Living In Portarlington

connundrum

undecided wrote:

Rang around schools in portarlington today re school for my kids. ~One is 4 1/2 so will b just starting and the other is 6 will be going into 2nd class.

When I tried to secure places for them was told there were none. One school offeer to take the 6 yr old but nnot the other and the other school refused to take either.

I'm gobsmacked always though once living in catchment area were obliged to take in. rang one school in portlaoise will take the older chhild but not the other!

Any advice/suggestions?

Wow, well thats a sign of the times I guess. Try Killenard NS, but first get in contact with the board of education. You might be in for the long haul with local TDs etc if they refuse to place both children in the same school.

undecided

Tried killernard, convent and church of ireland one (although I'm not church ...despeeration) None could offer me a placement. Tried few in portlaoise too and have been informed thats it a major problem. One principal evn said he was surprised the situation hasn't reached national headlines!!

Rang educational board they adviced me that I can appeal with a section 23 but still may not succeed! After that my only choices are schools in villages close by (don't know about transport ) or home tuition:mad:

Take note anyone moving to portarlington don't get caught like me.

At this stage I'm fuming will keep you posted.

rsta

Wow Undecided thats shocking...
Please do keep us updated. Best of luck I hope something works out for ye.

connundrum

undecided wrote:

Tried killernard, convent and church of ireland one (although I'm not church ...despeeration) None could offer me a placement. Tried few in portlaoise too and have been informed thats it a major problem. One principal evn said he was surprised the situation hasn't reached national headlines!!

Rang educational board they adviced me that I can appeal with a section 23 but still may not succeed! After that my only choices are schools in villages close by (don't know about transport ) or home tuition:mad:

Take note anyone moving to portarlington don't get caught like me.

At this stage I'm fuming will keep you posted.

Wow again, Jesus well I am surprised at that. You might think about taking it to a media level ie. Gerry Ryan/ Joe Duffy etc.

I grew up in Cloneygowan - 3/4 miles outside Portarlington on the Tullamore road. I know that a school bus does run out there to pick up secondary students so you might be able to utilise that.

I really can't believe that situation though :eek:

Steve_o

There's also a NS in Rath, near Ballybrittas, maybe worth a shot!!!

satguy

I have lived in port now for good while now, and must say that the town is ON THE UP, big time. When I first move down from Dublin it looked as though half the main street was falling down. The Pop was 2.5K then it's up at 8k now and all the town needs now is one big factory to move in.

As for pubs, the best has to be THE CONTINENTAL BAR nice food during the day and live bands on Friday, DJ on SAT and might still do SUNDAY afternoon trad spot. Also the two DUB guys that own it are sound.

rsta

Hey all
Well after a bit more of a delay I'm hoping to get my keys to my house next week! So I've all summer to do it up and the garden is a complete blank canvas can't wait to get started on it too.

But what is the best way to meet people in Port? Is there a popular club to join or an evening class etc?? I know absolutely no one in Port. Only the Auctioneer through dealings obviously..!

I can't have my friends and family down from Dublin every weekend!...


PS. Undecided, How are you getting on with schools? Have you tried contacting the local councillors? Even if they can't help they will be advised.

Steve_o

satguy wrote:

As for pubs, the best has to be THE CONTINENTAL BAR nice food during the day and live bands on Friday, DJ on SAT and might still do SUNDAY afternoon trad spot. Also the two DUB guys that own it are sound.

The Conto is nice now but were you in it before it was done up???....*shudders at thought of old conto*. Its a great pub now though! The owner is very sound.

undecided

rsta wrote:

Hey all
Well after a bit more of a delay I'm hoping to get my keys to my house next week! So I've all summer to do it up and the garden is a complete blank canvas can't wait to get started on it too.

But what is the best way to meet people in Port? Is there a popular club to join or an evening class etc?? I know absolutely no one in Port. Only the Auctioneer through dealings obviously..!

I can't have my friends and family down from Dublin every weekend!...


PS. Undecided, How are you getting on with schools? Have you tried contacting the local councillors? Even if they can't help they will be advised.

Nearly sure I read sumwhere that there is night classes in port will check it out and post back. As for anyhting else I dont know but if you find out share it here coz i'll be in the same situation soon too! probably end up goin mad and start talking to the walls!! Im kinda luck though i've got the kids I think you meet people quicker through them. If you have any kick them out to play and make friends!

As for the schools I'm in limbo have no answers applied to the schools again in writing and rang to confirm receipt when I told them the education welfare adviced me on what steps to take and hinted that I would be making an appeal I was met with different attitude so heres hoping!

undecided

yeah!!!

