Four first-time buys

From Dublin to Dromahaire.

CAPITAL: €400,000

ADDRESS: 33 Tolka Road, Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3. BEDROOMS: two. SIZE: 68sq m (732sq ft). PARKING: yes. LINKS: bus. STAMP DUTY: €24,000. AGENT: Gunne Residential. WEB: www.gunne.ie.

DESCRIPTION: within walking distance of the city centre, this mid-terrace house has a sittingroom with understairs storage, extended kitchen, bathroom with electric shower and west-facing garden to the rear which is 19 metres (63ft) long. One of the bedrooms has built-in wardrobes. A young buyer may want to update the decor.

COMMUTE: €300,000

ADDRESS: Ballynunnery, Co Carlow. BEDROOMS: three. SIZE: 116sq m (1,250sq ft). PARKING: yes. LINKS: none. STAMP DUTY: none. AGENT: ERA McCormack. WEB: www.mccormackgroup.ie.

DESCRIPTION: detached bungalow near the village of Rathoe in Co Carlow has a kitchen diner with recessed lighting and a spacious dining area, fitted units in the utility room, laminate floor in the livingroom, ornate timber fireplace, large extended garage to rear with loft space, and a large rear garden with patio area.

COUNTRYWIDE: €395,000

ADDRESS: Arrabrook Cottage, Annaghdown, Co Galway. BEDROOMS: three. SIZE: 148sq m (1,600sq ft). PARKING: yes. LINKS: none. STAMP DUTY: €23,700. AGENT: Keane Mahony Smith. WEB: www.kmsgalway.com.

DESCRIPTION: nine miles from Eyre Square, this cottage predates the Famine and has been refurbished by its owners. Standing on 0.3 of acre, it has a family room, offices, a kitchen, a dining area and lounge and a bathroom. Two of the bedrooms are en suite.

COUNTRY: €200,000

ADDRESS: Greaghnafarna, Dromahaire, Co Leitrim. BEDROOMS: three. SIZE: 82sq m (892sq ft). PARKING: yes. LINKS: none. STAMP DUTY: none. AGENT: DM Auctions Ltd. WEB: www.dmauctions.com.

DESCRIPTION: stone-built cottage with boarding kennels on 4.5 acres. The property retains many of its original features and has a front extension. It has a conservatory, kitchen/diningroom with open-plan units and Belfast sink, solid fuel cooker and beamed ceiling.