Moving to Kildare
Kildare offers more space and better value than many parts of Dublin, with strong road and rail links and a mix of busy commuter towns and quiet villages. It’s a popular choice for commuters, hybrid workers and families who want houses, gardens and schools but still need to reach Dublin regularly. This guide explains who Kildare is right for, which towns to consider, realistic cost and commute expectations, and how to plan your house move in Kildare; including when local storage actually helps.
At a glance: moving to Kildare.
- Kildare suits commuters, hybrid workers and families who want more space without losing access to Dublin.
- North Kildare towns (Maynooth, Leixlip, Celbridge, Kilcock) trade higher prices for better rail and bus links.
- Naas, Newbridge and Kildare Town offer strong amenities with more varied price points and commuting patterns.
- Villages and rural areas give you more house and quiet but rely heavily on driving and longer journeys.
- Most movers use Kildare storage for 4–12 weeks to bridge gaps between selling, buying and renovating.
Is Moving to Kildare Right for You?
Why people are moving to Kildare now
Kildare has become one of the most popular escape routes for people who feel squeezed in the Dublin market but still need a realistic commute. You get a better chance at a three‑bed with a garden, more green space on your doorstep, and strong links to Dublin via the M4, M7 and multiple rail lines. For many movers, it’s the compromise between “we can’t stay in the city” and “we’re not ready to move to the far side of the country.”
As movers working in and out of Kildare every week, we see the same story again and again: buyers and renters who are priced out of some Dublin areas find that Kildare gives them more home for their money without completely starting over in a brand‑new region.
Quick pros and cons of moving to Kildare
Pros of moving to Kildare:
- You usually get more house and garden for the same budget compared with many parts of Dublin.
- Towns along the M4, M7 and main rail lines still offer manageable commutes for office days.
- There’s a strong mix of schools, sports clubs, amenities and family‑friendly activities across the county.
- You can choose between busy commuter towns, quieter villages and true countryside within the same county.
Cons or trade‑offs to consider:
- Commutes can still be long and tiring, especially if your route involves train plus Luas plus walking.
- Popular North Kildare commuter towns often have higher prices and more competition for houses and rentals.
- Many estates and villages assume car ownership, so you need to think carefully about parking and second cars.
- If your life is deeply tied to late‑night city work or socialising, the extra distance can feel like a bigger barrier than it looks on a map.
Who Kildare suits best (and who it doesn’t)
Kildare works particularly well for commuters who want a house instead of an apartment, hybrid and remote workers who only need to reach Dublin a couple of days a week, and families who value schools, sports and space as much as nightlife. If your work pattern is flexible and you can avoid the absolute peak commute windows, you’ll feel the benefits much more quickly.
It may not be the best fit if you don’t drive, rely heavily on late‑night city shifts, or feel strongly that you need to be able to walk or cycle everywhere. In that case, staying in Dublin or choosing a closer‑in suburb might make more sense than adding an hour each way to your day.
Where to Live in Kildare: Towns and Areas
Kildare isn’t one big place—it’s a patchwork of towns and villages that feel very different on the ground. Before you fall in love with one house on a portal, it helps to decide what kind of daily life you actually want.
Naas – busy commuter town with everything on your doorstep
Naas is the county town and one of the liveliest spots in Kildare. The main street has a good mix of cafes, restaurants and pubs, and there are multiple supermarkets, gyms and services close by. You get a choice of older established estates and newer developments, so you can prioritise character or convenience.
For commuters, Naas is all about the M7. If you drive, you can be on the motorway quickly, and bus routes offer alternatives if you don’t want to take the car every day. The trade‑off is that Naas feels busy; if you’re chasing a quiet village vibe, you may prefer somewhere else.
Newbridge – big town, big shopping, strong services
Newbridge offers a slightly different flavour: a larger town with strong shopping and services, anchored by Whitewater Shopping Centre. You’ll find multiple primary and secondary schools, sports clubs, and a decent range of rental and purchase options.
It’s slightly further out than Naas but still very much commutable, particularly if you mix driving with occasional rail or bus into Dublin. For families who like the idea of a “proper town” with everything in easy reach, Newbridge is often high on the shortlist.
Kildare Town – quieter pace with outlet shopping and rail access
Kildare Town has a calmer feel than some of the busier commuter hubs, but still offers strong retail in the form of Kildare Village outlet and local shops. It’s a good middle ground if you want a town that doesn’t feel too hectic but still has enough going on that you’re not driving for every little thing.
One of its big advantages is rail access. Direct trains to Heuston make it possible to do a rail‑based commute, especially if you can work flexibly around peak crush times. If you like the idea of being a little further out but still connected, Kildare Town is worth a look.
