We do dozens of Dublin-to-Meath moves a year. The same conversations come up.
The commute
Realistically, an hour each way from most of Meath into Dublin city centre. The M3 helps; the M2 from Ashbourne is faster off-peak. If you can hybrid, it works.
The price
Same money buys a noticeably bigger house and garden in Meath. A 3-bed semi in Dunshaughlin sits around half the price of the same house in Sandymount.
Schools
Plenty of choice. Demand has gone up with all the families moving out, so apply early.