The two Co Meath towns of Dunboyne and Ashbourne are the latest to be targetted by buyers in the never ending search for new homes. Last weekend Leahy Property Consultants sold 16 houses worth £4.2 million (€5.33m) in Dunboyne, a town on the brink of radical expansion. The four-bed detached homes cost between £245,000 (€311,085) and £295,000 (€374,572).

In Ashbourne, 26 people spent over £3 million (€3.81m) on apartments and duplex units on a site along the main road, close to where Dunnes Stores is to open up a new supermarket. The two-bedroom apartments were moderately priced at £124,000 (€157,447) while the three-bedroom duplexes made from £138,000(€175,223).