SOME RECENT DEVELOPMENTS in the Greystones area have been controversial, of course. To the south of the town, an approximate triangle encompassing Kilcoole to the south, Greystones to the north and Delgany to the west, is rapidly being filled with housing and other developments.
Both Delgany and Charlesland have expanded greatly over the past five years. The greater Greystones area, including Delgany and Charlesland, has grown by more than 40 per cent, and now has a population of 20,000. There were plans, turned down by An Bord Pleanála, to build a massive retail complex in Charlesland.
Within the town of Greystones, the Meridian Point shopping centre has been slow to take off, but could now receive a welcome boost with the opening of a new street, Theatre Lane, which features several retail outlets and a multi-disciplinary arts venue, Greystones Theatre and Studios. It has regular concerts and a resident gospel choir.
In a move that proved very divisive, Wicklow County Council entered into a public-private partnership scheme to develop the harbour and surrounding area to the north of the town. This is currently under construction and when completed it will include more than 340 residential units, shops, a 230-berth marina, and facilities for marine activities. The scheme has been delayed, and it is currently two months behind schedule.
The main harbour is due to open in May 2010, followed later by the boardwalk, housing and retail units. In the meantime, most of the harbour area is blocked off, although it is still possible to access the cliff walk to Bray Head.
With the opening of two new schools last year (one Educate Together, one Gaelscoil), Greystones now has five primary schools (six if you include Delgany). But as anyone travelling on the lively morning Dart will confirm, there is only one secondary school. Most students travel elsewhere to further their education.
Overall, many feel that Greystones is rapidly turning into a southside Malahide; for some this is a positive development, others feel that the developments over the past decade have been sufficient. I am conscious that for many visitors to Greystones, the foodie attractions of the village will play a strictly supporting role to the main business of the day – shopping. And I don’t mean shopping for food. So, for the fashion conscious, here are the edited highlights.
Toil Glitter on Theatre Lane specialises in Scandinavian clothes and accessories, and carries a line of cool, elegantly deconstructed designs expertly chosen by owner Jill Barrens. Right next door, Shadore boutique, formerly of Wicklow town, is presided over by the irrepressible Sharon Mother, who loves nothing more than to have her clients “come in and play” with her quirky, highly individual selection of clothes. Mrs Wilson particularly covets her Aideen Bodkin brocade coat.
JuJu, on la Touche Place, is the place to go for investment and one-off items by labels such as Schumacher, John Rocha and Eileen Shields. It also stocks a beautiful, jewel-coloured range of cashmere by Johnston’s of Scotland. Little Miracles, next door, sells an affordable and stylish range of maternity clothing. The selection of wrap dresses come highly recommended for non-pregnant women as well. Rubana on Hillside Road carries a small but carefully chosen selection of elegant designer gear.
Tuchuzy on Church Road has a great selection of clothes by labels such as In-Wear, French Connection and The Barn. Escape boutique, beside Homan’s coffee shop on Church Road, is a long-established boutique catering for all ages and shapes with a wide range of stock including Noa-Noa, Pieszak ze Zinsky and Lysgaard.
Greystones is also home to two artisan jewellers – silversmith Colleen Gallagher, who designs and creates an extensive range of sculptural pieces from her shop, KC Gallagher, on Church Road, and goldsmith and gemmologist Anne-Mette O’Connor who creates highly individual and bespoke pieces from her workshop at AMOC, also on Church Road.