild wrote: »

Is Wicklow town nice and safe?

Yes.

I know some areas are to be avoided.

Few enough that I know of.

Is the Wexford bus to Dublin reliable enough in case we are to start working back in offices later on?

I don't think the Wexford bus stops at Wicklow, but there's a dedicated Wicklow bus that does (133). It runs every hour and more frequently on weekday mornings. My wife uses it.

The train journey to Dublin is very pleasant, but the timetable isn't great, especially for getting home. There's a park-and-ride for the DART in Greystones, though, so that might be an option.

into_the_wild · 10-08-2020 5:43pm

storker wrote: »

Yes.

Few enough that I know of.

I don't think the Wexford bus stops at Wicklow, but there's a dedicated Wicklow bus that does (133). It runs every hour and more frequently on weekday mornings. My wife uses it.

The train journey to Dublin is very pleasant, but the timetable isn't great, especially for getting home. There's a park-and-ride for the DART in Greystones, though, so that might be an option.

Thank you for your response

Would you recommend any of these areas here?

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/meadow-gate-meadow-gate-wicklow-town-wicklow/4374765

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/blackthorn-close-greenhill-road-wicklow-town-wicklow/4429319

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/carraig-beag-ballynerrin-hawkstown-wicklow-wicklow/4339814

My wife and I are looking at moving to wicklow town but have never lived there and don't know much about the dodgy parts except a few names like Sea crest, Pier View etc.

Baybay · 10-08-2020 6:48pm

into_the_wild wrote: »

Would you recommend any of these areas here?

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/meadow-gate-meadow-gate-wicklow-town-wicklow/4374765

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/blackthorn-close-greenhill-road-wicklow-town-wicklow/4429319

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/carraig-beag-ballynerrin-hawkstown-wicklow-wicklow/4339814

My wife and I are looking at moving to wicklow town but have never lived there and don't know much about the dodgy parts except a few names like Sea crest, Pier View etc.

Of the developments you mention, Meadowgate is the closest to town, still a bit of a walk but on the flat until you get to the entrance of the estate & after that, it depends where you buy! Most of the town is on some sort of hill! They look quite nice but I haven’t been inside any of them. It seems quite a sizeable estate. There are other more established estates on the same road & I don’t think there’s much, if anything untoward going on in any of them. Have a look maybe at Marlton Demesne, Brooklands etc to get an idea of the area.

Greenhills would be quite a bit further out of town, possibly amazing views from the development, there certainly is from the scenic car park on the way up but it is not walkable, in my opinion. From time to time, maybe but it is very hilly so not driving might not be ideal. There are a lot of nice houses up in that area.

Carraig Beag, distance wise is probably as far from the town centre as the Greenhills houses & it is also quite hilly but not quite as steep. Again you’d probably like to have a car for most things. It’d have handy enough access for the the way out to the M11.

storker · 10-08-2020 9:00pm

into_the_wild wrote: »

Thank you for your response
Would you recommend any of these areas here?

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/meadow-gate-meadow-gate-wicklow-town-wicklow/4374765

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/blackthorn-close-greenhill-road-wicklow-town-wicklow/4429319

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/carraig-beag-ballynerrin-hawkstown-wicklow-wicklow/4339814

My wife and I are looking at moving to wicklow town but have never lived there and don't know much about the dodgy parts except a few names like Sea crest, Pier View etc.

Pretty much what Baybay said. I've passed that Meadow Gate development a few times as my daughter has a friend who lives in one of the estates even further up that hill and they've often walked between there and the main street. It's a nice area and the least hilly of all the options. Greenhill road has some great views but it's a mother of a hill.

into_the_wild · 10-08-2020 9:21pm

Thanks guys. So all 3 estates are ok safety wise?
Both of us work in Dublin so might be taking the 133 bus or the train. I guess it's an hour journey as far as I can see on the timetables so shouldn't be too bad considering we might be working from home most of the time in the future

Baybay · 11-08-2020 11:58am

into_the_wild wrote: »

So all 3 estates are ok safety wise?
Both of us work in Dublin so might be taking the 133 bus or the train. I guess it's an hour journey as far as I can see on the timetables so shouldn't be too bad

As far as I know, the Greenhills development is quite small. There are already houses of different types there, I’d guess most built individually rather than by developers. I’m not sure it’d even be described as an estate really. Haven’t heard anything bad about the area.
In my opinion the other estates, which are larger, are still a bit too new to have much of a reputation. They’re still being built but seem fine.

