Where is it?

Within walking distance of the city centre, Rathmines is situated between Harold's Cross and Ranelagh on the south side of the city. The boundaries of this prime Dublin 6 location are often the subject of controversy, although most agents agree that Mount Pleasant Avenue divides Rathmines from Ranelagh and Leinster Road forms the boundary with Harold's Cross.

Average house prices:

"One-bed apartments start from Euro380,000 to Euro450,000; two-beds from Euro550,000 to Euro650,000, " according to agent Felicity Fox. "Two-up two-downs start from Euro650,000 and two-bed mews from Euro695,000. Good Victorian properties on Upper Rathmines Road easily command over Euro1m to Euro1.5m."

According to Anna Rosse, Sherry FitzGerald, Terenure: "The sky's the limit at the top end of the market on Palmerston Road and Cowper Road where quite a few properties achieved the Euro7m mark in 2006."

Type of houses:

Rathmines has a wide variety of housing, from apartments to trophy houses. There are also a good supply of two-up two downs and fine period properties.

Rental market:

Despite becoming gentrified again in recent times, Rathmines is still a very popular rental location attracting prime rental according to Fox. "Proximity to the city centre, good transport and a range of amenities make this a very attractive rental location. One-beds typically rent for Euro1,000-Euro1,200pm and two-beds from Euro1,500-Euro2,000pm, " says Fox .

Best streets to live in:

Anywhere in this location is a good investment according to agents, but Cowper Road, Palmerston Road, Annesley Park, Mount Pleasant Avenue, Leinster Road and Grosvenor Road are probably the most sought after.

Transport:

Within walking distance of the city centre, Rathmines has a good bus service (Nos 15, 15a, 15c, 14a, 83) and is also close to the Luas on the Ranelagh side.

Amenities:

The Swan shopping centre, several parks including Palmerstown Park, a public library, a good selection of convenience stores, cafés, restaurants, bars, pubs and even hotels.

Schools:

St Louis Primary School, St Mary's College, Sandford National School as well as the multi-denominational school. At secondary level well-known schools include Alexandra College, Gonzaga, Sandford Park and St Louis High School for girls.

Future development plans:

There are a number of development projects currently in planning stage in the area. According to agents these include plans to redevelop the Swan Shopping Centre and the former Blackberry Market and a mixed development scheme at the Rathmines Pool.

On the market 27 Palmerston Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6 Price: Euro6.6m Bedrooms: Five Details: Two-storey over garden level Victorian home with two-storey cut-stone mews with living room, shower room, wine cellar, study and bedroom. Main home is some 307sq m (3,300sq ft); accommodation here includes two light-filled interconnecting reception rooms; butler's pantry; kitchen by Design House, Dalkey; family room; utility; study; WC; five bedrooms (one en-suite) and main bathroom.

Gated gravelled drive.

Professionally landscaped rear garden offers a mix of lawn and patio area.

Agent: Sherry FitzGerald, 01-490 7433