Living in Blanchardstown, Dublin
Blanchardstown is a sprawling suburban, commercial, and developing area in North West Dublin, known for its extensive shopping and leisure facilities. It offers a practical and budget-friendly living option, especially suited for students attending TU Dublin Blanchardstown and those seeking modern amenities.
🏙️Lifestyle & Culture
Living in Blanchardstown means enjoying a modern, amenity-rich suburban lifestyle. Daily life often revolves around the vast Blanchardstown Centre for shopping, dining, and entertainment, or utilizing the National Aquatic Centre. The area is home to a diverse population, including families, students from TU Dublin Blanchardstown, and professionals working in the nearby business parks. While it lacks the historic charm of central Dublin, it offers convenience and a sense of self-sufficiency. It’s a good option for those seeking more space and modern facilities at a more affordable price point, with good transport links to the city centre.
🏠Housing & Flatshares
Shared housing in Blanchardstown primarily consists of modern apartment complexes, often around the Blanchardstown Centre, and terraced or semi-detached houses within established residential estates. You'll typically find 2-4 bedroom apartments or houses, with rooms generally furnished. Rents are among the more affordable in Dublin, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious students and young professionals. Expect a one-month deposit. Demand is steady, particularly for properties close to TU Dublin Blanchardstown. While not as competitive as central areas, being prepared with references is always wise. You're likely to get more space for your money here.
🚇Getting Around
Blanchardstown has good public transport connections, primarily via an extensive Dublin Bus network. Numerous bus routes, including the 38, 38A, 39, 39A, 70, and 220, provide frequent services to the city centre (O'Connell Street, Parnell Square) and surrounding areas. The commute to central Dublin can take 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. While walkability within residential estates is low and reliance on buses or cars is common for longer distances, the main commercial areas are somewhat walkable. Cycling infrastructure is developing but less comprehensive than in the city centre.
🍽️Food & Nightlife
Blanchardstown offers a wide array of dining and casual entertainment options, mostly concentrated within and around the Blanchardstown Centre. You'll find numerous chain restaurants, fast-food outlets, and diverse international cuisines. Pubs like The Bell and The Drake Inn offer traditional pub experiences and a local atmosphere for a pint. For entertainment, there's a multi-screen cinema and various leisure facilities. While it's not a destination for trendy bars or clubs, it provides ample choices for everyday dining and relaxed socialising, with the city centre accessible for more vibrant nightlife.
Pros & Cons of Living in Blanchardstown
✓Pros
- •More affordable shared housing options compared to central Dublin.
- •Home to TU Dublin Blanchardstown and a major commercial centre.
- •Excellent amenities including large shopping centre and National Aquatic Centre.
- •Good public transport links via numerous bus routes to the city centre.
- •Generally safe and modern suburban environment.
✗Cons
- •Commute to the city centre can be longer, often 30-50 minutes by bus.
- •Low walkability; often requires bus or car to get around within the area.
- •Lacks the historic charm and unique character of central Dublin neighborhoods.
- •Limited high-end dining or independent boutique shopping.
- •Less vibrant nightlife and social scene outside of the shopping centre.
💡 Insider Tips
Make full use of the Blanchardstown Centre; it has everything from shops to cinema and restaurants.
For fitness and leisure, the National Aquatic Centre is a fantastic local amenity.
Consider getting a bike for local commutes, but be aware of less extensive bike lanes.
✨ Highlights
Find Rooms & Roommates in Blanchardstown
Browse available flatshares and compatible roommates in Blanchardstown, Dublin.
Browse Dublin →Explore Other Neighborhoods in Dublin
City Centre
bustling, historic, central
€1000-€1500
Portobello / Rathmines / Ranelagh
trendy, vibrant, lively
€950-€1400
Ballsbridge / Donnybrook
affluent, green, sophisticated
€1100-€1600
Drumcondra / Glasnevin
residential, student-friendly, community
€850-€1200
Phibsborough
bohemian, evolving, local
€800-€1150
Ringsend / Grand Canal Dock
modern, tech hub, waterside
€1100-€1600