Town and Country: What will €600,000 buy?

Address: 33 Seascape, Clontarf, Dublin 3
Agent: Sherry FitzGerald New Homes

This three-bedroom 107sq m (1,152sq ft) apartment, overlooking a courtyard, is in a glassy scheme of 59 homes, some of which overlook the sea on Clontarf Road. One of the bedrooms has an en suite and there’s a separate bathroom and (Kube) kitchen/livingroom with access to a terrace shared with one of the bedrooms. There are two underground parking spaces. BER: A2-B1

Plus: Very close to the sea and well designed with floor-to-ceiling windows

Minus: The lift shaft encroaches on the apartment and it is not one of those that faces the sea

Address: Lahern West, Bantry, Ballylickey, West Cork
Agent: Harrington Estates

Looking out onto the estuary of Ouvane river and entrance to Bantry Bay, this 260sq m (2,800sq ft) four-bedroom house has a great link with the outdoors. Many rooms open to balconies and terraces, including one covered one. The livingroom has solid wood floors and a fireplace with patio doors on walls front and back. The study/diningroom has doors to the back while the kitchen has them to the front.

Plus: Water facing in a verdant setting with great links to the exterior

Minus: Sloped ceilings, which may not be to everyone's taste, and a downstairs bedroom