Got school to take both thank god! Dont know what I would have done if I didnt youngest gets bored easily is a fulltome job to keep him stimulated hence im really really happy!:D

also for anyone looking for info on port found a website www.neighbours.ie seems to be very new but might be worth keepin an eye on!

satguy

Steve_o wrote:

The Conto is nice now but were you in it before it was done up???....*shudders at thought of old conto*. Its a great pub now though! The owner is very sound.

yes I even remember the hill as you moved down the end of the bar.

port02

hi,
just moving to the area and wondering if there are any broadbrand providers that you don't need a phone line for in portarlington?
thanks....

connundrum

So I was down in Port at the weekend, had a few beers, woke up the next morning and drank about 2L of water - from the tap. Then started getting violently sick.

Since when is the water contaminated?? And why didn't I get the memo?

Steve_o

connundrum wrote:

So I was down in Port at the weekend, had a few beers, woke up the next morning and drank about 2L of water - from the tap. Then started getting violently sick.

Since when is the water contaminated?? And why didn't I get the memo?

The water isn't contaminated.....you just drank too much too quickly and got sick....also how many is a "few" beers????

connundrum

Seriously? The lads in the house were drinking out of water bottles and said that the water was fooked? Maybe they were messin with me...

A couple of beers = < 4
A few beers = < 8
On the lash = < 14
One too many = 15

Steve_o

connundrum wrote:

Seriously? The lads in the house were drinking out of water bottles and said that the water was fooked? Maybe they were messin with me...

A couple of beers = < 4
A few beers = < 8
On the lash = < 14
One too many = 15

If it is i haven't heard anything about it!!!! Maybe it is in the centre of town, i live 2 mins outside the town!!! I think alot of people are getting paranoid over the water everywhere because of what happened in Galway, but i will be checking it out....better safe than sorry!!!

valpuk

connundrum wrote:

So I was down in Port at the weekend, had a few beers, woke up the next morning and drank about 2L of water - from the tap. Then started getting violently sick.

Since when is the water contaminated?? And why didn't I get the memo?

Hi ya Connundrum,

Yeah the water in Port got contaminated bk there around mid May. it happened bout 2 weeks after my water supply got cut off when I used to live in Crann Nua but i have now moved to house on Station Rd.
A girl I work with lives out the road past John's Park... u go past the graveyard (dnt kno the name of the road) anyway she drank heaps of water 1 day after working out and she ended up callin in sick for the next two days with her head hung into 'the big white telephone' so i think it was most of port and surrounding areas considerin me and her lived on completly opposite sides of Port. I went to Lidl that night and the que's of people with bottled water :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
Its terrible to say but thats the 2nd occasion i have heard of since i moved up here in Feb I just hope we dnt follow in the foot steps of Galway

ChuckProphet

opening sept.
http://www.portarlingtonleisurecentre.ie/

connundrum

Yeah so that drive by shooting on Saturday night was a bit of excitement I suppose..

It actually annoys me at how the town has gone down in recent years. Was talkin to a mate who's a guard and this is the 1st 'gang related' shooting outside of Limerick or Dublin apparently.

Oh well

rsta

ChuckProphet wrote:

opening sept.
http://www.portarlingtonleisurecentre.ie/

Thanks for posting that link ChuckProphet. Looks like its going to be really good. Where abouts in Port is it?


On another subject, i have to say the indian take away delhi darbar is the tastiest indian i have ever eaten... yummm

Also, can any one recommend a good hairdressers in Portarlington??! Or if there is a salon that do student nights or need models that would be great too.

Oh, what would be the best pub to go to on a Saturday night?

Shocker about the drive-by... Heard they stole a car from maynooth, any truth in that?

Cheers all.

connundrum

rsta wrote:

Thanks for posting that link ChuckProphet. Looks like its going to be really good. Where abouts in Port is it?

Its located beside The Peoples Park, kind of at the back of the Credit Union, or about 200-300 yards down from The Bank of Ireland (and opposite Bank of Ireland)

rsta wrote:

On another subject, i have to say the indian take away delhi darbar is the tastiest indian i have ever eaten... yummm

Also, can any one recommend a good hairdressers in Portarlington??! Or if there is a salon that do student nights or need models that would be great too.

For studenty type things I'd say a salon in Port Laoise might be a better option. Female friends have rarely had problems in Peter McAvoys if thats still open

rsta wrote:

Oh, what would be the best pub to go to on a Saturday night?

A matter of opinion obviously, The Continental has a 'decent' night on a Saturday - kind of a disco bar effect. The Anvil usually has a decent atmosphere, and the After Dark is nice for a quietish pint.

rsta wrote:

Shocker about the drive-by... Heard they stole a car from maynooth, any truth in that?

