Schools are great - and the camaraderie

SINEAD and Mick Nolan moved to Wicklow Town in 1997, mainly for the reason most Dubliners do – cheaper housing. What they got was a much better quality of life.

“We’re from Mount Merrion and Churchtown and initially Wicklow just seemed too far away to consider. But when we saw what we could get for our money, that was it.” Instead of the three-bedroom semi they had budgeted for in south Dublin, the couple were able to buy a large plot in a rural setting close to the town, and build their own home. The vibrant community spirit they found in the town has kept them there ever since.

“What I love about Wicklow is the camaraderie. People go out of their way to be friendly,” says Sinead. The couple and their two children, Oisin (11) and Ciara (5), right,couldn’t be more “knit-in” to their community. Sinead runs Wicklow Tennis Club, is the Wicklow organiser for the charity Aware and is an active member of her local church.

Husband Mick, who set up his own business in the town, Noltek Office Supplies, is a member of Wicklow Chamber of Commerce, the local Rotary Club and Wicklow Sailing Club.

Both agree, though, living in Wicklow has been even more beneficial for their children, both of whom attend Wicklow Montessori School. “Wicklow has one of the only fully-fledged Montessori primary schools in the country, which runs from age three to age 12 years.

“On top of all the extra-curricular activities they are involved in through school, from drama to science, computers to languages, the kids are also members of the athletics club, the golf club, the swimming club and the GAA. I can honestly say that if you offered me a big house in Foxrock now, for free, I wouldn’t move.

“We love Wicklow.”