All just a step from the beach . . .

Fresh salty air can work wonders . . . Edel Morgan looks over three properties which offer easy access to some of the finest beaches in the country

Co Kerry: €995,000

Cove House in Smerwick, Ballyferriter, Co Kerry, comes with the added bonus of access to two sandy coves and Smerwick Harbour.

Set on an acre, it was built in 1997 using recycled and reclaimed materials where possible.

Sherry FitzGerald O'Connell are looking for €995,000 for the three-bedroom house.

The slate on its roof comes from an old farmhouse in Connemara and, according to the selling agent, local tradesmen took six months to handcraft the roof.

Californian Redwood and Douglas Fir have been used throughout the property. The redwood is used on the floors, stairwell, skirting boards, wardrobes and window sills.

At entrance level, there's a hall with Liscannor flooring, a guest bathroom, a lounge, kitchen/dining area and a bedroom.

The bedroom is Gothic in style with arched windows and doors, and a tiled ensuite bathroom with underfloor heating and direct access to the garden.

The lounge has a Jerusalem limestone floor, an arched open fireplace and French doors to the garden. A half arch leads to the staircase, down to a wine cellar and storage area.

The kitchen/diner has Valentia slate worktops and Douglas Fir and Redwood kitchen units, integrated appliances and a Belfast sink.

In the diningroom the radiators are hidden behind carved wooden panels, and there's access to a 70-ft veranda and south-facing cut-stone patio and deck.

On the upper floor, the main bedroom has a wide plank floor and feature triangular window with views of Smerwick Harbour and Mount Brandon. A wet room with Portuguese tiles and a power shower is adjacent .

A free-standing cast-iron bath is the focal point of the bathroom, and on the landing a writer's hideaway is concealed in false chimney, which has sea views.

The third bedroom has seagrass floors and redwood wardrobes.

Outside at the end of the garden a timber fence leads to a boathouse on the cliff top. Continue through the boathouse to an outlook with views of the harbour and beaches. A cliff path leads down to the cove with two sandy beaches, a small cave and an optional mooring.

The property has 8ft high double gates, a large parking area, and a second deck and barbecue area. It also has a large garage, and one acre of landcaped gardens.

Cove House is within five minutes of Ceann Sibeal Golf Club and Béal Ban Strand.

Co Galway: €500,000

Set on the edge of Kingstown Bay in Connemara, Co Galway, with views of Eyreport Peninsula and Inishturk, An Teach Bán is a three-bedroom house on the market for €500,000.

The selling agent for the three-bedroom house set on half an acre is John O'Brien auctioneers.

An Teach Bán is a 15-minute drive from Clifden, and is approached by the Sky Road from Clifden and the beaches of Dunloughan, Mannin Dogs Bay and Gurteen are a short drive away.

The house is spacious at 1,900sq ft with a 375 sq ft garage, and has a southwesterly aspect. The livingroom is dual aspect with a vaulted ceiling opening up to a first floor gallery. There is also a diningroom and a kitchen with limed oak units and appliances. The main bedroom has an ensuite shower room. A spiral staircase leads to the gallery landing, a bedroom and a study that could be used as a fourth bedroom.

Co Wexford €305,000Number 86 St Helen's Village, Kilrane, Co Wexford, is within easy walking distance of Kilrane village and the long sweeping sandy beach at St Helen's Bay (right).

The three-bed semi-detached bungalow is for sale by private treaty through Sherry Fitzgerald Haythornthwaite who are quoting an asking price of €305,000 .

St Helen's village is beside the St Helen's Bay golf and country club and within easy access of three other golf courses. Rosslare Europort is a mile away and Wexford town is within ten miles. The complex has tennis courts and a children's play area.

Number 86 is relatively spacious at 83 sq m and has an entrance hall and an open plan living room and kitchen/diner area. The upgraded kitchen has built in waist and eye level a south facing conservatory. There are three good sized bedrooms , one of which is en suite. The house also comes with a storage cupboard and a water softener . The agent reckons the property is likely to appeal to either someone looking for weekend retreat or holiday home or an owner occupier .