North Kildare belt – Maynooth, Leixlip, Celbridge, Kilcock
On the Dublin‑facing side of the county, Maynooth, Leixlip, Celbridge and Kilcock form a classic commuter belt. These towns benefit from frequent trains and, in some cases, Dublin Bus and express coach connections, which can make the daily grind more manageable.
They’re also popular in their own right, with strong schools, amenities and thriving communities. The flip side is price and competition: demand is high, so you may pay more and have to move quickly when the right place comes up. If low‑stress commuting is your top priority, this part of Kildare tends to rise to the top of the list.
Villages and countryside – Clane, Straffan, Monasterevin, Athy and more
If what you really want is village life or proper countryside, Kildare has plenty of smaller options: places like Clane, Straffan, Monasterevin and Athy offer a quieter pace and often more house for your budget. You’ll rely more on your car, and commutes will tend to be longer and less flexible, but the trade‑off is space and a stronger sense of “getting away from it all”.
These locations suit people who are comfortable planning around cars, don’t need to be in Dublin every day, and value peace and space over having multiple cafes on the doorstep.
Cost of Living and Housing in Kildare
House prices and rents – what to expect
In broad terms, you can often get more space for your budget in Kildare than in many comparable Dublin areas. Three‑bed semis are more common, and you’ll see a wider range of houses with decent gardens. North Kildare commuter towns tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum, reflecting their strong transport links and popularity. Further‑out towns and villages can be more affordable, but you’ll pay back some of that saving in time and commuting costs.
If you’re renting, expect three‑bed houses in hot commuter towns to sit above less connected parts of the county. If you’re buying, you’ll see a familiar pattern: rail‑served, Dublin‑side locations command a premium, while properties further down the motorway or away from the main lines are often more accessible.
Everyday costs: commuting, childcare and bills
Your commuting pattern will be one of the biggest movers of your monthly budget. Train tickets, diesel or petrol, tolls, parking and the occasional bus or Luas all add up, especially if you’re doing the round trip five days a week. It’s worth running the numbers honestly before you commit so you’re not surprised six months in.
Childcare can be cheaper than some parts of Dublin, but places are still finite and waiting lists are real—particularly in bigger towns and near popular schools. On the utilities side, think about heating type (gas vs oil vs electric), insulation and BER; a cheaper house that bleeds heat can wipe out savings over winter.
Buying vs renting when you first move
If you don’t know Kildare well yet, it can make sense to rent first and buy later. Renting gives you breathing room to get a feel for different towns, see how the commute really feels in winter, and experience schools and amenities over a full year. Once you know which area feels like “home”, your purchase decision becomes much less stressful.
If you’re eligible for social or council housing, Kildare County Council has specific criteria and processes. It’s worth reviewing official guidance before making big decisions, especially if you’re moving from another county.
Commuting From Kildare to Dublin (and Beyond)
Train and Luas realities
Rail is a big selling point for many Kildare movers, but it’s important to picture the whole door‑to‑door journey. A 35‑minute train to Heuston can become a 60–90 minute commute once you add the walk or bus at both ends and any Luas connection. If you can flex around peak times or work partially from home, rail commuting is far more tolerable.
When you’re house‑hunting, look not just at “has a train station” but at how long it will actually take you from front door to desk on a typical Tuesday in November, in the rain, when trains are busy and traffic is heavy.
Driving via the M4/M7 and M50
For many Kildare commuters, the motorway is unavoidable. The M4 and M7 feed into the M50 and towards the city, and both have well‑known pinch points at rush hour. The upside is flexibility and control over your schedule; the downside is sitting in traffic and dealing with parking at the far end.
If both adults in a household will be driving to work most days, factor in the cost of running two cars plus tolls and parking. In some scenarios, it’s worth considering park‑and‑ride setups or mixing car and rail to keep the commute manageable.
Hybrid and remote working – how it changes the equation
The rise of hybrid and remote work has made Kildare far more attractive. If you only need to be in Dublin one to three days per week, those longer travel days can be balanced by days at home with no commute at all. That’s why many movers we work with explicitly say they’d only consider Kildare as part of a hybrid setup.
Before you commit, check broadband options for specific addresses, not just general town coverage. A good fibre connection can make or break your remote‑working plans.
Everyday Life in Kildare
Schools and education
Kildare has a strong network of primary and secondary schools spread across its main towns and many of its villages. Popular schools do fill up quickly, especially in dense commuter areas, so it’s wise to think about admissions a year or more ahead if you can. In practice, many families time their move around starting primary or secondary school years.
If schools are a top priority, talk to local parents, school offices and admissions teams before you sign anything. That will give you a clearer picture of how realistic it is to enrol where you’re aiming.
