Commuter Towns You Won’t Want to Leave

Applying for a mortgage and priced out of the city? With Dublin house costs currently at record highs, it’s no wonder buyers are casting their net a little wider than the confines of the city. Luckily, there are plenty of great locations on the outskirts Dublin – and beyond – that are so much more than ‘commuter towns’; they’re thriving communities with lots to offer. Join us as we count down some of the best.

Maynooth

Maynooth may be known as a university town, but nowadays, more and more alumni are choosing this charming Kildare location as their forever home. And it’s easy to see why. Firstly, you’ve got the fantastic amenity of the leafy college campus ­– an ideal spot for a weekend jog or stroll. Foodies will be delighted to know that Maynooth has built a stellar reputation when it comes to excellent restaurants. For kids, there’s a well-equipped playground and several schools, including an Educate Together and Gaelscoil. Transport links are excellent thanks to the local train station, and the town is served by both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. The commute time by rail to Dublin Connolly is a not-too-shabby 45 minutes.

Navan

If you want the best of town and country living, Navan is a fantastic option. This historic Meath location has so much going on, you won’t want to leave. If you’re a bit of a culture vulture, you’ve got the multidisciplinary Solstice Arts Centre on your doorstep. This beautiful building boasts a gallery, theatre and café. Sport fans are well catered for here too, with GAA, athletics and even a cricket club in the locality. The beautiful Boyne River cuts through the town, and the scenic Boyne Ramparts Walk (8k from Navan to Slane), is perfect for a Sunday stroll. For families, Navan has some great schools, and we’d be remiss not to mention Tayto Park, where you’ll no doubt be heckled to take the kids every other weekend! Traffic is a factor in commute time here, but you’re only looking at about one hour each way into Dublin city.

Naas

Naas is another established Kildare town with a strong sense of community. A 45-minute trip by car to Dublin, it’s also serviced by Bus Éireann and the nearby Sallins and Nass train station. Not that you’ll be in a hurry to leave. Naas has plenty to keep you occupied; a local cinema, plenty of restaurants, and even its own theatre. There’s a longstanding farmers market every Sunday morning too, and a handful of independent coffee shops run by passionate locals. Dive right into the community by joining the local GAA or Rugby club or, if sports aren’t your thing, how about a local choir or volunteer group? Families are well catered for here as well, with a playground, historical walks, and lots of schools to choose from.

Skerries

If you long for a relaxed pace of life by the sea, but still need to make it into the city for work, the north Dublin seaside town of Skerries could be right up your street. Set against a truly idyllic backdrop, it’s got buckets of charm and a strong sense of community to boot. Blow away the cobwebs after a stressful day in the office with an evening walk along the beach, and enjoy panoramic views of the five islands that surround this pretty town. If you’re a keen sailor, the local Skerries Sailing Club is welcoming of new members, and has a great reputation. Or why not keep fit and make some new friends at the Skerries Coastal Rowing Club? They compete in regattas all along the east coast during the summer months. It’s easy to get into the city too; Skerries is serviced by Irish Rail, and the average commute time from Dublin Connolly by train is a manageable 35 minutes.

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Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is an authorised agent and servicer of AIB Mortgage Bank in relation to the origination and servicing of mortgage loans and mortgages. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. and AIB Mortgage Bank are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Copyright Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. 1995.