In the recently published guide to ‘Ultimate Irish Homes’ by Chill.ie, property experts remarked that:
“Outside of the cities, areas of natural beauty that have recently become more accessible with our improved motorway system, like rural Wicklow and North Wexford, are attracting first-time buyers and families looking to trade-up from starter homes and apartments.”
For those unfamiliar with the area, south Wicklow is a stunning part of the country, blessed with some of Ireland’s most scenic views. It hosts many thriving towns and villages for potential home buyers, holiday makers and investors to choose from.
Affordability of housing in the southern part of ‘The Garden County’ has driven demand for both sales and rentals in recent years. Of course, the continually improving road network has helped to make it a viable alternative to Dublin. The advantages go beyond affordability and easy access to the capital; a new generation of home buyers are now finding that larger property sizes and larger sites, together with proximity to smaller local schools, childcare facilities, beaches and other outdoor activities all blend together to offer a more desirable standard of living.
It is because of its many advantages that the area is growing in popularity. We have noticed that rising rent prices in Dublin have led to first-time buyers seeking starter homes in south Wicklow, perhaps because they see the dream of home ownership moving further away from them in the capital. This is particularly true for young families. There are plenty of schools in the area like Coláiste Chill Mhantain secondary school, the newly built Wicklow Educate Together National School and St. Coen’s National School.
There are simply too many great clubs and teams to list them all here, however, local attractions include top quality golf courses, Wicklow sailing club, Wicklow tennis club, rugby club, GAA, soccer and a swimming pool. Furthermore, just a short distance away is The Merrymeeting Shopping Centre which has a range of businesses including, Centra, Rathnew Pharmacy, a ladies Boutique, hairdresser, two gyms and a takeaway.
Arklow is a busy town in the southern corner of County Wicklow; in the past this was regarded as one of the busiest ports in Ireland. It is renowned for boat building and sea fishing as well as having a fine tradition in the pottery industry. The town itself is stunning with its charming walks and views. It is an ideal location to explore and learn more about the Vale of Avoca to the east and not forgetting the magnificent sandy seashores of Brittas Bay to the north. Clogga Beach is close by to Arklow, a haven for sea lovers and water enthusiasts. Arklow boasts many clubs including GAA and boxing clubs.
Red Cross is another old-style village that is rooted in its old-style charms and character. Boasting a few shops and a unique post office, the village is ideal for those seeking a home in a quiet and countryside setting. Let’s not forget Avoca, a considerably famous area thanks to a hit television show, Ballykissangel, that was on some years ago on BBC 1.
South Wicklow is a county like no other in Ireland, with forestry trails, dramatic mountains and natural lakes all on your doorstep. For history lovers, Wicklow is at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East with many historic places of worship. You can trail the footsteps of St. Kevin in Glendalough’s 6th Century monastic site or experience the troubled times of the 1798 Rebellion in Wicklow Jail. Though further north, the beautiful gardens of Powerscourt remain a tourist hot spot.
Carnew is another vibrant market town situated in the extreme south of the county, close to the County Wexford border. Located within five minutes drive from Coolattin’s magnificent 18-hole golf course, the area is well known for woodland horse-riding.
South Wicklow is located approximately 40-50 minutes from the South of Dublin City Centre down the M11. It is also close to Kildare, Carlow and Wexford, making it a viable option for those seeking to stay within the commuter belt counties.
If you are considering buying or selling in the South Wicklow and North Wexford areas in 2018, call into one of our offices (located in Carnew and Gorey) and chat to any of our expert team or you can contact us online at kinsellaestates.ie. We are happy to facilitate overseas buyers and sellers via Skype or similar, outside of regular office hours.
Alternatively, email me directly on michael@kinsellaestates.ie or telephone : +353 53 94 21718