Amenities, shopping and eating out
You won’t be short of amenities in most of Kildare’s bigger towns. Between Kildare Village, Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge, local main streets, retail parks and business estates, you get a good mix of essentials and nice‑to‑have services. Naas and Newbridge both have strong food and drink scenes, while smaller towns and villages typically have at least a handful of pubs, cafes and takeaways.
If you like the idea of a “15‑minute life” where most of what you need is close by, focus on the larger towns. If you’re happy to drive for retail and nights out, smaller locations open up more options.
Sport and outdoors – GAA, horses and green space
Sport is a big part of Kildare life. GAA clubs act as community hubs, and there are rugby, soccer, golf and other sports options spread around the county. On the equestrian side, racecourses and stables are part of the local identity.
If you’re more into quiet walks than teams and crowds, you’ll find rivers, canals, forest walks and green spaces within easy reach of many towns. For families, that means plenty to do at weekends without always travelling back to Dublin.
Things People Forget When They Move to Kildare
Parking, estates and management companies
Parking is one of those details people only really think about on moving day, but it matters long term. Some modern estates have tight on‑street parking and strict rules about where vans and visitors can park. Apartments and duplexes can involve management company restrictions and limited visitor spaces.
Before you commit, visit the estate in the evening or at the weekend and see what parking actually looks like. Think about how a moving truck will access your new place and whether you’ll need to book spaces or arrange with neighbours in advance.
Bins, broadband and other unglamorous essentials
Bins, broadband and basic utilities don’t sell houses, but they do affect how it feels to live in them. Find out which bin providers serve the area, what collection schedules are like and what typical costs look like. For broadband, check the exact Eircode rather than assuming based on a town name.
Similarly, consider little things like mobile signal, local GP availability and how far you are from everyday essentials such as pharmacies, post offices and supermarkets.
Timing your move around schools and seasons
Moving with kids often means timing around school terms and exams. Families commonly aim for summer holidays so children can start fresh in September, but that also means movers and storage providers are busiest and prices and availability reflect that.
Winter moves can be cheaper and more flexible, but you’re balancing poorer weather and shorter days. There’s no perfect answer, but it’s worth being deliberate rather than letting dates be chosen for you by default.
Using Storage When You’re Moving to Kildare
When storage actually helps with a Kildare move
Storage becomes a powerful tool whenever the timeline of selling, buying and moving doesn’t line up neatly. That might be a Dublin sale completing weeks before your Kildare house is ready, moving into a fixer‑upper that needs work before you fill it, or downsizing and not yet ready to sell or donate everything.
In those situations, storage lets you decouple moving out and moving in. Instead of trying to move everything in one brutal day, you can clear the old place, keep your belongings safe, and move things into the new home in stages as it becomes ready.
How much storage space most movers to Kildare need
As a rough guide, most 2‑bed apartments fit comfortably into a small to medium unit, while 3‑bed semis typically need a medium to large unit, especially if you’re storing bulky furniture and outdoor items. The exact space depends on how much you declutter and whether you’re storing everything or just the items that won’t be needed for a few weeks.
Most Kildare‑bound movers who use storage do so for 4 to 12 weeks. That’s long enough to bridge gaps between sale and purchase, complete key renovations or live in the new place and decide what truly deserves to come back out of storage.
How Local Movers coordinates moves and storage
When storage is involved, the simplest option is often to let one team handle the whole chain: packing, loading, transport to storage, and later delivery into your new home. That way you’re not juggling multiple companies, repeating instructions or worrying about who’s responsible for what.
Our Kildare moves that include storage usually follow a simple pattern: we pack and move out of your old place, deliver to secure storage, and then, when your new house is ready, we bring everything directly from storage to Kildare, unpacking essentials so you can get on with settling in.
How Local Movers Helps People Move to Kildare
The moves we handle most often into Kildare
Because we work across Dublin and Kildare every week, certain move patterns come up again and again:
- Dublin city or suburbs to three‑bed semis in Naas or Newbridge.
- Apartment‑to‑house moves from central Dublin to North Kildare towns like Maynooth and Celbridge.
- Families trading up or down within Kildare as kids grow or leave home.
- People moving back to Ireland from abroad and choosing Kildare as a base with access to Dublin.
Each of these has its own timing, access and packing quirks, and we’ve learned the common pitfalls the hard way so you don’t have to.
What working with Local Movers looks like (step by step)
A typical move into Kildare looks something like this:
- Quick consultation and quote – you tell us where you’re moving from and to, what you own, and when key dates are.
- Survey and plan – virtual or in‑person, we assess access, stairs, lifts and parking in both locations.
- Packing and prep – we agree whether you’ll pack yourself, we’ll partially pack, or we’ll handle everything.
- Move‑out day – we protect floors, doors and furniture, load systematically, and check nothing is left behind.
- Storage stage (if needed) – we deliver to storage, stack your unit carefully and log what’s where.
