Re: Abbeydale vs Griffeen in Lucan
I live in Griffeen, and find it quite good (well I would!). There's planning permission up for a small shopping centre on the corner beside Griffeen Educate together school. You are close to the park, which is a mixed blessing as you do get people crossing the park to rob cars/houses (but I think this goes on in some form in every estate). If you have children it's BRILLIANT as you are right beside the only playground in Lucan. The schools are hard to get into if you already have children. If you are only planning on starting a family now, or your children are very young, then you should be able to get them in, there are two educate together schools, a national school and a gaelscoil close by. Not so sure about the story with secondary schools. If you buy a house in the 'village' propper, then you will have no problem with school places, as there aren't so many new estates.
There is also a new train station due to open in 2006 at 'Kishogue' which will be just off the outer ring road, about 15 mins walk from Griffeen (though whether you will be able to get on the train is another story!). If you go to the Iarnrod Eireann site and look for the Kildare Line upgrading project you should be able to find out more...
Having said that, I know someone who lives in Abbeydale and it seems OK too (and very close to the shops).