Yeah, was taken from Maynooth. Madness altogether, an increased Garda presence may take some of it out, but it will prob always be there

2funki4wheelz

connundrum wrote:

For studenty type things I'd say a salon in Port Laoise might be a better option. Female friends have rarely had problems in Peter McAvoys if thats still open

I recommend McEvoy's too, been going there 3 years, Peter is very good. I'm not sure if they do student things you could ring and ask.

valpuk

rsta wrote:

Also, can any one recommend a good hairdressers in Portarlington??! Or if there is a salon that do student nights or need models that would be great too.

I have been told that there is a hairdressers just off Station Rd. that is suppose to be very good...

If you drive down as far as Centra on Station Rd and take the right turn at Centra....just past Centra's car park there is a house on the left with a little drive up to it and it has a sign at the entrance saying 'Beauty Salon' or something like that.

The owner does hair and tanning as far as i kno... hope that helps

genie_us

Hi,

I want to get wireless broadband, using a router or otherwise, can anybody recommend a good and not too expensive providor? I have organised a line to be installed by eircom.
Any help appreciated!

ChuckProphet

jergam wrote:

Hi,

I want to get wireless broadband, using a router or otherwise, can anybody recommend a good and not too expensive providor? I have organised a line to be installed by eircom.
Any help appreciated!

eircom do a bundle for 50 a month includes broadband, line rental and off peak calls i think - check their site. Connection is free and the router is free.
bt do the same one for 45. i think digiweb are in the area but not sure of their price

bobbi69

does anyone know what kilmalogue is like??

laoisgirl

Kilmalogue is nice its in the Offaly end of the town which is very quiet but right beside both Primary School and Secondary Schools and the Church ! if that appeals to you !! Its about 10 minute walk to main town but there is a Deli/restaurant a pub 'The Hawthorn' and a Centra which are the main necessities !

bobbi69

laoisgirl wrote:

Kilmalogue is nice its in the Offaly end of the town which is very quiet but right beside both Primary School and Secondary Schools and the Church ! if that appeals to you !! Its about 10 minute walk to main town but there is a Deli/restaurant a pub 'The Hawthorn' and a Centra which are the main necessities !

hahaha the offaly end of the town?? my friend is thinking of moving to there so was trying to check it out for him. cheers!!

genie_us

Hi

does anybody have any info on a ladies only gym I heard was opening in the town?

ChuckProphet

jergam wrote:

Hi

does anybody have any info on a ladies only gym I heard was opening in the town?

there's a sign up on park lane for one opening in october. just off main st. don't know if it's a gym or curves type effort.

Ruby-J

Hi all,

can anyone help me on this one. i moved to port in march of this year and am living in a new housing estate. have got to know my neighbour and have a drinking buddy. however im still getting to know the place, and have visited a few of the pubs, restaurants, the park and hope to join the gym when it opens. im looking into night courses and was wondering are there any classes on in port or is portlaoise the nearest place to them?

cheers in advance for any advice given!

RuBy-J

Ruby-J

also hi to all the new people new to portarlington! i reckon we should all arrange a night we could all meet for drinks as we are all in the same boat!

Let me know what ye all think of this!

rsta

Ah nice one for the info Connundrum I like th Continental alright. Been on a bit of a pub crawl a couple times, even have sampled the delights of Legends... hehe :eek:

Yeah I think I've seen the sign for that hairdressers Valpuk, there is a shiny scissors on it. I actually didnt take notice of it cos i thought it was for a tailor... !! well I must give them a go some time.

And Hi to Ruby J, great to hear u settling into Port!

Tis hard to meet people I find, as I am out all day, and most of neighbours are too, only on nodding/hello/weather chat terms with them really. Hallowe'en next week, so might get chatting to kids parents trick or treating on wednesday evening.

idleian

Good idea rsta i can't believe i'm living here 2 years and only found this forum,although i only recently got broadband in anyway.I find it the same and only know neighbours on nodding terms.Heres a question,i was looking at the houses in sli na mona and saw bad reports on them here but now i heard that some of them are sinking,anyone else heard/experienced that?

ports best

hi everybody,im from port all my life and its the best place in ireland,some much crack every weekend

Ruby-J

thanks rsta. yeh port is nice. glad to see the leisure centre is finally finished! a good way of meeting new people! does anyone know if there is a social club or anything here in port????

ports best

im not sure ruby j if theres any social clubs or that and i would not even know where to start to try find out,im useless i know, but i know all the good drinkin spots

Ruby-J

Oh really? thats a pity. I'll try google something.I guess joining the gym is the best bet so!
what are the best drinking spots, ive heard the anvil and the after dark are good.

ports best

yeah tha anvil and after dark are good spots, the continental is not to bad either and it has a late bar there, and the weighbridge has karaoke on thurs and saturday night,any pub is ok though cause you can have a bit of crack in every pub

Marksie

I suppose this is a bit of a rant about Port so feel free to move it.

