The Drogheda area is becoming increasingly popular with Dublin families looking to swap their city centre homes for a larger property in a quieter setting. Now a scheme of five large detached houses is being launched in Monasterboice, three miles northwest of Drogheda in Co Louth. Ranging in size from 2,600 to 2,800 sq ft, the houses, each on a three-quarter acre site, are priced from £350,000 through Drogheda-based agents O'Sullivan Estates. All have five bedrooms, two of which are en suite.

The houses are being built by developer Ronan McAuley to each purchaser's individual preference. While exteriors of the three different house styles are designed according to plans, there is flexibility around the internal layout and design. All five houses have a copper-roofed glass porch entrance. Downstairs, there is a large livingroom with a separate sunroom with French doors leading to a patio area. There is a lounge, diningroom, kitchen, utility room and downstairs bathroom. All of the doors, including the patio doors, are in hardwood. A detached double garage with roller doors is a standard feature. Buyers have an overall allowance worth £19,100 to choose interior finishings, like the kitchen, bathrooms, tiles and fireplaces. This includes £5,000 for the kitchen, £3,000 for painting and decorating and a £1,000 "computer allowance".

Ranch-style boundary fencing encloses the gardens. The development at Cordoogan, Monasterboice, near the main Dublin-Belfast road, enjoys a rural location.

Surrounded by farmland, landscaping at The Gables incorporates mature trees. The area is near a commuter train service and a proposed motorway, due to be completed by 2002. The journey presently takes roughly 45 minutes from Drogheda to Dublin Airport Outside rush hour.