Four first-time buys from Dublin to Ennis

First time buys in the capital, commuter belt and countryside

Capital: €270,000

ADDRESS: 114 Rialto cottages, Rialto, Dublin 8. BEDROOMS: 2. SIZE: 55 sq m (593 sq ft). PARKING: On-street parking. LINKS: Luas, bus. STAMP DUTY: None. AGENT: HOK. WEB: www.hok.ie.

DESCRIPTION: This turn-of-the-century cottage is situated in a cul-de-sac off the South Circular Road. Just five minutes walk from the Luas (Rialto station) and a 30-minute walk from the city centre it is ideal for first-time buyers seeking city living. The cosy house is in walk-in condition with a modern kitchen and dining/livingroom.

Commute: €280,000

ADDRESS: 16 Oberstown Court, Sallins, Co Kildare. BEDROOMS: 3. SIZE: 97 sq m (1,040 sq ft). PARKING: Driveway parking. LINKS:Train, bus, N7. STAMP DUTY: None. AGENT: Gunne. WEB: www.gunne.ie.

DESCRIPTION: This semi-detached house is one of 40 units in a mature 15-year-old development. The Arrow station is a two-minute drive away, trains are regular and the journey to Dublin takes 30 minutes. A modern house in a mature estate, it's ideal for commuters.

Countrywide: €258,000

ADDRESS: Tir Eda, Toberteascain, Ennis, Co Clare. BEDROOMS: 4. SIZE: 121 sq m (1,300 sq ft). PARKING: Off-street parking. LINKS: N18, bus. STAMP DUTY: None. AGENT: Property Partners Philip O' Reilly & Company. WEB: www.philiporeilly.com.

DESCRIPTION: Five minutes walk from Ennis town centre, this modern house is very spacious with a kitchen/breakfast room, diningroom and sittingroom. There is also an adjoining garage. Limerick is a 30-minute and Shannon a 20-minute drive away.

Country: €200,000

ADDRESS: Ballyturin, Kilbeacanty, Gort, Co Galway. BEDROOMS: 3. SIZE: 121 sq m (1,300 sq ft). PARKING: Ample. LINKS: N18, bus. STAMP DUTY: None. AGENT: ERA McInerney Auctioneers. WEB: www.mcinerneyproperty.com.

DESCRIPTION: This refurbished bungalow is on 0.5 acres on the outskirts of Kilbeacanty village and three miles from Gort. It comprises a kitchen/diningroom, sittingroom, three beds and a bathroom. The house is about a 30-minute drive from Ennis and Galway city.