- Move‑in day – we unload into the right rooms, reassemble furniture and take away packing materials.
- Aftercare – if you realise you need a second small run or have bulky items to dispose of, we can often help.
The exact flow flexes around your dates and constraints, but the goal is always the same: make a potentially stressful move as predictable and controlled as possible.
Reviews and proof from real Kildare moves
Naas – 3‑bed semi from Dublin
“Local Movers handled our move from a Dublin apartment to a 3‑bed semi in Naas and honestly took 90% of the stress out of it. They turned up on time, protected everything, and had us unloaded and set up in the new house by late afternoon. I’d recommend them to anyone moving to Naas.”
Newbridge – family upsizing
“We moved from a rental in Newbridge to our first home nearby and Local Movers were fantastic from the first call. The crew were friendly, careful with the kids’ stuff and happy to work around a few last‑minute changes. It felt like they’d done our exact move a hundred times before.”
Kildare Town – with storage stop
“Our sale in Dublin went through weeks before the Kildare Town house was ready, so we needed storage in the middle. Local Movers organised everything: packed, moved into storage, and delivered to the new house once we got the keys. Having one team handle the whole chain made a complicated move feel straightforward.”
Why people trust us with Kildare moves
- 20+ Kildare moves last year
“We completed over 20 house and apartment moves into and around Kildare in the last 12 months, from small flats to full family homes.”- Average rating 5/5
“Our customers rate us 5 out of 5 on average for Kildare moves, consistently mentioning punctuality, care and communication.”- 60% of work from referrals
“More than 60% of our Kildare work now comes from word‑of‑mouth recommendations.”How Local Movers Helps People Move to Kildare
Our teams are full‑time movers, not casual labour hired for the day. New crew members shadow experienced staff and are trained in safe lifting techniques, packing and wrapping, loading patterns and how to protect doorways, stairs and floors in both your old and new homes. That’s especially important in Kildare, where many moves involve tight estate roads, town‑centre parking or older houses.
We hold goods‑in‑transit and public liability insurance so you’re not relying on crossed fingers. Before move‑day we’ll explain what’s covered, what’s excluded and how valuations work, and if you have high‑value items we can agree a plan for those in advance. On the day itself, the crew lead will walk you through the job before and after, so you sign off knowing everything arrived in the condition it left.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Kildare
Is moving to Kildare worth it if I work full‑time in Dublin?
It can be, but the answer depends on your tolerance for commuting and how much you value extra space and a different lifestyle. If five‑day‑a‑week office work is non‑negotiable and your hours are long, adding an hour or more each way may quickly wear you down. If you can work hybrid or remote part of the week, Kildare becomes a lot more attractive and sustainable.
Which Kildare towns are best for commuting?
For rail and bus connections, North Kildare towns like Maynooth, Leixlip and Celbridge are strong options, as are Naas and Newbridge if you’re mixing rail and motorway. Kildare Town also offers direct rail links that can work well if you line up your schedule with train times. The “best” town for you will be the one that balances commute, budget and the kind of community you want to live in.
What does a typical house move to Kildare cost?
Costs vary with distance, volume, access and whether you want packing included, but most people moving a 2–3 bed home from Dublin to Kildare can expect costs in the mid‑hundreds to low‑thousands depending on complexity. Storage, multiple days, difficult parking or very tight timelines can push that higher. The most accurate way to price a move is to list what you own and let a mover assess access at both ends.
How far in advance should I book movers for a Kildare move?
Aim to speak to movers four to six weeks before your ideal move date, and earlier if you’re targeting month‑end or peak summer. That gives you time to compare quotes, lock in dates and adjust plans if your sale or purchase timeline shifts. Last‑minute moves can be arranged, but your date and time options will inevitably be narrower.
Should I rent first or buy straight away in Kildare?
If you’re confident you know exactly where you want to live, and you’ve done the commute and local research, buying straight away can make sense. If Kildare is new to you, renting for six to twelve months first lets you test a town or area, learn the commute and schools, and understand the local market from the inside before making a long‑term commitment.
How long does a move from Dublin to Kildare take on the day?
For a typical 2–3 bed move with straightforward access, most of the physical work happens within one long day: loading in the morning, travel, then unloading and basic reassembly in the afternoon. Larger homes, complex access or multi‑stop moves can spill into a second day, particularly if storage is involved or you’re moving from or into an apartment with lifts and long walks.
When should I think about using storage as part of the move?
Storage is most useful when there’s a gap between sale and purchase, when your new Kildare home needs work before you fully move in, or when you’re downsizing and not ready to decide the fate of every item immediately. If you already know your timelines don’t line up neatly, it’s worth raising storage in your first conversation with a mover so they can build it into the plan from day one.
Good luck with your move to Kildare!
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