Where you choose to settle shapes family life in ways you’ll notice every day. The best places in Ireland to buy a family home combine good schools, safe surroundings and a real sense of community. These five locations stand out for getting that balance right.
Choosing where to buy a family home in Ireland comes down to how you want your daily life to feel. You’re balancing practicalities like school runs, commuting and healthcare with the need for space, safety and a sense of belonging. Some locations make that balance far easier to achieve. Across the country, there are a handful of places where strong infrastructure meets a supportive community, giving you the kind of environment where both you and your children can settle in quickly.
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Contents
- Best places in Ireland to buy a family home near Dublin
- Best places in Ireland to buy a family home with more outdoor space
- Best places in Ireland to buy a family home in well-rounded towns
- What property prices look like across these areas
- How to choose the right place for your family
- FAQs about moving to Ireland with a family
Best places in Ireland to buy a family home near Dublin
1. Skerries, County Fingal
Skerries gives you a rare balance – coastal living that still works for a weekday commute. You’re around 30 minutes by train from Dublin Connolly, which makes school runs, work and city access manageable without relying entirely on a car.
The town itself feels established rather than seasonal. You’ve got two working harbours, a strong local identity and plenty of things that make family life easier – weekend markets, walkable streets and safe cycle routes. Ardgillan Castle and its grounds are particularly useful if you’ve got younger children who need space to burn energy without a long drive.
Property here reflects that demand. Expect to pay around €500,000 for a three-bedroom semi-detached and closer to €700,000 for a detached home. You’re paying for proximity to Dublin, but also for a place where children can grow up with independence.
2. Howth, Dublin
If you want to stay even closer to Dublin, Howth is one of the most practical choices. The DART connects you directly to the city centre in around 30 minutes, which makes it realistic for commuting parents and older children attending schools or colleges in Dublin.
What stands out is how residential it feels despite the location. Streets are generally quiet, gardens are larger than you might expect this close to the capital and the harbour area gives you somewhere to spend time at weekends without needing to plan anything complicated. Claremont Beach is a real highlight for families – shallow waters, easy access and enough space to avoid the crowds if you time it right.
Property prices are higher here, with three-bedroom homes ranging from €600,000 to well over €1 million depending on type and location.
Best places in Ireland to buy a family home with more outdoor space
3. Killarney, County Kerry
If your idea of raising children includes time outdoors rather than time in traffic, Killarney is a good option. You’re surrounded by national parkland, lakes and mountain routes, which means weekends tend to involve walking, cycling or simply getting outside.
On the practical side of things, town infrastructure is well developed, with schools, sports clubs and healthcare facilities that support full-time living rather than just tourism. Activities like GAA, rowing and Irish dancing are readily available, which helps children integrate quickly.
Prices here are more accessible than Dublin. A three-bedroom semi-detached home sits at around €400,000, while detached properties are closer to €550,000. For many buyers, that difference opens up the option of more space.
4. Ardara, County Donegal
Ardara is smaller, but that’s part of its appeal. If you’re looking for a place where children can grow up knowing their neighbours and taking part in local events, it’s worth serious consideration.
The village has seen steady population growth since 2006, which is unusual for a rural area and reflects its strong community pull. You’ll notice it in the number of festivals, local businesses and year-round activity rather than seasonal peaks.
Public transport is limited and you’ll rely on a car for most journeys, however, property prices are significantly lower, with four-bedroom detached homes typically between €300,000 and €400,000.
Best places in Ireland to buy a family home in well-rounded towns
5. Westport, County Mayo
Westport sits in a middle ground that works well for families who want both convenience and character. It’s large enough to have proper amenities – schools, shops, healthcare – but small enough that you’re not dealing with city pressures.
You’ll notice how well maintained the town is. Community involvement is high, and that translates into clean public spaces, active clubs and a calendar of events that gives children plenty to get involved in.
For outdoor time, you’ve got Croagh Patrick nearby, along with beaches at Louisburgh. On rainy days, Westport House is a reliable backup option, especially if you have younger children.
Property prices here are varied. A three-bedroom townhouse in the centre is around €500,000, while detached homes outside the town can be closer to €400,000.
What property prices look like across these areas
| Location | Typical property | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|
| Skerries | 3-bed semi-detached | €500,000 |
| Howth | 3-bed semi-detached | €800,000 |
| Killarney | 3-bed detached | €550,000 |
| Ardara | 4-bed detached | €300,000–€400,000 |
| Westport | 3-bed townhouse | €500,000 |
How to choose the right place for your family
Each of these locations works, but for different reasons. If you need access to Dublin, focus on Skerries or Howth. If space and outdoor living matter more, Killarney or Westport are better fits. If budget is a key factor and you’re comfortable with a quieter pace, Ardara offers strong value.
Think about your weekly routine rather than just the setting. School runs, grocery trips, after-school activities and travel connections will shape your day far more than the view.
FAQs about moving to Ireland with a family
There isn’t a single answer, but areas like Skerries, Howth and Westport consistently rank well because they combine good schools, safe neighbourhoods and access to outdoor activities. Your decision should depend on whether you need city access or prefer a slower pace.
Ireland is not offering a payment simply to move there. Instead, there is a government-backed renovation scheme that offers grants of up to €84,000 for restoring vacant or derelict properties on certain offshore islands. To qualify, you must buy an eligible property that has been empty for at least two years and use the funding to make it habitable. The scheme is designed to support long-term residents and revive island communities, not to pay people simply to move to Ireland.
For many buyers, the best place is one that balances affordability, schools and connectivity. For example, Skerries works well for commuting families, Westport offers a strong community with amenities, and Killarney suits those prioritising outdoor living.
