Where is it?

Kilmainham, Dublin 8 - like too many Dublin postcodes - is not strictly defined.

Roughly, it is a narrow strip running from St James's Hospital on the South Circular Road to the end of Emmett Road in Inchicore Average house prices Two-bed houses in parts of Mount Brown fetched from Euro350,000 to Euro390,000 in 2006; modern two-bed apartments sell from Euro380,000 to Euro420,000; stately redbricks on the South Circular Road sell from Euro700,000 upwards. The most expensive stretch is the South Circular Road from the bridge at Rialto to Suir Road, with prices in 2006 fetching Euro900,000, says Gillian Flanagan of Felicity Fox. "The neat terraces of period red-brick Mountshannon are consistently popular with prices around the Euro800,000 mark."

Type of houses There is a good mix of housing from Edwardian redbrick terraces at the end of the South Circular Road to 1920s estates such as Ceannt Fort, most with rear gardens and parking space to the front.

Rental market Rental stock increased in the past couple of years with the completion of four new developments of apartments in old Kilmainham. The area suits those working in the city centre or, in the other direction, at City West or the Naas Road.

It also appeals to student doctors and nurses who want to live close to St James's Hospital. The average rent is Euro1,000 to Euro1,300 a month.

Best streets to live in Mountshannon has always been sought after, while the substantial period redbricks at the end of the South Circular Road make good family homes.

Transport Luas and buses 206, 51B, 51C and 78A.

Amenities Culture vultures and fresh air fans have first-class amenities such as the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Kilmainham Gaol and the National Museum, Collins Barracks. Phoenix Park is also within easy reach, while even closer is the 150acre park at Islandbridge. Kilmainham has no central 'village' as such, just a number of local shops, takeaways and a Spar. Liffey Valley is the most convenient of the big out-of-town centres.

Schools St John of God, Islandbridge and Inchicore College of Further Education Future development plans Kilmainham/Inchicore falls under one of Dublin City Council's major integrated area plans. The most high-profile development is the Euro500m Heuston Gateway regeneration scheme, set to mirror the Dublin Docklands development at the eastern end of the river. The scheme combines cultural, office, hotel and residential use of the substantial 4.5-acre site, which includes the landmark 32-storey tower now under construction.

On the market No 35 The Paddocks, Hybreasal, Kilmainham, Dublin 8 Price: Euro650,000 Bedrooms: 3 Details: This redbrick townhouse adjacent to the Luas and St James's Hospital has been refurbished and offers a bright interior with an open-plan ground"oor layout. The living room, kitchen/dining room, sun room, three bedrooms (one en-suite) and family bathroom are spread over 109sq m (1173sq ft). There is off-street parking to the front and a west-facing rear garden.

Agent: Gunne 01-499 5050