Address: 23 St Cronans Avenue, Swords, Co Dublin Agent: Flynn and Associates

It’s a five minute drive to Swords Village from this three-bedroom mid-terrace house in an estate and a short walk to a river park. Accommodation includes a livingroom with fireplace, kitchen, diningroom with double doors to the garden (plant-free and concreted over), three bedrooms and a bathroom with bath. There’s off-street parking to the front, but plants would be more welcome than a car. BER E1

Plus: In a good location at a decent price. It is just a couple of streets away from Ward River Valley Park.

Minus: The facade suggests function over form. The back yard is a bit dismal.

Address: Aclare Lodge, Drumconrath, Co Meath Agent: Hooke and MacDonald This six-bedroom house, in a sylvan setting, has a fairytale quality to it. The entrance is surrounded by lawns and trees . At the moment the property is divided into two homes containing two livingrooms, two kitchen/diningrooms, utility, six bedrooms, three bathrooms and a garage.

For all its otherworldliness, the N52 isn’t far off and the villages of Ardee, Kells and Drumconrath are a short drive away. BER: D2

Plus: Lovely setting and generous amount of accommodation for the price. Well-presented and with good connections to the garden.

Minus: The house is in two parts and will need reconfiguration, unless used as a rental.