THE west of Ireland is quintessential Emerald Isle.
From the wild heather bogs of Connemara to the snarling coastline of Co. Clare, dramatic scenery is guaranteed.
It's therefore no surprise that this area has some of the most sought-after real estate in the country - and consequently has some of the highest prices in the country away from Dublin and west Cork.
Sherry Fitzgerald currently have a couple of stunning properties on their books.
Sunnymeade in Tully near Renvyle, Connemara - smack bang on the Wild Atlantic Way - has stunning views of sea and mountain.
It’s on the market for €450,000. But for this you don’t just get the substantial main house.
There’s an attached apartment, as well as a studio — should you think the views might awaken the muse within you and you can get down to some serious painting.
Aughanure Lodge, near Oughterard (Picture: Sherry Fitzgerald)Aughnanure Lodge, Knockillaree, Oughterard is a similarly impressive property. Oughterard, known as ‘the Gateway to Connemara’, is an attractive town standing on the Owenriff River.
Aughanure Lodge, outside the town, is a substantial six bedroom detached property standing near Oughterard Golf Club and Aughanure Castle.
The classy inside of Aughanure Lodge (Picture: Sherry Fitzgerald)At the top end of the west of Ireland housing market is Tavanaghmore, Pontoon, Co. Mayo.
Tuohy O’Toole has this modern, five-bedroomed bungalow on the market for €550,00.
But for that you get elevated views over Loughs Conn and Cullin.
If you want a peaceful place to write those memoirs, or if you have any interest in fishing, this is the place for you.
West Knock International Airport is just over 20 miles away — so you could leave London on the first flight and be on Lough Conn fishing by mid-aftenoon.
Tavanaghmore, Co. Mayo (Picture: Tuohy O'Toole)
The view from Tavanaghmore, Co. Mayo (Picture: Tuohy O'Toole))Aughanure, Tavanaghmore and Sunnymeade are at the top of the range for the west of Ireland.
In the mid-range are properties such as Carrigbeg, Coolacloy, Clifden on the market from Matt O’Sullivan.
At €220,000 this seems like a fine bargain.
It’s detached, has three bedrooms, and the property has good views of Streamstown Bay, now constituted as part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Stoneywood, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway (Picture: O'Donnellan & Joyce)In the mid-to-expensive bracket is Stoneywood, Gortard, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway.
O'Donnellan & Joyce has this on the market for €395,000.
For your money you get a beautiful five bedroom detached family home in a quiet woodland cul de sac.
And if you want a little craic thrown in with all that quietness, just down the road is the one of the world’s most famous seafood events, the Clarinbridge Oyster Festival.
There are still bargains to be had in the west of Ireland.
Tarmon School House, Blackweir, Kilkee, Co. Clare could represent a good buy for anyone who likes a fixer-upper.
The schoolhouse was built in 1894, and is definitely in need of some tlc.
It’s detached, has three bedrroms and one bathroom.
It’s on the market for €70,000 and it could be a great buy from Damian Lynch Auctioneer.
