Sherry FitzGerald is asking €2.5 million for 248 The Sweepstakes, a two-bed penthouse in Ballsbridge, D4. Fiona Tyrrellfinds properties at a similar price in France, Portugal, Spain and the Caribbean.

FRANCE: Provence

A converted farmhouse just outside the town of Isle-sur-la Sorgue (renowned for its antique fairs). It has six bedrooms and an apartment with two en suite bedrooms.

Price: €2.55 million

Agent: Aylesford

0044 2073512383

THE CARRIBEAN: Barbados

Golden Eye is a four-bed villa on the islands west coast close to the resorts of Sugar Hill and Royal Westmoreland.

Price: €2.53 million

Agent: Knight Frank

01 6623255

PORTUGAL: Algarve

This newly-built villa in Vilamoura has six bedrooms, a super sophisticated interior, a swimming pool and lots of terrace space.

Price: €2.6 million

Agent: MyOverseasProperty

01 9020039

SPAIN: Alicante

A mountain villa within striking distance of Xabia and Alicante has four bedrooms, a smart fit-out, a large swimming pool and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Price: €2.6 million

Agent: Jackson Stops

044 2078287387