From west Cork to Quiet Man country in Co Mayo, coastal Dublin commuter spots Skerries and Laytown to a Donnybrook, Dublin 4 classic, cottages continue to charm.
Peak search times for cottages are during the spring and summer selling seasons, when classic locations are sought out by dreamers and second homers alike.
For those with mortgage approval, now may be a better time to make an approach.
With just six weeks left in the legal year to sale agree a property, sellers and buyers are motivated to move their position.
Here are five listings worth investigation:
On the edge of Herbert Park in Dublin 4
Address: 107 Pembroke Cottages, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, D04 H5Y8
Asking price: €535,000 (€11,146 per m²)
Agent: Sherry FitzGerald
Around the corner from Herbert Park and its playing fields and outdoor gym, the Dodder cycle and walkway, this is a well-located, double-fronted two-bedroom, one-bathroom terraced property of 48 square metres.
It is sequestered off Donnybrook village in a lovely warren of similar-styled houses. There are vaulted ceilings in the living room and bedrooms, which makes it feel far bigger than its 48 square metres.
The F Ber rating will need addressing.
The location is first class, with many workers able to walk or cycle to their offices.
Within a few strides of the strand at Laytown
Address: 2 Coastview Cottages, Laytown, Co. Meath, A92A0E6
Asking price: €375,000
Agent: Ray White
On Strand Road, this two-storey detached house has a large corner double-height multi-pane glass feature that brings in light and sea views to both floors.
The C2 Ber-rated, three-bedroom, two-bathroom property, which measures 93 square metres, has an unusual layout.
Its double-height corner glazing frames the Irish Sea views and the sandy stretch that hosts an annual horse race that is a key part of the flat racing calendar.
Two of the bedrooms are at hall level. So is the kitchen, which extends the depth of the house.
The light-filled dining area enjoys a double height with the living room on a mezzanine level above. It also enjoys sea views. The principal bedroom is ensuite.
For commuters travelling to Dublin Matthews bus service and Irish Rail’s commuter line service the route.
A few strokes from the sea in Skerries
Address: Hazel Cottage, 6 The Square, Skerries, Co. Dublin, K34 RK27
Asking price: €485,000
Agent: DNG McKenna Healy
Bang in the heart of Skerries and a few minutes’ walk to North Beach, and just a few more to South Beach, this D2 Ber-rated, two-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage offers a lot.
The main area is open plan and has a vaulted ceiling with the kitchen at one gable end and the living room at the other.
The principal bedroom is at the end of the hall, with a second, smaller room, wide enough to fit a double bed.
There is a third space, a bunk room that could be incorporated into the second bedroom to make it a decent size or used as a utility room or walk-in closet.
The house, which extends to 72 square metres, has a south-east-facing back garden. Parking is on street.
Skerries is on Irish Rail’s commuter service.
Quiet Man country, Co Mayo
Address: Coolavally Cottage, Cross, Cong, Co. Mayo, F12R970
Asking price: €269,000
Agent: Feerick Property
Down a boreen, about two kilometres south of the village of Cross, just 5.5 kilometres from Cong, is a large four-bedroom, one bathroom detached cottage.
Laid out over two levels, the house has charming features, including a large hearth in the living room, pastoral views from the eat-in kitchen, panelled doors and painted timber floors.
Two of the four bedrooms, including the principal, are downstairs, while the first floor is accessed via a spiral staircase. It has an F Ber-rating.
On about a third of an acre of land, it includes a large stone barn that the owners have roofed and wired for electricity.
With its mix of native shrubs and raised beds, there is scope to expand the grow-your-own offer.
Lough Corrib is nearby, and Ballinasloe is just nine kilometres away.
West Cork escape with west wing
Address: Riverbank Cottage, Lissalohorig, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, P81DX27
Asking price: €300,000
Agent: Charles McCarthy
Currently operated as a guest house and five kilometres to the north east of Skibbereen town, this property comprises two self-contained units accessed via a shared entrance.
The larger house extends to about 107 square meters and has two bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as a living room and kitchen.
The second house, in the west wing, is a one-bedroom, one bathroom property with its accommodation and TV room accessed via a spiral staircase.
Renovated in recent years, the works included re-roofing, re-wiring, re-plumbing and installing insulation; it has an F Ber-rating.
Positioned on about half an acre, with the garden across the road, there is an outdoor hot tub. Cork city is about a 75-minute drive.
