A clutch of thatched cottages on the edge of Costelloe Bay in Connemara is for sale by private treaty through Spencer O'Toole, asking £450,000 (#571,380). There are five cottages in the Clynagh complex, which is on two acres off the main Rossaveal to Costelloe road.

This is an area of outstanding natural beauty and the views over Costelloe Bay from the cottages will undoubtedly attract a number of well-off city viewers searching for a Connemara bolt-hole. The current owner is a local thatcher, who lives in the main house and rents out the other cottages to tourists in the summer.

All are expertly thatched and in very good condition. With the exception of the main property, the houses are being sold with their contents, ready for letting out. These include a wide range of electrical equipment such as washing machines, microwaves and coffee-makers.

The largest cottage has five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a big country kitchen. It has exposed ceiling beams, pine floors and an oil-fired stove in the sittingroom.

A three-bedroom cottage adjoining this also has pine floors and great sea views. There is a very pretty house with a bedroom under the eaves and another with two bedrooms, sauna and a conservatory.

A wonderful cottage with one circular bedroom has numerous windows overlooking the bay. The gardens are neatly lawned and bordered by sea-loving shrubs which blend well with the surrounding wilderness. A gravelled pathway which continues down to the last cottage is fitted with sensor lights.