Aimed specifically at buyers set to retire over the next decade or so, homes at The Green incorporate a care agreement with the Sue Ryder Foundation based in Kilminchy Village, just 200m away, under which residents will have full access to its support network. A walkway connects the apartments to the centre, where there is a large dining room, library and chapel. There is 24-hour security, a caretaker service and fitted panic buttons. Buyers here can be of any age, but residents must be 55 or over.

Adjacent to a 20-acre parkland, these apartments come with views of the Slieve Bloom mountains, and are beside shops, a pharmacy, restaurant, doctors' surgery, acupuncture clinic, hairdressers and drycleaners.

Kilminchy is just five minutes drive from Portlaoise.

The Green comprises 32 units laid out in several twostorey buildings.

Apartments are larger than average with one-beds around 65sq m (700sq ft), and two-beds up to 93sq m (1,000sq ft). All ground floor apartments have large bay windows in the living/ dining area, while first-floor units have double doors opening to good-sized balconies.

Standard features include fitted oak kitchens with integrated appliances, double power-showers in en-suite, and full-size bath in main bathroom. Livingrooms are fitted with fireplaces with gas fire, and all apartments come with designated parking spaces.

Maintenance of common areas, minor repairs and window cleaning are all carried out by the Sue Ryder Foundation, and annual service charges are 2,300.

Price: one-bed apartments from 199,000; two-bed apartments from 220,000 Agent: O'Loughlin Estates 057-8668079