funny to see different views on blessington. I have never ever had problems with traffic and I work normal hours five days a week. true at rush hour there is a tail back but you can just take red lane... as for "all day long", sorry but you must be joking.
as for schools for toddlers, I have two and there is no issue at all get them into several schools.
I can't comment about the illegal dumping I'm afraid, that could be true but I live outside the village and to be honest haven't heard a dickybird about it since I've been living there the last 6 years. Maybe if you're in the village its an issue alright.
another downside to be aware of, and this was mentioned, is the nightlife. there isn't that much i'm afraid. there are a few pubs, the most popular being the west wicklow... but yeah, no nightclubs etc if thats what you're after. Not a million restaurants either, something I would like to see more of.
anyway, hope thats of help. to get a real feel for a place, you gotta stay there. why not rent a house for a weekend in ard ri and go for a drink locally. see if it fits. make it a long weekend and see the traffic too...