Although changing, Inchicore has a sedate heart based around Grand Canal walks and period redbricks. Paul O'Dohertyvisits an under-rated suburb

THE VILLAGE of Inchicore, one of Dublin's suburban gems, is at its best from Grand Canal walks to the many pretty period houses hidden behind the busy Tyrconnell Road/Emmet Road intersection and village centre hub.

Away from the roar of traffic and uncared-for core, Inchicore is a quiet working/residential environment with older families and an influx of new ones whose children are still in short trousers.

And, while the ghost of the old CIÉ Inchicore Works pervades the area like an English mill - remembered in newer developments with names like the Tramyards - the village is flush with development plans, newer apartment complexes, retail opportunities and restaurants that have come to the market in the recent years.

Already the decaying St Michael's estate is set for a further shove towards regeneration - 720 new housing units, crèche, civic centre, retail spaces, restaurants, bars, and all-weather pitches are all planned.

Recommendations have been asked for to regenerate the village core, and at least 12 sites are earmarked for development.

Tesco is already in town and the Ulster Bank will move house shortly. Planning permission has been sought on the OPW site on Jamestown Road for 300-odd apartments, and at a number of smaller mixed-use sites, while work is halfway through on a 250-odd apartment development on Davis Street.

How's the market?

Unlike some other areas, prices here are holding their value - mainly due to the proximity to the city and the Luas by the canal - with a good mix spread across what's available in the period redbrick market to the new apartments springing up, from canal bank developments to village centre low-rise stumps with balconies.

Housing stock is generally below €500,000 with particular interest shown anywhere around the old railway works, from a spacious three-bed semi in Abercorn Square, a quiet cul-de-sac, available at €485,000, to a recently renovated two-bedroom house on Ring Street, at €300,000, that needs minor refurbishment.

One-bedroom low-rise apartments with car-parking spaces, like the one at the Tramyard in the heart of the village, close to the canal and Luas, is just on the market at €300,000, while two-bedroom varieties in the same complex are fetching an extra €20,000.

At the upper end of the market, a fine 19th century three-bed property with a long garden in the much sought-after Inchicore Square East is available at €650,000.

And to rent?

Local agent Let4Less's Sam K Okewumi acknowledges: "The market is busy with demand outstripping supply," particularly at the lower end. One-bedroom apartments start at €850 while two-bedroom apartments, including one very tastefully decorated to a high standard on Emmet Road, are available at €2,100, indicative of properties in the area which haven't sold in the last six months now dipping their toes in the rental market.

Going out?

Very good Mediterranean-style fare and friendly service at Mick Wallace's Enoteca Torino, where the influences are typically Italian. La Boulangerie is popular at lunchtime and other than the well established local pubs, the city lights close by beckon.

Price of a pint

It's €3.60 in the Inchicore Sports and Social Club, €3.40 for pensioners.

Good for families?

Crèche places are available at Carefree Days at €185 per week. However, there is only one secondary school - Mercy in Goldenbridge for girls - in the area, and places at primary school are tight.

And, according to Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal's principal Mary O'Mahony: "The primary schools in the area are well resourced but short on space."

Currently very close to the children's hospital in Crumlin, but will be five miles away to the new proposed national children's hospital.

What's to do?

Home to St Patrick's Athletic. Close to Kilmainham Gaol and IMMA. On the LUAS. Accessible canal walks.

The Inchicore Community Sports Centre, opened in February with sports hall, dance studio and meeting room, has an FAI officer on site, runs the Teenage Kicks and Soccer Sisters - girls football - and has plans for yoga, toddler group and art class.

Locals say

"Access is a bit of a problem out onto the main roads" (Anthony Cregan).

"The gougers come around the odd time" (Victor Burke).

"The canal is really great for walking the dogs" (Nancy Giles).

"Being a businessman's paper and all that, you probably won't print this, but the pubs are f****** great". (Harry O'Brien).