I was doing the first ever craft fair there this weekend, it was billed as a bringing business into port day. There was meant to be a bouncy castle and entertainment.
It appears though that the local traders are stuck in the world of 50 years ago and were concerned that it would ruin their business.
Even though permission was granted, the bouncy castle was taken down and moved.
The lady organiser said the advertising never went up because of the opposition.
What i did personally observe was a deputation from "the main street". Three large guys in suits surrounding the lone female organiser and haranguing her.
I know she was calling the gardai at the time.
Personally i have never witness such scenes in any fair i have worked at before that.

I for one would never consider moving to port or shopping there after witnessing that.

connundrum

They've let everything slide.

I remember when the French Festival was an actual event. People used to come to it from surrounding towns etc.

St Patricks Day Parade is another prime example of a town letting itself down. Maybe its not just Port, maybe its rural towns across the country.

What you'd have is 3 or 4 really strong committee members for each event, and they would be blocked from seeing anything through by local business opposition, insurance costs and general apathy from other committee members.

Sad.

Marksie

connundrum wrote: »

They've let everything slide.

I remember when the French Festival was an actual event. People used to come to it from surrounding towns etc.

St Patricks Day Parade is another prime example of a town letting itself down. Maybe its not just Port, maybe its rural towns across the country.

What you'd have is 3 or 4 really strong committee members for each event, and they would be blocked from seeing anything through by local business opposition, insurance costs and general apathy from other committee members.

Sad.

I know. Trying to be careful what i say, but as the organiser said everything was legal with both the council and the gards and yet the traders took it upon themselves to unravel everything for fear of profits being hit.
As one other local said, its a case of we dont want things to change for us and we will be damned if anyone else will do it either.

There was more said in particular reference to why there was no signage, but it really was supposition.

Still it was a very uncomfortable feeling to be witnessing this. Particulalry as the theme was bringing local business back into Port.

Strange strange attitude

canadianmale19

Hello all im 19 canadian and have been living in Dublin for 2 years....parents bought a house in portarlington and we are moving in january hopefully...if anyone wants to chat or has jobs they know that are available email me plz babybluebeamer@hotmail.com

Ruby-J

hi canadianmale, i added u on msn so when ur on next add me. portarlington is a lovely place imho. there are so many new housing estates and young people its a great place to make friends. feel free to pm me anytime and il help ya out. only thing about port is you do need a car as there are no shopping centres, cinemas, or decent clubs. the pubs are ok but if you want a mad night you need to go to portlaoise, newbridge or tullamore.

Keggers

Hi my name is Dara I am twelve and live in Port part time (as I am now going to boarding school. Just on the point of sports clubs as far as I know the fantastic Tae Kwon Do club is still up and running. The atmosphere is very friendly and the teacher (Nigle Stoby) is one of the nicest coachs I have ever met. By the by Tae Kwon Do is a Koriean Martial art.

Philthy

All the rural towns are dropping the parades/festivals etc. It depends from town to town why they are cancelled but it can be anything from funding to strong personalities clashing on the organizing committee. If two or three people believe they are in the right, its very hard to get anything done.

I can't comment on the Port French festival though. I'm only working here for the past 6 months or so. I had heard about it years ago and its a shame that it won't be held anymore.

I find the town itself seemd busy enough during my lunch hour but when you dig deeper, there is nothing in the town to do if you're not into GAA (and I'm not)

There was an article in the Leinster about the shopping centre getting off the ground again (but nearly every paragraph had the word floodplain in it - go check) and a local councillor(I think, or a local businessman) said Port needed a cinema and more facilties.

I grew up in a small village myself where I spent my teenage years hanging out playing pool in a pub. When the pubs were shut, we were sitting on various walls. We never caused any harm but ervyone hated the kids in our village. All we were doing was cluttering up the place because they was actually no place to go.

So now I'm older and wiser and I have a similar problem - what to do with my lunch hour. The only places I can think of are the library and wandering around small expensive shops. What do the locals do? All suggestions to waste time are welcome

ports best

The French Festival was th ebest crack ever, the interest in it became worse every year, the publicans would not put much money towards it and they reaped most of the rewards from the wkend it was on, it is a pity it is gone though, as regard to your lunch hour, i cant really help i only get half an hour for my lunch so it dosent give me much time to do anything else only eat my lunch

Philthy

I don't want to sound like I'm complaining but I have an hour,

I'm not looking for fun-filled activities everyday but the odd day when I'm not bothered with eating lunch, I'd love to do something. So far I've found Lyle's and Colgans and had a look in the book shops. Are there any hidden treasures in Port?

ports best

i think you should ask your boss can you have just half an hour off at lunch and finish half an hour earlier then, wouldnt that be a good idea, if not you could go swimming during lunch

paulmacker

hi just bought a house in na cluanta ,has anyone got any info on that area,
like the name of the nearest school,any good or bad things about the area

thanks