BOC Eats Dublin - Starts in Ringsend - I fear for safety of Locals Coke'n Crisps

national | miscellaneous | news report Friday April 04, 2003 14:17 by A Proud Anti Indo Protester

from Dubliner Magazine

RINGSEND By Brendan O'Connor

RINGSEND
By Brendan O'Connor

Atmosphere The Ringer is one of the few areas adjacent to the city centre that has remained an old fashioned Dublin village. The atmosphere is still very much "Rare Oul Times," with a strong sense of community, healthy doses of both nationalism and non nationalism, and if you buy in the right spot, lovely old squares with kiddies frolicking in the middle.
Who lives there? Yuppie penetration of the area remains minimal so the few of us that live here are viewed more as eccentrics than land-grabbing outsiders who are stopping local youngsters from buying in their own neighbourhood. While Melanie Morris recently sold her des res in the area, sex bomb Colin Farrell retains his Dublin base in the Irishtown end of Ringsend and you will often see Rats from Paths to Freedom enjoying a quiet pint in The Oarsman.
History Still a maritime flavour to the village formerly known as Raytown. This area was once home to one of the largest working class Protestant communities in Ireland. This - and a vague allegiance to the British army - lends the area its fairly open, unparochial atmosphere.
Amenities Ringsend itself is yet to be developed to any great extent but Clyne's butchers is the finest in Dublin and The Oarsman is a lively friendly spot for a few pints. Sandymount Village is within spitting distance with it's unique village green, a local deli (Matisse) and a class local hardware store of the kind you rarely see anymore. Walk for five minutes in the other direction and you get to Ocean, Dublin's premier drinking spot of a summer's day. The development of the Charlotte Quay area as the new Temple Bar promises plenty of bar/restaurant/entertainment action.
Quality of life While you're only five minutes from the city centre on the bus or a brisk 20 minute walk, just a few minutes walk in the other direction and you find yourself on Sandymount Strand, one of the most impressive beachscapes in Ireland. Sandymount Village Green is perfect for your summer lunchtime sandwich. A great spot for a couple starting out. Wanting something more rural but still not able to drag yourself from living near the buzz of the city centre? The Ringer provides the best of both worlds and is an area on the up. Underneath the cobblestones, the beach.
Property Smart money goes on affordable artisan cottages. There are less and less bargains going around this area but you might still pick up something nice for less that 400K if you're lucky. The central location means these should prove a sound investment, even in the event of a property dip.
Kids? A huge park, the beach and the aforementioned cul de sac squares and side roads make this a great spot for kids. The Docklands Development Authority are also trying to buy their way into the hearts of the area's residents by doing plenty of kiddie stuff too.