Trying to choose between a 3 bed semi near either Dundrum or Stillorgan villages. Which do people think is a better area? Dundrum has the shiny new shopping centre, and some sort of village atmosphere....Stillorgan shopping centre is showing its age (there is talk of renovation?) and there is less of a village feel, but yet is it a better location overall in terms of desirability etc? Any thoughts appreciated.
Dundrum v Stillorgan
- Thread starter 18D
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Is public transport a consideration? Stillorgan is on the 'king of bus routes' - the 46A, while Dundrum has the Luas or the less frequent 48A. Stillorgan feels more settled or residential, Dundrum seems to have more traffic flowing in and out of it. I'd put my money on Stillorgan.
Julesanddave
Registered User
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Hi there
I would say Stillorgan has a slightly better name, even though I grew up in Dundrum.
Have you any idea on what estates you were looking at?
If Schools were an issue I would say Stillorgan probably would come out tops.
Julie
I would say Stillorgan has a slightly better name, even though I grew up in Dundrum.
Have you any idea on what estates you were looking at?
If Schools were an issue I would say Stillorgan probably would come out tops.
Julie
Thanks...the estate I am thinking about in Stillorgan is Allen Park near the shopping centre. I'm comparing a 3 bed semi-d there with similar houses in the Ludford estate in Ballinteer or other estates closer to Dundrum village. Trying to figure out which is better overall. The one downside to Stillorgan is that it has less of a co-ordinated oldie village feel than Dundrum, though most people seem to think Stillorgan is still better overall? It does have more amenities/restaurants etc...does anyone know of any plans to modernise the Stillorgan centre and surrounds?
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Dutchy07
Guest
I'm biased because I've lived on Allen Park for over 27 years and absolutely love it. Stillorgan has a more friendly, town feel than Dundrum. Stillorgan is quieter and more child orientated.So my vote is definitely with Stillorgan.
Would I be right in guessing you're looking at 2 Allen Park Drive? I briefly considered that property but the north facing back garden and the fact you could see the pubs neons from the front garden put me off. Other than that I'd say it's a great buy at the price - lots of potential to extend with the garage.
I don't think there's any debate really - Stillorgan is a much better prospect than Dundrum or Ballinteer - only really functional QBC, close to Luas and Dart, good local amenities (sports, schools, etc) and close enough to Dundrum but without the problems of traffic
Depends what you want from a town.
Both towns are well established but in a state of transition. There are big plans to transform the old shopping centre in Dundrum so as to link it with the new town cente. I believe there are also plans to turn the main street into a more "traditional" type place that might make it more appealing (i wouldn't agree there's any "village" feel to it at present).
The place is also bceoing more commercialised with major office blocks both already constructed and planned. It's likely to become a more advanced hub for business development.
If schools are important, I don't think Dundrum is a runner. The main primary, Holy Cross, has an indifferent (at best) reuptation. Stillorgan definitely wins this category with a number of good schools either in Stillorgan itself or the adjacent Kilmacud.
As regards development in Stillorgan, there have been various plans to rebuild the existing shopping centre which has looked tired for a long time. There seems to be some debate about how viable any development would be given the development already in place in Dundrum. I understand that three of the four corners of the "bowling alley" junction are in single ownership and that it's planned to devlop them in unison.
For me, the big plusses in Dundrum are the Luas and the Town Centre. Anywhere within a reasonable walk of both would be good.
For schools, it would have to be Stillorgan.
Both towns are well established but in a state of transition. There are big plans to transform the old shopping centre in Dundrum so as to link it with the new town cente. I believe there are also plans to turn the main street into a more "traditional" type place that might make it more appealing (i wouldn't agree there's any "village" feel to it at present).
The place is also bceoing more commercialised with major office blocks both already constructed and planned. It's likely to become a more advanced hub for business development.
If schools are important, I don't think Dundrum is a runner. The main primary, Holy Cross, has an indifferent (at best) reuptation. Stillorgan definitely wins this category with a number of good schools either in Stillorgan itself or the adjacent Kilmacud.
As regards development in Stillorgan, there have been various plans to rebuild the existing shopping centre which has looked tired for a long time. There seems to be some debate about how viable any development would be given the development already in place in Dundrum. I understand that three of the four corners of the "bowling alley" junction are in single ownership and that it's planned to devlop them in unison.
For me, the big plusses in Dundrum are the Luas and the Town Centre. Anywhere within a reasonable walk of both would be good.
For schools, it would have to be Stillorgan.
