Those in the know will be fully aware of the scope and merit of Irish art - no longer is it simply concerned with portraiture and landscape, and like the country as a whole, Irish art has wholeheartedly embraced modernity and complexity. But perhaps even those who appreciate the artistic merit of 19th and 20th century Irish artists may not be quite aware of the true worth of the works themselves.

"Based on European activity, art is a genuine vehicle for making money, " said Garrett O'Connor of Garrett O'Connor and Associates Auctioneers, which will be running its next Irish Art auction on March 12 in the Radisson Hotel in Stillorgan. "Prices for Irish art are still very reasonable when compared against the international markets - for example, unknown artists in England are now making figures like �250,000 stg, and the prices for the big players are stratospheric."

Using basic economic principles, it is easy to see why Irish art is such as good investment.

There is good quality out there, but more than that is the simple question of supply and demand. There are constantly new people coming to the market, and this demand is leading to values rising all the time for quality Irish pieces.

So who should people look out for at current auctions?

According to O'Connor, Louis LeBrocquy's heads are commanding better prices than ever, with better pieces coming to a market which has been invigorated by the artist's 90th birthday celebrations last year.

Also, Gerard Dillon has been "a big surprise", while even lesser known works, such as watercolours by artists such as David Ffrench le Roy are becoming "very collectible". And, whatever people buy, a painting will make a much more attractive addition to a wall space than a framed shares certificate.