Four first-time buys from Dublin to Ennis

Capital: €295,000 ADDRESS: 4 St Helen's Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8. BEDROOMS: 2. SIZE: 65 sq m (720 sq ft). PARKING: On-street parking. LINKS: Luas, bus. STAMP DUTY: None. AGENT: DNG. WEB: www.dng.ie.

DESCRIPTION: This two-bed terraced house is located on the canal and is a stone's throw away from the Goldenbridge Luas stop. The sittingroom features high ceilings and the kitchen has an old-fashioned range. There is a private patio with rear pedestrian access. Number 4 would suit a first-timer with a flair for DIY.

Commute: €180,000 ADDRESS: Ardilaun Heights, Ballymahon Road, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. BEDROOMS: 3. SIZE: 93 sq m (1,000 sq ft). PARKING: Driveway parking. LINKS: Train, N4. STAMP DUTY: None. AGENT: Property Partners McDonnell. WEB: www.nicemove.ie.

DESCRIPTION: This modern three-bed house is located off the Ballymahon Road to the west of Mullingar. Dublin is an hour away by train and the M50 is around a one-hour drive. The estate is also within walking distance of Mullingar town centre.

Countrywide: €175,000 ADDRESS: 105 Ashfield, Letterkenny, Co Donegal. BEDROOMS: 3. SIZE: 93 sq m (1,000 sq ft). PARKING: Driveway. LINKS: N13, bus. STAMP DUTY: None. AGENT: Gunne. WEB: www.gunne.com.

DESCRIPTION: Number 105 is one of around 90 houses in a modern development off the Kilmacennan Road and near to Letterkenny General Hospital. Accommodation comprises livingroom, kitchen/dining and utility room. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms, one en suite, and one single room.

Country: €240,000 ADDRESS: Correagh Glebe, Lurgan, Virginia, Co Cavan. BEDROOMS: 3. SIZE: 130 sq m (1,400 sq ft). PARKING: Ample. LINKS: N3, bus. STAMP DUTY: None. AGENT: Sherry Fitzgerald Farrelly. WEB: www.sherryfitz.ie.

DESCRIPTION: This period two-storey house will appeal to those looking to escape the city and experience country living. Just under two miles from Virginia it has a large modern kitchen, livingroom with wood-burning stove and two small paddocks and outhouses.