Ongar, Dublin 15: Where Community, Opportunity, and Affordability Meet
Its village-style centre brings a real sense of charm and local life, while excellent transport links — including the nearby Hansfield train station — make commuting into the city a breeze. It strikes a rare balance: the ease and energy of urban living paired with the calm, neighbourly feel of the suburbs.
Take Sarah Lianne Byrne, for example — a young professional who recently secured her dream home in Ongar through Ireland’s Affordable Housing Scheme. Her story is one of hope, timing, and community spirit — the kind that truly represents what Ongar is becoming for many Dubliners.
The Ongar Atmosphere
Walking through Ongar Village on a Saturday morning, the atmosphere is refreshingly relaxed. You’ll see families strolling with kids, friends catching up over coffee at the local café, and others popping into the bakery or pharmacy. The area is compact but well-designed, with everything you need within walking distance — from gyms and salons to medical centers and restaurants. Just a short distance away lies the bustling Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, one of the largest in Ireland, offering even more shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
What sets Ongar apart is its mix of old and new. It’s not just another housing development; it’s a place with heart. You’ll see well-kept green spaces, a close-knit GAA community, and a growing number of multicultural events in local schools and halls. It’s not uncommon to hear several languages being spoken at the same bus stop — Ongar is modern Ireland in action.
The Journey to Homeownership
For Sarah Byrne, a 33-year-old graphic designer who had spent most of her adult life renting in the city centre, Ongar wasn’t even on her radar at first.
“I always assumed owning a home in Dublin was out of reach,” she says. “Rent kept going up, and saving for a deposit felt like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it.”
But when the Fingal County Council announced a round of homes available through the Affordable Housing Scheme in late 2023, Sarah decided to take a chance.
“I saw it on social media, and initially I thought, ‘there’s no way I’ll get it.’ But something told me to apply.”
The application process wasn’t easy — there were income thresholds, paperwork, interviews — but Sarah persisted. A few months later, she received the call: she’d been approved for a two-bedroom home in Ongar.
“I cried,” she admits. “I still get emotional thinking about it. It wasn’t just a house. It was a future. Security. A community.”
Affordable Housing Scheme: A Lifeline
The Affordable Housing Scheme is designed to help those who are squeezed out of the private market but don’t qualify for social housing. In areas like Dublin 15, where property prices have climbed steadily over the past decade, the scheme has been a vital tool in bridging the gap for middle-income earners.
Sarah was able to purchase her home at a discounted rate compared to market value, with the government taking an equity share. This meant her monthly mortgage payments were lower, and she had the opportunity to buy out the equity share over time, once she was in a better financial position.
“It’s not a handout — it’s a hand-up,” Sarah says. “I’m still paying a mortgage, I still work hard, but now my money is going into something I own.”
She’s not alone. Several families in Ongar have benefited from the scheme, and local councillors are pushing for more affordable units in future developments around Dublin 15.
Why Ongar?
For many, the location of Ongar is a major draw. Hansfield train station is a short walk away, offering direct commuter access to the city centre in under 30 minutes. Dublin Bus routes also serve the area regularly, and new cycle lanes are being developed to encourage greener commuting options.
Schools in the area are plentiful and well-regarded, including several national and secondary schools, as well as Educate Together institutions. There are also community centers and sports clubs, such as Ongar GAA and various fitness bootcamps held in the nearby parks.
But perhaps what people love most about Ongar is the sense of belonging.
“There’s something very local about Ongar,” Sarah notes. “You’ll run into the same people every day, and it doesn’t take long before they’re saying hello and asking how your day is. That just didn’t happen when I lived in the city.”
The Future of Ongar
As Dublin continues to expand westward, areas like Ongar will play a vital role in housing the next generation. With further plans for development, including more schools, retail spaces, and public transport enhancements, Ongar is set to grow — but hopefully without losing the unique charm that has made it so appealing.
There are challenges ahead — like keeping housing genuinely affordable and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with demand — but local advocacy groups and residents are already pushing to keep Ongar people-focused.
Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and a bit of determination, homeownership in Dublin doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. It can be a reality — especially in places like Ongar.
“I still walk around and can’t believe this is mine,” she smiles. “Every morning I open my curtains and think — this is my little piece of Dublin. And I love it.”
And the growth isn’t slowing down. Ongar continues to evolve, with several new housing developments in the pipeline — offering more opportunities for families, couples, and first-time buyers to find their place here. A new road link connecting Ongar to Lucan is also underway, which will further enhance connectivity and make commuting across west Dublin even more seamless. It’s a sign that while Ongar already has so much to offer, its best days might still be ahead.
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