Free sail comes with riverside sales

Upper Shannon from €285,000: A free boat is a novel incentive being offered to buyers in an interesting development of tax designated new homes in the Upper Shannon area, being sold through agent Sherry FitzGerald Bourke.

Port Alainn is an exclusive development of riverside homes, set in a gated community around the Tara Marina complex which includes its own restaurant and bar.

The development, which is located between Carrick-on-Shannon and Lough Key Forest Park, benefits from Upper Shannon, section 23 type tax reliefs.

Ten of the 16 homes representing phase one of the scheme ranging in size from 125-171 sq m (1,350-1,850 sq ft) have already been sold and now developer Paddy Gilboy is launching the remaining six houses which comprise phase two.

Gilboy, who also runs the adjacent marina, has done a deal with Killen Marine of Dalkey who will launch a new line of Drago boats at Tara Marina on April 8.

Gilboy will offer a free €21,000 two-berth cruiser as a raffle prize to those who sign contracts for new homes between launch day, and May 20th.

Prices start from €285,000 for a three-bed bungalow measuring 124.5sq m (1,340sq ft), rising to €385,000 for a four-bed dormer bungalow with a generous 176.5sq m (1,900sq ft).

The secluded properties are ideal as a bolt hole for those who want to get far away from the crowd and enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside. But for those who want them, Port Alainn has facilities aplenty and is just minutes away from shops, pubs, golfing and Lough Key Forest Park.

The area is increasingly popular as a location for rest and recuperation.

Those who have already availed of waterfront homes in this area include the former minister for justice Sean Doherty, the current minister Michael McDowell and President Mary McAleese.

A marina berth - increasingly scarce on the north Shannon - is available to all homeowners in Port Alainn.