Long associated with its large and expanding shopping centre, Blanchardstown has a village, canal and the country's biggest library, writes Paul O'Doherty

BLANCHARDSTOWN is at the centre of many neighbourhoods - including Tyrellstown, Mulhuddart, Abbotstown, Blakestown, Coolmine, Corduff, Roselawn to Delwood - all tied up by the string of traffic that meanders in all directions off the M50 at the much-maligned N3 roundabout.

From the industrial landlords - Bristol-Myers Squibb, Symantec, eBay and others up on the hill, who employ much of the area's workforce - to the shopping centre across the N3 and the main residential villages, the townland is now home to nearly 100,000 people squashed into a disjointed, melting pot of New Ireland.

The old village centre retains a countryside-feel with great potential, although it's shabby and out of breath. The shopping centre is now more a figurehead than the village itself.

And developments continue to be attracted to the shopping centre hub. This is to have a further extension, with the new 200-bedroom four-star Crowne Plaza set to open in the summer, and the adjoining Falcon's View apartment block, not far behind.

How's the market?

Prices coming down. Professionals with commercial eyes continue to buy up charming village centre cottages, such as the one on the main street that recently sold for more than €600,000.

And, while it's debatable whether you get a part of the village's soul for your money, a much more sophisticated three-bedroom cottage close by, with a manicured 80ft garden and conservatory, is on the market at €950,000.

Just outside the village, three and four-bedroom semis are popular. There are a couple of four-bedroom semis at Summerfield Green in a quite cul-de-sac overlooking a large green, asking each between €499,000 and €530,00.

With no shortage of newer developments in the greater Blanchardstown area, apartment prices are falling, drastically in some cases. Close to the shopping centre a two-bedroom second floor apartment in the Westend Village is down 13 per cent from €310,000 to €268,000, and a similar one at Ongar Square, on the periphery, costs €275,000 (down from €290,000).

And to rent?

Itchy unsellable homes are being forced onto the lettings market driving prices down slightly.

One-bedroom apartments start at just below €1,000 a month, with new developments such as Grove Court, across from the shopping centre with balcony views of Millennium Park, costing €100 more. Two-bedroom apartments on the shopping centre side of the M50, in relatively short supply, cost from €1,200. Neighbourhoods include the gated scheme at Westend Village, close to lots of amenities.

In developments such as Waterville, prices vary in a flooded market, and are generally between €1,195 to €1,350.

A spacious three-bedroom house in Hazel Lawn will set you back €1,800. This hasn't fetched an €580,000 asking price. Going out?

Fast food options everywhere. Standards are beginning to rise with The Twelfth Lock hotel on the canal providing something different with an outside dining space. This can be particularly enjoyable with the papers and good company after a Sunday morning walk waterside. Plenty of pubs in the different locales but little to write home about.

Price of a pint?

In the Greyhound Inn it costs €3.90 in the bar and €4.10 in the lounge.

Good for families?

While there have been concerns about school places in the past, the Department of Education and Science is "satisfied that there are sufficient places to meet demand next September". Two new schools opened last year and there are more to come. IT Blanchardstown and Connolly hospital are also on the doorstep.

In the Village Montessori School, there are places at €280 a month for mornings. Look out for Spréacha, Draíocht's annual international arts festival for children, in June.

What to do?

Aside from the numerous retail experiences, Draíocht, the National Aquatic Centre, UCI cinema and Leisureplex are here along with numerous walks on the canal or in parks. Blanchardstown has the largest public library in the country, with 100,000 books.

Home to:

Giovanni Trappatoni and his employers.

Locals say

•"No decent restaurants" (Karen Larkin).

•"Hey head, are you using that parking space?" (Driver with long neck).

•"In the last few years, it's become more like a little city, with no need to go into town anymore" (Sandra Millar).

•"Crime is a problem" (Anna Morgan).