The 133 is a good service to have although I use it infrequently so hopefully someone else who uses it more regularly might comment on here.

into_the_wild · 11-08-2020 12:05pm

Baybay wrote: »

As far as I know, the Greenhills development is quite small. There are already houses of different types there, I’d guess most built individually rather than by developers. I’m not sure it’d even be described as an estate really. Haven’t heard anything bad about the area.
In my opinion the other estates, which are larger, are still a bit too new to have much of a reputation. They’re still being built but seem fine.

The 133 is a good service to have although I use it infrequently so hopefully someone else who uses it more regularly might comment on here.

Thanks

We are going to view a couple of new builds this week and see how it goes. Just wondering, how come Wicklow town prices are as high as compared to let's say seaside places like Lusk, Rush, Donabate etc in North Dublin?

One would imagine the bigger distance from Dublin would make them slightly cheaper but we are seeing ~380k for 3 beds in Wicklow which is at par with North Dublin prices.

Baybay · 11-08-2020 12:25pm

into_the_wild wrote: »

Thanks Just wondering, how come Wicklow town prices are as high as compared to let's say seaside places like Lusk, Rush, Donabate etc in North Dublin?

One would imagine the bigger distance from Dublin would make them slightly cheaper but we are seeing ~380k for 3 beds in Wicklow which is at par with North Dublin prices.

No idea about north Dublin although Wicklow is also a seaside town & close to blue flag Brittas Bay. Easy Dart access from Bray (& the desirable but pricy Greystones) the train to Dublin from the town itself, busses through the city centre & on to the airport, M11 upgrades, plenty of new builds, fair amount of second hand housing stock plus a good sprinkling of amenities in the town all play their part I suppose.

storker · 11-08-2020 1:22pm

Baybay wrote: »

No idea about north Dublin although Wicklow is also a seaside town & close to blue flag Brittas Bay. Easy Dart access from Bray (& the desirable but pricy Greystones) the train to Dublin from the town itself, busses through the city centre & on to the airport, M11 upgrades, plenty of new builds, fair amount of second hand housing stock plus a good sprinkling of amenities in the town all play their part I suppose.

...and don't forget the Wicklow mountains are an easy drive westwards. Wicklow is a very well-situated town.

into_the_wild · 11-08-2020 1:33pm

Baybay wrote: »

No idea about north Dublin although Wicklow is also a seaside town & close to blue flag Brittas Bay. Easy Dart access from Bray (& the desirable but pricy Greystones) the train to Dublin from the town itself, busses through the city centre & on to the airport, M11 upgrades, plenty of new builds, fair amount of second hand housing stock plus a good sprinkling of amenities in the town all play their part I suppose.

That's true I suppose. We both cycle a lot so we'll check out how cycle friendly the roads are there

BigMoose · 11-08-2020 4:55pm

Someone asked about Wexford bus - they do indeed run a service to Wicklow Town - 740A. It misses out most of the villages that the 133 goes through so imagine is quicker, although there is an undocumented 133 in the morning that stops in Rathnew then heads straight up the N11. Problem with both is the traffic on the N11, buses get stuck in that along with cars. I found the 133 arrival times in the morning wildly optimistic and that was a couple of years ago.

into_the_wild · 11-08-2020 5:51pm

BigMoose wrote: »

Someone asked about Wexford bus - they do indeed run a service to Wicklow Town - 740A. It misses out most of the villages that the 133 goes through so imagine is quicker, although there is an undocumented 133 in the morning that stops in Rathnew then heads straight up the N11. Problem with both is the traffic on the N11, buses get stuck in that along with cars. I found the 133 arrival times in the morning wildly optimistic and that was a couple of years ago.

Thanks for the heads up there

It was going to be hard for us to estimate the bus journey since the traffic these days isn't at the same pre-covid levels so good to know that. How "wildy optimistic" are we talking by the way? :pac:

sy_flembeck · 11-08-2020 10:34pm

into_the_wild wrote: »

That's true I suppose. We both cycle a lot so we'll check out how cycle friendly the roads are there

They're excellent. Both landscape and variety - it ain't called the Garden County for nothing.

And for the best part the drivers are a patient bunch too. Wicklow town is ideally located for the north south or west of the county. With the added bonus of relatively light traffic by and large

into_the_wild · 11-08-2020 10:46pm

Thanks guys. Any clue how Keatingstown area is? Looks like they have some new builds there with sea views ðŸ˜Š

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/the-oak-sea-scape-keatingstown-wicklow-town-wicklow/4415002

storker · 12-08-2020 11:00am

into_the_wild wrote: »

Thanks guys. Any clue how Keatingstown area is? Looks like they have some new builds there with sea views &#55357;&#56842;

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/the-oak-sea-scape-keatingstown-wicklow-town-wicklow/4415002

Keatingstown is a decent area and it's also very close to one of the secondary schools. I wouldn't consider it within walking distance of town, though. Also, I avoid driving that way when possible because of the large number of speed ramps.

