Four first-time buys from Dublin to Ennis

Capital: €315,000

ADDRESS: 32 Strandville Avenue, North Strand, Dublin 3. BEDROOMS: two. SIZE: 86sq m (926sq ft). PARKING: garage. LINKS: bus. STAMP DUTY: none. AGENT: Gunne. WEB: www.gunne.ie.

DESCRIPTION: In need of modernisation, this has period features like high ceilings, coving, an archway, wooden floors and fireplace. The livingroom has a large window with shutters. Both bedrooms are double with wooden floors. There is also a diningroom, kitchen, utility room and bathroom. Garage and large rear yard.

Commute: €180,000

ADDRESS: The Old School House, Moyne, Tinahely, Co Wicklow. BEDROOMS: one. SIZE: 139sq m (1,500sq ft). PARKING: yes. LINKS: none. STAMP DUTY: none. AGENT: Arthur D Quinn. WEB: www.adquinn.ie.

DESCRIPTION: for auction on September 21st, this house on 0.5 acres is between Tinahely and Aughrim. Built in 1828, it was a school up to 1975. The school room has a vaulted ceiling and there's a livingroom, kitchen, back hall, bathroom, drive and lawn.

Countrywide: €250,000

ADDRESS: 74 College Grove, Clonroadmore, Ennis, Co Clare. BEDROOMS: three. SIZE: 102sq m (1,097 sq ft). PARKING: yes. LINKS: bus. STAMP DUTY: none. AGENT: Sherry FitzGerald McMahon. WEB: www.sherryfitz.ie.

DESCRIPTION: off the Limerick Road close to St Flannan's College, it has a livingroom, family room, kitchen/diningroom, utility, bathroom and separate shower room. Bedrooms have built-in wardrobes and timber floors. South-facing rear garden with shed.

Country: €140,000

ADDRESS: Elphin, Co Roscommon. BEDROOMS: three. SIZE: 102sq m (1,097sq ft). PARKING: yes. LINKS: bus. STAMP DUTY: none. AGENT: Carthy and Associates Real Estate Alliance. WEB: www.carthyandassociates.ie.

DESCRIPTION: originally the gate-lodge to a monastery and then a convent, this unusual property has a feature bell tower. It has been refurbished and has a hall, kitchen, living/diningroom, bathroom and one en suite bedroom. Electric storage heating.