Lyreen Manor is a 150m scheme within five minutes walk of the train station, offering a home that has the best of both worlds in an historic university town, but easily commutable to the capital.

The release of the final phase of 30 apartments this week is sure to attract plenty of interest among firsttime buyers, given that the first phase sold very quickly off the plans two years ago.

Building work is nearing completion, and the units now being sold will be ready for occupation in the coming months.

Prices range from 330,000 for the two-bed apartments of some 64-68 sq m (695-950 sq ft). Most of the properties are dual-aspect and have French doors opening from the lightfilled livingrooms, stepping into balconies or terraces, all enjoying those views mentioned.

Other features include wooden flooring throughout, tastefully pale-painted walls, fireplaces in the livingrooms and CAT 5 telephone/data points. Cream-painted Shaker-style units comprise the fitted kitchen, with integrated appliances neatly tucked away. Complementing the pale colourway are ivory coloured floor tiles.

Bedrooms have fitted wardrobes, while the master room is en-suite with television CAT 5 telephone/data points. All bathrooms have ceramic floor and wall tiles, with thermostatically controlled shower, extractor fan and towel rail as standard.

There is a total of 189 twobed apartments and threebed penthouses at Lyreen Manor, set in grounds landscaped by architects Mitchell & Associates. The well-maintained open terraces and courtyards are planted with lawn, shrubberies and mature trees. Eight separate buildings comprise the development . . . of which the newly opened Manor Hills shopping centre forms part . . . with each block containing an average of 20 apartments fronted by the walkway along the river.

Major employers in the Maynooth area include Intel, Hewlett Packard and Wyeth.

Price: From 330,000 for two-bed apartments Agent: Hooke & MacDonald 01-6318 402