Never has the importance of location become so apparent than during the coronavirus crisis. When 2km was as far as anyone could take a stroll, it became abundantly clear that those with good parks and amenities on their doorsteps were the lucky ones.
It’s one of the many reasons Clancy Quay, a rental development in the heart of Dublin 8, is attracting Irish and international residents on a large scale. The 13-acre site has a noticeable village feel, enhanced through well-manicured gardens and squares and distinctively restored heritage buildings, mews houses and modern apartments.
The unique residential community, which has just launched another 246 new apartments as part of its final phase, has 865 homes on site in total, ranging from one-bed apartments to four-bed town houses. Located in Islandbridge, Clancy Quay is just a stone’s throw from the Phoenix Park and is around a 30-minute walk to the city centre.
Jason Byers, head of residential Ireland with Kennedy Wilson, talks us through seven ways Clancy Quay is a style of rental unparalleled in the city.
1. Location, location, location
“The development is 3km from the city centre making it very attractive if you work there and are a cyclist or like to walk,” Byers says. “It’s a ten-minute walk to the Luas stop, so if you need public transport, that’s on your doorstep. It’s a great location for getting to the regions, Heuston station is a walk away and the motorway is nearby, for those who drive,” he adds of its transport links, which also include access to a range of bus routes.
“The main attraction is that it is right beside the Phoenix Park – which is the largest walled park in any city in Europe. You are also right next to the Irish National War Memorial Gardens, with a cycle and walkway along the Liffey that goes right the way to Chapelizod. The Irish Museum of Modern Art and Kilmainham Gaol are also only a few minutes away.”
2. Extra amenities as standard
The development begins right on the Liffey and the newly launched phase includes a putting green and two roof terraces, offering spectacular views over the Phoenix Park.
“There are extensive landscaped gardens and a children’s playground on site,” Byers says. “Included in the rent is membership to the on-site fitness centre, which is well stocked with everything you need. The only charge is for classes,” he adds.
For those who are working from home during the pandemic, there’s good news there too. “There is also a business centre that you can work from, something that is particularly useful in the current working-from-home environment,” Byers confirms.
These can be booked in advance using the Clancy Quay app which offers other features such as parcel management, amenities reservations, maintenance requests, and a wide range of partnership offers and services. “As well as office pods, there is a meeting room and a multimedia room that can be used as a cinema and has a range of games consoles,” he says.
For residents looking to extend their own living space, there is also a resident’s lounge, games room, and a chef’s kitchen and dining space, all on the same floor. “Pre-Covid-19, events were held on a regular basis and these are free to attend. For example, we’ve hosted mum and baby groups, coffee tastings and chef demonstrations,” he says, adding, “there is also a summer barbeque and a Christmas event. Large group events are on hold right now but we’re hosting virtual classes and looking at some open-air events in the coming months.”
On site services include a dedicated concierge and 24-hour security and CCTV. Secure basement bike and car parking comes with electric vehicle chargers, a car share via GoCar and bike repair stations. The artisan Storyboard cafe is on site, together with The Yard food market. A grocery store and crèche are both opening soon.
3. Pet friendly offering
“With so many places stating no pets in rental ads, potential tenants are thrilled to see there are bespoke pet friendly apartments available,” Byers says. “Our ‘Bark Park’ with dog games is gated, and adjacent to that we have the dog wash, so after a muddy tramp around the park, you can shower your pet down before returning home,” Byers explains.
4. High-spec apartment finish
“There are a range of units on offer, everything from one-bed apartments to four-bed houses with private gardens,” Byers says. Kitchens have been fitted with premium appliances and bathrooms are equipped with deluxe fixtures and finishes.
“All apartments are fully furnished and come with high quality stone worktop kitchens. They are bright, open spaces and all have private balconies and ample storage. They have high energy ratings so utility bills will be less than you would typically pay elsewhere,” he adds.
“People do move up and down in unit size, depending on their circumstances. Some may have started out in a one-bed unit and are have moved to a larger space as their family grows. It’s unique that you can do all that within the one community.”
5. Community is key
Many of Clancy Quay’s residents are international, in the region of 60 per cent, and lots of the people living there are looking to meet like-minded people, Byers says. “All of the amenities and on site communal areas are really good for making friends and meeting up. Our regular resident events are key to building community. We have plenty of landscaped gardens with loads of areas to interact with fellow residents such as our children’s playground and rooftop gardens.”
6. The price point
Rents are attractive when compared to other city centre rates, especially when you add up the extras. “A one-bed starts at €1,900 while a two-bed starts at €2,200,” Byers says. “This includes everything mentioned. For example, you don’t need a separate gym membership, or to pay for a hot desk facility.”
7. The ease of virtual leasing
Right now, many of us want more options when it comes to viewing properties. Clancy Quay has smart solutions. A digital brochure can be downloaded onto your mobile device. “There is an option to do a full virtual tour on the website,” Byers adds. “You can go in and ‘walk the space’. If you like the apartment, you have the option to complete the entire leasing process online – in fact, our first four residents all visited us via the virtual tours before securing their property.”