BigMoose · 12-08-2020 11:45am

into_the_wild wrote: »

Thanks guys. Any clue how Keatingstown area is? Looks like they have some new builds there with sea views &#55357;&#56842;

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/the-oak-sea-scape-keatingstown-wicklow-town-wicklow/4415002

It's a lovely area, if buying a house there just check you know and are happy with how many steps there are up to it. I was very surprised to see as it was being built they didn't level the road off to the level of the houses and you have to walk up steps with all your shopping etc.

I occasionally walk into town from further along than there, but it is a 20 min walk up hill on the way back. Better getting dropped in if having a few drinks and walking home

into_the_wild · 12-08-2020 2:13pm

Thanks everyone. Would you recommend a good solicitor in the area? Its going to be a new build so probably not as complicated as second hand homes so don't want to spend too much on an expensive solicitor I guess.

Fanta24 · 24-08-2020 11:48pm

into_the_wild wrote: »

Thanks everyone. Would you recommend a good solicitor in the area? Its going to be a new build so probably not as complicated as second hand homes so don't want to spend too much on an expensive solicitor I guess.

Hi, sorry for jumping onto this thread, we recently moved to wicklow town from Dublin snd have to say we love it. There is a good few solicitors in the town each similar pricing if you call them up they will give you a break down on fees etc then you can make your decision. The 3 houses you sent links to are all very nice, carraig beag being the most spacious houses within a small estate, meadow gates I'm pretty sure phase 2 are all sold out except bungalows, there is a phase 3 though, same with seascrapes but again there is another phase soon. ðŸ™

navandude · 23-02-2021 9:31pm

Hi All,

Looking at properties in Wicklow Town recently and was wondering what it might be like along the Ballyguile Road? I am not familiar with the town and level 5 restrictions would not permit me to visit and try get a sense of the area at the moment.

Any advice or thoughts on this area or any other area of the town would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

AnRiocht85 · 05-04-2021 10:54pm

Hi there, hoping to hijack this thread instead of starting a new one ðŸ˜„

I'm a culchie living in Dublin for far too long and looking forward to moving to Wicklow town or surrounding areas. I have two questions if anyone here wouldn't mind answering

A) is the gaelscoil primary school generally over subscribed? We have a 2 Yr old who we would love to get into a gaelscoil if possible. It would be a strong preference over any other school type/ethos.

We know that north wicklow (bray, greystones, delgany etc) school places are a big problem with far too many young families vs school places. Is that problem evident down as far as wicklow town also?

how do people living around the beach areas (brittas bay/magheramore) south of wicklow town find the summers? I assume it is generally very quiet and peaceful in the winters, and overrun with holiday-makers in the summer? Is that seen as a problem or bring about much trouble or anti-social behavior?

Baybay · 06-04-2021 11:10am

navandude wrote: »

Hi All,

Looking at properties in Wicklow Town recently and was wondering what it might be like along the Ballyguile Road?

Any advice or thoughts on this area or any other area of the town would be greatly appreciated.

Only seeing this now so perhaps you already got sorted / decided.
There are some nice houses up that way, many with good views over the bay.
It is a good step, uphill, out of the town centre but is on the 133 bus route & close to the primary school & close enough to the Montessori school.
There is also some social housing, new builds amongst them, further up that road but I don’t think there are other new builds currently. Open to correction on that.

Baybay · 06-04-2021 11:17am

AnRiocht85 wrote: »

how do people living around the beach areas (brittas bay/magheramore) south of wicklow town find the summers? I assume it is generally very quiet and peaceful in the winters, and overrun with holiday-makers in the summer? Is that seen as a problem or bring about much trouble or anti-social behavior?

I don’t know anything about schools other than there are some in the town, sorry!

As for Brittas Bay, I think the biggest problem tends to be an increase in traffic generally & as a consequence, inconsiderate parking. Even if the car parks aren’t full, some feel the need to park on verges etc.
I wouldn’t have thought anti social behaviour otherwise is a huge thing although I’m sure there must be isolated incidents.
Jack’s Hole & Ballinacarrig Park people seem to spend a good bit of their time in those resort areas, especially now that McDaniel’s is closed.
But there is a good primary school & The Bay Cafe is a good spot too!

bluebakes · 13-05-2021 2:23am

navandude wrote: »

Hi All,

Looking at properties in Wicklow Town recently and was wondering what it might be like along the Ballyguile Road? I am not familiar with the town and level 5 restrictions would not permit me to visit and try get a sense of the area at the moment.

