Town and Country: Where will €225,000 get you?

A fixer-upper castle in Cork or an open-plan bungalow close to Clondalkin Village

Carrignacurra Castle, Inchigeelagh, Co Cork
Carrignacurra Castle, Inchigeelagh, Co Cork

Address: Carrignacurra Castle, Inchigeelagh, Co Cork
Agent: Helen Cassidy Auctioneers

Right on the river Lee, about 1.5km downstream of Inchigeelagh, this castle was built at the end of the 1500s as a defensive structure. The name Carrignacurra is thought to come from carraig na choradh, meaning rock of the weir. Tentative renovation has begun with the insertion of a few floors, refurbishment of some door and window surrounds and roof repairs. There is planning permission to finish this work and turn the building into a home. Plans are available for the proposed accommodation, which includes an extension. BER exempt.

Plus A towering piece of history in a great location
Minus It needs a lot of work

9A St John’s Close, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
9A St John’s Close, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Address: 9A St John's Close, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
Agent: Ray Cooke Auctioneers

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This 55.7sq m (600sq ft) bungalow is within walking distance of Clondalkin Village and Corkagh Park. Built in 2009, the home has an open-plan livingroom/kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. There is a garden at the front and a southwest facing one at the back.

Plus Bright livingroom with large windows, glazed doors and rooflights
Minus The landscaping is a bit lacking with breezeblock walls, grey paving and a cobblelock drive across the back garden

Emma Cullinan

Emma Cullinan

Emma Cullinan, a contributor to The Irish Times, specialises in architecture, design and property