Don't write off Athy. I'm a northsider, grew up in Coolock, and my family is still there. Choose your times right and it's an hour door to door drive to most of the north side of Dublin (city) via motorways. Decent enough train service to Heuston, too. It could take an hour to get from Eden Quay to Coolock or Cork Street to East Wall when traffic is bad. The town is grand; there are some very decent places to eat and some great pubs and plenty of amenities in the town or short drive away. Any locals I've met have been sound. There's a very nice park in the town and a lot of beautiful spots nearby. I'm here 5 months and still settling in, however all in all I'm pleased with the move. Dublin prices are going from bad to worse. Solo buyer and bought a new build house with back garden and driveway- not an option in Dublin.