IN . . . CASTLEKNOCK:With its lively village and near-city location, Castleknock is one of the best places to live in the capital, says Paul O'Doherty
CASTLEKNOCK IS one to the best locations to live around the city. So close to all that is good about the Phoenix Park, its main artery - Chesterfield Avenue - separating the noise of the metropolis from the relative tranquillity and closeness of the country, it's also on adequate transport links and convenient to Blanchardstown's retailing magnet. And, save for a couple of discrepancies, the village centre is certainly more sufficient than it has been in recent times. All agreeable you might say, until you consider the traffic. Oh, the traffic, the traffic, the traffic.
How's the market?
Davy Freeman Mitten's Stephanie Davy acknowledges it's "certainly down with vendors prepared to be more flexible on price, and the slump showing no sign of ending this side of Christmas". While Sherry FitzGerald Lewis Beirne's Joe Beirne sees it as being "like everywhere else, a little sluggish with pockets of activity without rhyme or reason, with a strong supply of property in the area. Prices have dropped 20 to 25 per cent over the past 18 to 24 months, although I would hope to see things pick up in the coming year, in the aftermath of the US presidential election, another interest rate reduction and financial stability in the markets."
Into the stacks, a top floor one-bed apartment on the old Phoenix Park racecourse site at Millrace Court close to everything (bar a local shop) still seems an extravagant flutter at €290,000 (down from €320,000 after six weeks) particularly when the odds on the next phase of the racecourse development being released for less have considerably shortened.
Similarly, with the village coming down with two-bed offerings, a ground floor apartment at O'Casey Hall, Collegewood, and a walk to most amenities at €375,000, might require a longer stay in detention if it's going to sell.
Three-bedroom-wise, there's also a lot on offer with an end-terrace unit at the popular Park Drive Grove overlooking a large green, particularly good value at €470,000 (down from €495,000 since the summer and probably another €40,000 from what it would have achieved 18 months ago).
At Woodbrook Court, there's a three-bed ground floor duplex close to the train station and major arteries available at €395,000 (down from €450,000 in March '07). While the airy and well-lit penthouse, with spacious livingrooms, tight corridors and views of the rest of the development at Rosehaven is yours for €550,000.
Up a division, a four-bed semi in a quite cul-de-sac at Riverwood down €60,000 to €540,000 might be flexible to an offer. Finally, Silverdale House, a spacious five-bedroom detached house adjacent to the Phoenix Park ("fit for a fashionista") is still confident after a month of achieving €2.75 million.
And to rent?
According to Davy Freeman Mitten's Stephanie Davy: "It's starting to slow down with the four- and five-bedrooms still very popular. It's also seems as if people with families are taking a year out renting before deciding to buy."
Into the letting-slips, a scarce one-bed apartment at Millrace Court close to the Arrow and good bus routes is probably still anxious at €1,100, while in the over-populated two-bed arena, you can take your pick from €1,150 for a duplex a short drive to the village at Fernleigh to €1,500 for a little more sophistication at Fawn Lodge.
Going up into the just-as-congested three-beds, a large semi with decent back garden at Riverwood might have to be patient at €1,400, while four-beds, a spacious garden, location, location, location and a charmless identity at The Heathers in the village centre has the luxury of being quoted, €2,000 and €2,400 respectively, with two separate letting agents.
Going out?
Eating out, Trentuno and Brasserie 15 both have their advocates close to the village with The Twelfth Lock down the Royal Canal at the Castleknock Marina drawing custom from the surrounding areas. Pub-wise it's Myos or Brady's (out of the village centre) or the sports club bars.
Price of a pint
€4.60 in Myos.
Good for families?
A bit of a distance to the children's hospital while Chrysalis Montessori and After School will be taking places at €350 a month (9am to 12.30pm) in January for the '09 season. Places really tight at primary and secondary schools for children not living in the area.
What's to do?
Great location for exploring the Phoenix Park and the surrounding countryside by bike, foot or car.
Home to . . .
Castleknock Hurling and Football Club and Castleknock Lawn Tennis Club.
Locals say
"It's got a great atmosphere and buzz and the village is so upbeat" (Nicola Talbot)
"The traffic is awful. It can take me 13 minutes to go the relatively short distance from the Castleknock Gate (at the Phoenix Park) to my job at Castleknock Cleaners in the morning" (Helen Connell).
"It's symptomatic of the New Ireland - too many grey squirrels and not enough pubs" (Kevin Coates).
"It could do with a decent youth club" (Rachel Phillips).
"I don't want to seem like I'm Will Carling but the place is steaming with old farts in Mercs" (Simon Flanagan).
