In a beautiful waterfront setting, this impressive scheme was popular since its first launch last year, when 100 units were sold out in a couple of hours.

According to agents at Sherry FitzGerald New Homes, many of the buyers to date are Dubliners looking for a holiday home that's easily accessible for weekend use.

Comprising a mix of twoand three-bed apartments, townhouses and penthouses, the Jolly Mariner is built on the Shannon, and many of the properties include a private marina berth. A popular spot for boating holidays, Lough Ree is just north of the Shannon and Lough Derg is a little south of the river.

In recent years, Athlone town has undergone some massive commercial, residential and infrastructural changes. The busy town has plenty of shops, restaurants, banks, businesses and other amenities, along with several new residential developments. It is linked by rail and a major roads network to most parts of the country and is within easy commuting distance of midland towns like Mullingar and Portlaoise.

Designed by architect Simon J Kelly & Partners, homes at the Jolly Mariner are laid out in five buildings of varying sizes.

Contemporary in style, two-bed apartments range in size from 78 to 89sq m (836 to 960sq ft), while large threebed apartments are from 105 to 122sq m (1,125 to 1,310sq ft).

Also available are some three-bed townhouses of 94sq m (1,010sq ft). Around 100 berths are available in the marina, costing from 40,000.

Standard features in all homes include designer fitted kitchens, built-in wardrobes in all bedrooms, high-tech wiring, and all homes include either a balcony or terrace with waterfront views.

Building work is well underway, with most homes due to be ready by the end of this year.

Joint agents Sherry FitzGerald New Homes and Sherry FitzGerald O'Meara will be taking bookings and showing plans of the development in the Radisson SAS Hotel in Athlone on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June from 2pm to 5pm.

Price: two and three-beds from 330,000; and penthouses from 550,000 Agents: Sherry FitzGerald New Homes 01-6671888 and Sherry FitzGerald O'Meara 090-6475500