When Active Ireland set up, they expected to attract an older age group. Siobhan M Byrne, managing director, says "we have been surprised that the age profile of renters is in the late twenties to forties age group. Young families, couples and singles are our main market. "Our homes in Dublin are very popular with people from the country. Many business people are more than used to hotel accommodation and staying in a self-catering property gives them the opportunity to relax; you don't have to get up and put on your make-up to go down for breakfast."
This year, Active Ireland has a development of luxury houses at Roney Point, Wexford, adjacent to a secluded beach, available for rent. Each large light airy house has four double bedrooms and five bathrooms, including a Jacuzzi bath. At a cost of £1,800 (#2,285) per week in high season, price has not been an issue for visitors. The location, combined with the quality of the interiors, attracts not only families but also golfers, who can play the surrounding courses such as the European at Brittas and Druids Glen, less than an hour away. The Headfort Demesne at Kells, Co Meath, a wooded estate, has attracted considerable attention because of the high quality of the development and design of the gardens and grounds. The mews houses in a courtyard setting have proved to be very popular with couples and golfers.
The estate consists of Headfort House and Headfort Golf Club. Some visitors end up wanting to purchase a property.
In Westport, two and threebedroom apartments in Harbour Mill, a converted 18th century mill with views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick are available. Facilities include a swimming-pool, beauty spa and wine bar. The apartments in Dublin, in Temple Bar and Ballsbridge, are an ideal base for visitors who want to enjoy the city. In Temple Bar, the Music Hall apartments in the historical centre of Dublin are all one-bedroom with cable TV and Internet access.
The Active Ireland brochure is available from 19 Harcourt Street, Dublin, 01 478 2045. Its website is at www.activeireland.ie