Any advice or thoughts on this area or any other area of the town would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Locals (myself) would typically avoid Ballyguile area. Aside from it being up a very big hill out of the town itself, it's known for more social housing than most of the town so avoid if possible.

Some nice areas include any Marlton (Park, Demense, Court, Meadows etc), up Dunbur road near the golf club, any estates like Kirvin Hill/Keatingstown up near the biggest secondary school in the town.

Panjandrums · 16-05-2021 4:54pm

bluebakes wrote: »

Locals (myself) would typically avoid Ballyguile area. Aside from it being up a very big hill out of the town itself, it's known for more social housing than most of the town so avoid if possible.

Some nice areas include any Marlton (Park, Demense, Court, Meadows etc), up Dunbur road near the golf club, any estates like Kirvin Hill/Keatingstown up near the biggest secondary school in the town.

That's the biggest load of nonsense I've ever heard. How long are you living in the town?

Reati · 16-05-2021 5:05pm

AnRiocht85 wrote: »

A) is the gaelscoil primary school generally over subscribed? We have a 2 Yr old who we would love to get into a gaelscoil if possible. It would be a strong preference over any other school type/ethos.

All the schools in the town are. Just like everywhere.

For the Gaelscoil, the system is fair. You can only register the November (or thereabouts) before the child starts school then it's Families whose home language is Irish first (subject to a fluency test for parents and child), brother/sisters of current students and done by age oldest to youngest thereafter. If I remember correctly.

They only tend take a small class of 28 (vs other schools in town who take about 60 on average.

So all said, down to age your child is when they would be starting to work out your odds. Also, if you are going that route there is a Naíonra in the town thet most kids go to first. That wouldn't do your chances any harm.

bluebakes · 24-05-2021 10:25pm

Panjandrums wrote: »

That's the biggest load of nonsense I've ever heard. How long are you living in the town?

25 years.

storker · 25-05-2021 12:57pm

The worst thing about Ballyguile is the hill, there's only one estate there that I'd consider "rough", and the rest of the road seems fine. The biggest reason I'm rarely up that way is that it's rarely on the route to wherever I'm going.

LFeeFee · 27-09-2021 11:24am

Hi All,

I'm looking at a house in Mountain View estate. I will be a woman living alone/renting a room. It's one of the only places I can find in my price range so my question is, does anyone know why it's so much cheaper? Would I be safe there living alone?

Thanks,

storker · 27-09-2021 12:16pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117944629#Comment_117944629

You'll have a steep climb from the main street to there, and I've always considered it to be the worst estate in town - apart from its magnificent views. But that's just my impression. I couldn't say how safe you would or wouldn't be there, though. I may be judging the book by its cover, or the state of its cover in the past.

I'd recommend having a look via Google Street view 52.97248098375172, -6.042894037817236 and come down and take a look for yourself.

LFeeFee · 27-09-2021 12:40pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117944878#Comment_117944878

Thanks, yeah it seems to have had a bad rep in the past but no one has said it's very unsafe now just again that vibe of not being very nice. I had a look around and see that totally. Lots of kids running around etc so seems safe but just generally run down and a lot of rubbish around etc. Might chat to the people living there and see what they say.

cindy11 · 22-05-2023 6:03pm

Hi guys. Thank you for this thread. I know that has been a long time. But maybe someone from the area is willing to reply to me. How about this street, Mountain View 113, in Wicklow town?

https://www.daft.ie/for-sale/semi-detached-house-113-mountain-view-wicklow-town-co-wicklow/4712555

I love the view. But the street are around are rundown

Some houses are private, but some of them belong to the government. They told me it was not dangerous. But I am not sure about this. In Dublin, the areas with housing estates are really bad.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this.

storker · 22-05-2023 10:21pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120628308#Comment_120628308

My knowledge of that estate hasn't been added to since it last came up, so this still applies. https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117944878/#Comment_117944878

I'll see if I can find out more for you. The house looks really nice. That BER rating is a bit nasty though.

storker · 24-05-2023 9:46pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120629322#Comment_120629322

The word I'm getting is not good. Lots of drugs and vandalism it seems.

cindy11 · 27-05-2023 12:44am

Many thanks, Storker, for taking the time to reply. To be honest, I don't think it is dangerous at all. I went to the shop and talked with a lady who lives there and has worked there for 40 years. So it looks safe. But it is true that some houses are quite rundown. I also saw kids playing on the street. The views are impressive. And Wicklow town is full of life and shops.

Baybay · 30-05-2023 1:25pm

@cindy11, looks like it went sale agreed today. If it’s you, wishing you all the best!

Wicklow town

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