Check in to hotel-side scheme at Dunboyne

Co Meath: from €285,000 A launch of the final phase at Dunboyne Castle, Dunboyne, Co Meath, takes place this weekend, when show apartments will be open for viewing. Sherry FitzGerald New Homes will be offering 25 apartments, mostly three-bedroom units with a few one and two-beds still available.

Launched last September in a penultimate phase, these units are in a favoured spot adjoining the grounds of the Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa, also owned by developer Menolly. Two of the three-storey apartment blocks have been retained by the hotel for guests' use.

Prices start at €285,000 for one-bedroom apartments of 45sq m (490sq ft). Two-beds of 70sq m (750sq ft) cost from €325,000, while three-bedroom apartments of 95sq m (1,020 sq ft) are from €370,000.

The development of 400-plus houses and apartments is now complete and new owners can move in as soon as paperwork is done.

The village of Dunboyne is surprisingly close to the city, a journey of just 10 miles, and buyers from nearby Clonee and Blanchardstown featured strongly in earlier phases. Many of these have bought second properties on the estate as an investment.

Designed by architects Fenton Simons, specification at Dunboyne Castle is up to hotel standard and impressive. The brick-faced low-rise blocks are grouped around a courtyard garden, with glass-sided balconies looking onto the green space.

Living areas are spacious, with wood and marble fireplaces fitted with gas fires. Near the kitchen is a dining area. Vanilla gloss kitchen units come with granite worktops and a full range of electrical appliances.

Most balconies open off the two largest bedrooms, which include smart cream-painted wardrobes. The larger apartments include storage cupboards for the vacuum cleaner and sports gear.

Planting is maturing well at Dunboyne Castle and will see its second season this spring. A footpath from the estate leads into the hotel grounds and a shuttle bus has been organised for residents wishing to use the hotel's facilities.

Viewing takes place this Saturday and Sunday from 2pm-4pm.