Town
Address: Penthouse Apartment, Holyrood Castle, Holyrood Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4
Agent: Sherry FitzGerald
This two-bedroom E1-rated apartment extends to a considerable 247sq m (2,659sq ft) and is set over two levels. It has the benefit of an enclosed 64sq m roof garden that gives 360-degree views of the city, two parking spaces, and the Sandymount Dart station is almost on its doorstep.
Plus: Very spacious with commanding views
Rate of home mortgages over 90 days in arrears falls to lowest in 15 years
Greystar buys Dublin student housing scheme for around €150m
Typical price paid for home by first-time buyer up €88,000 on five years ago
Housing in Ireland is among the most expensive and most affordable in the EU. How does that happen?
Minus: Its decor – such as 14-carat gold leaf detail tiles – may not have universal appeal
Country
Address: Ballygroman House, Ballygroman, Ovens, Co Cork
Agent: Bowe Property
Though originally dating from the late 1800s, this 368sq m (3,961sq ft) five-bedroom house has been completely rebuilt. The property lies on a private 3.3 acre site, has an impressive A3 energy rating with turnkey interiors and seven bathrooms. There is also a garden room, orchard and a double bay garage.
Plus: Sizeable house on a large garden
Minus: Because the house burned down in 1922, little of its period detail remains
