Been living there for a year now - nice town - all ameneties within "5-10 minutes walk"
Quiet town compared to the bustle of Galway.
Recent census show pop now at 4,041 up from 2,154 in 2002.
2 existing primary and 2 seconcary schools
1 new primary and 1 new secondary gael scoil opened this year
Most estates within "5 minutes" walk of town centre.
Rail link to Ennis/Limerick due 2008 - "Commuter" rail to Galway due 2010????
N6 from Dublin to Galway - passes 2 miles south of town construction starts early 2007, competion due in 2010/11??
Commute to eastern suburbs of Galway city is 35 minutes leaving at 0730
20 minutes off peak
Train commute to city centre is 20 minutes leaving at 0800
Weekly train ticket is €28 - service not great as return is either 1500h or 1830h in the evening - makes for a short or long day! Needs to be combined with bus - which has better timings - but longer jurney time - see car commuting times.
Probably need city bus pass as well at €14/month.
So there is an extra 123.2/month expense for tenants who are not driving
For those driving - increased commute time of 35 minutes compared to outer Galway suburbs.
Taxi fare from Galway - Athenry is approx €27-30
For the above reasons - rental market is more couples/young families.
Rents are closer the 750/month mark Vs 900 for a 3 bed in Galway
Hope this helps
C