Currently living in Stillorgan (Kilmacud to be exact) I think you could be very happy there. Good schools, transport, cinema, planty of vets, doctors and general services you would expect from an established village. Yes I agree the shopping centre is old and shabby but this is due to change. There is a major development planned for Stillorgan village with the developer well into the process of securing planning under the local area plan with the county council. Be sure before you purchase if the proposed changes to the village will impact you in any way. Traffic is not great in the morning or evening rush hours in the area but where is? Hopefully the new developpment will do something to reduce the amount of traffic on the Upper and Lower Kilmacd roads but we shall have to wait and see. Anyway best of luck with your choice. I know its a difficult one as I was in a similar position as you 4 years ago.
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daddycool
Guest
18D - pM'ed you re: this - afraid of the 'pro-Stillorgan' thread emerging and being lynched for bad comments!
C
canrol
Guest
Dundrum is a lovely area. I live here and I have to say that I prefer it to Stillorgan. As for schools, Holy Cross is excellent and from what I hear the reputation is not 'indifferent (at best)' as suggested by another poster.Last year,this school completed a Whole school inspection in which the school performed extremely well.In my opinion,It is extremely unfair to individually blast one school.The shopping centre is fantastic and there are a number of lovely restaurants in the area. I would go with Dundrum
Hi, I think stillorgan has a better name for some reason, but I just don't get the village feeling you are talking about at all there. The shopping centre is dire. 46a is a great bus. I just think stillorgan is over rated.
Dundrum can get very busy with the shopping centre at weekends but there are many estates not directly beside it that do not get affected at all. There is a good cinema and loads of restaurants on your doorstep. The luas is brilliant. A much nicer atmosphere than stillorgan.
Dundrum can get very busy with the shopping centre at weekends but there are many estates not directly beside it that do not get affected at all. There is a good cinema and loads of restaurants on your doorstep. The luas is brilliant. A much nicer atmosphere than stillorgan.
Personally I'd go for Stillorgan. I do think its a better area than Dundrum but the key for me would be ease of access to city centre via car.
Stillorgan wins hands down on this. The QBC is pretty good as well. Much easier and quicker to get to Dunlaoghaire from Stillorgan than from Dundrum. Traffic in the Sandyford Industrial state certainly used to be a nightmare as well.
Overall, I would rate the area better than Dundrum/Balinteer.
Stillorgan wins hands down on this. The QBC is pretty good as well. Much easier and quicker to get to Dunlaoghaire from Stillorgan than from Dundrum. Traffic in the Sandyford Industrial state certainly used to be a nightmare as well.
Overall, I would rate the area better than Dundrum/Balinteer.
Both nice areas.... traffic around Dundrum can be really bad with town centre.... I live a little further from it nearby to Marley park so get the benefit of the town centre without the nightmare traffic. Would recommend any of the estates around Marley Park area.... lovely park, close to Dundrum town centre etc
Personally I'd have a strong preference for Stillorgan. Used to spend a lot of time in Dundrum when I was younger, but most of my friends and their families have moved from the area now. They all felt that in the last decade the small community feel of the area has gone and the traffic is now intolerable. It now seems to a haven for commuters and shoppers instead of the close-knit family-friendly area it used to be. Though some parts do still retain some of the same character.
Tink, I think you're being a little harsh on the shopping centre in Stillorgan. True for a number of years it was nearly empty since it was on the verge of being redeveloped. But now that looks to be a long way off, so many new small shops have opened there recently. It has a far more pleasant atmosphere than the glorified mall in Dundrum. For instance it might not have 8 different shoe shops, but it does have a good butcher's and bookshop, both of which are badly missing from the Dundrum town centre.
The main advantage for Dundrum is of course the Luas though it's going to get a lot busier when the extension is opened. I'd also watch carefully to see what is going to happen with the redevelopment of Stillorgan. It seems like it might not happen or at least might be to a much smaller scale. But it would be a shame if it lost its family-friendly feel in the same way Dundrum has.
OP I'd suggest visiting both places regularly at different times, weekends, evenings and during rush-hour. You'll get a feel for both places and hopefully that will help you see which are you would feel more comfortable raising a family.
Tink, I think you're being a little harsh on the shopping centre in Stillorgan. True for a number of years it was nearly empty since it was on the verge of being redeveloped. But now that looks to be a long way off, so many new small shops have opened there recently. It has a far more pleasant atmosphere than the glorified mall in Dundrum. For instance it might not have 8 different shoe shops, but it does have a good butcher's and bookshop, both of which are badly missing from the Dundrum town centre.
The main advantage for Dundrum is of course the Luas though it's going to get a lot busier when the extension is opened. I'd also watch carefully to see what is going to happen with the redevelopment of Stillorgan. It seems like it might not happen or at least might be to a much smaller scale. But it would be a shame if it lost its family-friendly feel in the same way Dundrum has.
OP I'd suggest visiting both places regularly at different times, weekends, evenings and during rush-hour. You'll get a feel for both places and hopefully that will help you see which are you would feel more comfortable raising a family.