In a lovely setting adjoining the grounds of Dunboyne Castle, an 18th-century mansion, and original seat of the Butlers, Lords of Dunboyne, this new development is a low-density scheme combining a mix of one-, two- and three-bed apartments and detached and semidetached houses.

The developer has also refurbished and redeveloped the castle as an upmarket hotel, complete with spa, restaurants and bars.

Just off the N3 and accessible to the M50, Dunboyne in Co Meath is about 40 minutes' drive from Dublin city centre, and a short drive from Blanchardstown shopping centre, while plans are underway to re-open an existing train line.

And improved road networks and transport has made this village increasingly popular with young homehunters, looking for relatively affordable homes within commuting distance of the city.

Designed by architects Fenton Simons, there is a good mix of apartments and houses on offer. Apartments range in size from a one-bed of 45sq m (490sq ft) to a three-bed of 94sq m (1,022sq ft), and apartment buildings are laid out in a courtyard setting. There's also a good choice of threeand four-bed houses available, including a three-bed, threestorey townhouse with three bathrooms and a floor area of 144sq m (1,550sq ft), a threebed mid-terrace of 109sq m (1180sq ft), a three-bed detached house with garage of around 139sq m (1500sq ft), and a four-bed end-of-terrace of 130sq m (1400sq ft).

All homes include contemporary fitted kitchens, Cawley built-in wardrobes and natural gas central heating.

Price: one-bed apartments from 285,000; houses from 450,000 Agent: Sherry FitzGerald New Homes, 01-6671888