Address: 87 Ballintyre Square, Ballinteer Avenue, Ballinteer, Co Dublin

Agent: Hooke & MacDonald

A walk away from Marlay Park, this three-bedroom top-floor apartment extends to 248sq m (2,700sq ft). The home has a large livingroom opening to a balcony, a diningroom, kitchen and utility. All three bedrooms have en suites and the main bedroom has a balcony and walk-in wardrobe. BER B2

Plus: Beautifully finished inside, sweeping spaces and balconies off the livingroom and main bedroom.

Minus: The sloping walls of the penthouse may not be to everyone's taste.

Address: Ballinacor Lodge, Greenan, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow

Agent: McDonnell Properties

Countryside surrounds this five-bed 360sq m (3,875sq ft) house accessed via an avenue through some of its 11 acres of land. Outbuildings include six stables, a double garage, two stone outhouses and a polytunnel. The house has a drawingroom, games room with double doors to the garden and a study. BER C1

Plus: Lovely views across the countryside and equipped for equestrian enterprises.

Minus: The house is not beautifully proportioned with its high walls topped by a small-scale roof.