IN....BALDOYLEWith large residential schemes underway, Baldoyle needs to get a shopping, employment and entertainment focus at its core, says Paul O'Doherty
ONCE A small fishing community with a racecourse, Baldoyle is a classic example of the clash of needs in a changing Dublin suburb. Looking across at Portmarnock Point, Ireland's Eye and Howth Head, the old village - with its Mediterranean-style St Peter and St Paul's Church and the decaying charm of the Sisters of Charity convent - seems exposed, a luxury to modernity.
Not surprisingly, with no real shopping, employment or entertainment focus at its core, most of the action now takes places closer to the Racecourse shopping centre and the Baldoyle industrial estate, further inland. On the horizon, despite the rejection of the odd planning notice, massive apartment and townhouse-living gets closer, particularly around the old racecourse, moving the village heart from its traditional home.
How's the market?
According to local estate agents, it remains "sluggish, with sellers coming to the market with more realistic expectations" although there is "no evidence" of recent falls bottoming out. They are also keen to emphasis that the market is particularly "in trouble" above €500,000.
They add, however, that below this threshold "there is still good movement" with first-time buyers, possibly, preferring the more traditional three-bed semis with decent back gardens where their parents lived, over the newer developments.
With one agent referring to the 2,500-unit work-in-progress (around 500 are already built) Coast development (incorporating Myrtle Village and Red Arches, and other un-built multi-phases), as a "ghost-town", Sherry FitzGerald New Homes Brendan Byrne says otherwise. "It's far from a ghost town. There are over 300 people living there and there might only be 70 units left to sell. Sales have gone very well with over 100 sales since January, which is better than any other development we've had in the last 10 months. And, prices have reduced, down about 10 per cent and a little bit more in some cases."
Into the nitty-gritty at the Coast, with its views of Howth Head and the sea and a Dart station opening early next year, one-bed apartments at Myrtle are from €239,000, or from €265,000 at Red Arches, while two-beds at Myrtle are from €265,000. A two-bed townhouse at Seapoint Court, ideal for the discerning downsizer, is available at €345,000, with three-bed duplexes at Myrtle in search of €385,000.
Looking for something a little more traditional, €370,000 will secure you a three-bed house at Parkvale with a south-facing rear garden on a quite cul-de-sac. In the same price and category, there's a recently extended and refurbished end-of-terrace house at Moyclare Close, while in the more sought-after Admiral Park, a more gracious semi on the market since July is looking for €495,000. Alternatively, a spacious three-bed semi with three reception rooms and outside deck, at Red Arches, The Coast, is down €30,000 to €620,000 after only three weeks on the market.
And to rent?
A rare one-bedroom apartment with sea views at Boyd House, the Coast is €850 a month, while a two-bed at Beaupark with underground parking and a shuttle bus to Howth Junction Dart station, is €1,150. Into the three-beds, €1,400 will get you a new apartment with two balconies at Myrtle, the Coast, with a four-bed terrace at Meadowbrook Park with rear garden within walking distance of amenities costing €1.500.
Going out?
With a couple of pubs and nowhere to eat, take your pick from Howth, Malahide or the city.
Price of a pint
€4.60 in Grainger's.
Good for families?
Primary and secondary schools aren't a problem while there are places at Anchor Childcare: full-time, €185 and part-time, €105. But getting to the children's hospital is currently a trek.
What's to do?
Close to the sea, fresh air and coastal walks. There's lots to do, particularly at the Community Hall, where yoga for beginners starts September 22nd (€75 for 10 weeks) with daytime art classes starting on October 2nd (€100 for 10 weeks). Also, Song and Dance Youth Theatre will stage Showstoppers, September 7th, while Baldoyle Boxing Club is sure to be inundated with membership requests in light of current events. The recently opened Seagrange Park playground is popular.
Home to . . .
St Patrick's Nursing Home.
Locals say
"We moved recently from Templeogue and find it has everything you'd want and it's near the sea and easy on the eye" (Paul and Bernadette Kavanagh).
"More should be done to showcase the village" (Peter McDonnell).
"Decent restaurants? Are you joking? Oh, I think that sounds overly negative. Do you mind if I don't give my name"
"That boundary wall up on Coast Road annoys me - it's an eyesore" (Joan Booth).
