The dream of a cute, but substantial, traditional thatched cottage is realised with this two-bed property on two acres at Ardinagh, Foulksmills, within 20 minutes of Wexford town.

Recently refurbished, the thatched roof was only completed last year and will last another 20 years. Many characteristic features have been carefully maintained inside, including timber-beamed ceilings, pitch-pine "oors, sash windows, original "replace and stove, and old-fashioned kitchen pantry.

Accommodation brie"y comprises the entrance porch, large livingroom, sittingroom, kitchen, two bedrooms and shower room. Outside are a number of hay barns and sheds.

KILBEGNET, CASTLETOWN, GOREY Price: AMV 380,000 Agent: Warren Estates, 053-942 1211

A three-bed bungalow right next to a sandy beach at Kilbegnet, Castletown, Gorey, fits the image of the upmarket Co Wexford holiday home, says selling agent Niall Slattery of Warren Estates. The property goes under the hammer on 10 August 2006, offering a home ready to walk into just a stone's throw from the sea at Kilgorman. Accommodation comprises the sittingroom, diningroom, fully-"tted kitchen, rear hall, three bedrooms and shower room. The property comes with a third of an acre of grounds, which include a sheltered patio, parking for several cars and lawns bounded by mature trees and hedging.

BALLYHACK, THORNDALE, ARTHURSTOWN, NEW ROSS Price: 250,000 Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Radford, 051-426 161

A little slice of history, not to mention having an old stonebuilt keep as a neighbour, is all part of the charm of this potential holiday home near Arthurstown. Set in the medieval fishing village of Ballyhack, Thorndale is a twobed terraced house just a few minutes walk of the sea with a good-sized back garden. Accommodation comprises the entrance porch, fitted kitchen-cum-dining room with brick fireplace, livingroom with fireplace, landing, two bedrooms and shower room. There is parking to the side of the property.

CROSSWINDS, TARA HILL, GOREY Price: 725,000 Agent: DNG O'Sullivan, 055-848 74

Given that we are expected to have more heatwaves in summers to come, a very untypically Irish feature of this charming home, minutes from Gorey, will surely excite interest among children of all ages. The outdoor swimming pool at Crosswinds, Tara Hill, is sheltered and screened amidst one acre of mature grounds, while the beach at Ballymoney is not too far away. A likely candidate for a luxury holiday home, accommodation briefly comprises the hall, shower room, sittingroom, sunroom, fitted kitchen and three bedrooms, one en-suite. There are two greenhouses outside.

TARALEIGH, MIDDLETOWN, ARDAMINE, GOREY Price: Excess 315,000 Agent: SherryFitzGerald O'Leary Kinsella, 0539430088

If you're looking for a property with beautiful land and sea views, within walking distance of good amenities, close to Gorey town and bounded by mature gardens, Taraleigh has it all and more. The property boasts four bedrooms (all with built-in wardrobes), a sittingroom with French doors to hall, kitchen/diningroom with patio doors to rear garden, and a detached garage. And at 315,000, you get more space and garden for your money than in Dublin.