"Former members of An Oige in the l960s have been in touch, talking nostalgically about the times they cycled from Dublin to stay here, sitting on half barrels under the old chandeliers, and soaking up the history of the place."

And there is plenty of factual history to blend in with the folklore along this lovely stretch of coastline. The building, known as Port Oriel, is mentioned in Griffith's Valuation of 1850 as one of the original coastguard stations . . . not only erected as a lookout for foreign invaders, but also to curb enthusiastic smuggling by natives closer to home. A century on from that, the old stone-built structure changed to usage as one of the country's An Oige destinations (of which there are some 36 remaining nationwide).

The next owners of the 185sq m (2,000sq ft) property will also require a degree of youthful enthusiasm and energy as considerable modernisation is required. It offers great scope, however, for change of use again, possibly as a restaurant (subject to planning permission). It sits next to a local authority car park, while Drogheda is within 15 minutes' drive and Dublin Airport roughly 40 minutes away in the other direction.

An obvious feature is the setting, on .75 of an acre, overlooking the harbour at quaint Clogherhead village and with an uninterrupted sea vista.

On a clear day, Dunany Point, and the the Mourne and Cooley Mountains shimmer into view. There is great scope here for the right owner, says Byrne.

"It is not a listed building, and so the opportunity for any new owner is considerable, either for transformation into and upmarket guest house or for a marina-related purpose."

Price: AMV 650,000 at auction 15 September Agent: Thomas Byrne Auctioneers 041 98 32927