Where is it?

Just 2.7km (1.7miles) north of Dublin city centre, Drumcondra in Dublin 9 stretches from the end of Dorset Street to Glasnevin, and also borders Phibsborough, Ballybough and parts of Marino.

Average house prices One-bed modern apartments start from about 310,000, while former Local Authority houses sell for around 550,000. Mature three and four-beds sell from 600,000 to 1.1m-plus depending on size and location.

Type of houses The very first development of Drumcondra began in the 1870s when large redbricks were built along the Drumcondra Road. The area was only considered within the city limits in 1900, but by 1913 it was planned to become a garden suburb. Nowadays there is a wide variety of homes available from modern apartments built in the last decade to two and three-bed terraced redbricks from the early 1900s, to semi-detached family homes built between the 1930s and 1950s.

There's also several small estates of former Local Authority houses built during the 1930s and 40s.

Best streets to live in Griffith Avenue with its spacious family homes set well back off the tree-lined avenue is definitely the most popular road in Drumcondra. Other hot spots include Clonliffe Road which has a variety of styles from quaint cottages to large old redbricks, and prices that range from 600,000 to 2m. Home Farm Road is another popular, as are Hollybank Road and St Alphonsus Road. De Courcy Square is another pretty square where homes are quickly snapped up.

Rental market One-bed apartments rent from about 1100 per month, while two-beds are around 1450, and three-bed houses start from 1600 per month.

Transport Drumcondra has a train station, although train services are limited, but the area has a great bus service with Nos 16, 16A, 83, 19, 19A, 13, 11 and 4 all passing through Drumcondra Amenities Griffith Park, and the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin is about 10 minutes walk from Drumcondra.

Schools Drumcondra has a great selection of primary and secondary schools including Corpus Christi, Drumcondra National School, Rosmini, Dominican Convent on Griffith Avenue and Maryfield College.

Third level colleges include St Patrick's and All Hallows. There are also several creches and childcare facilities.

Future development plans A mature residential area, Drumcondra has little room for future housing or development, which is probably why it's so sought after.

On the market 58 St Alphonsus Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 Price: 950,000.

Bedrooms: 4 Details: This charming end-of-terrace house is presented in walk-in condition. The property has been completely upgraded and is tastefully decorated throughout. A goodsized home of 119sq m (1281sq ft), the house has a hall, two reception rooms, a kitchen, utility room, three bedrooms at first floor level, with one en-suite and the main bathroom, and another bedroom at attic level. The house also has front and back gardens. St Alphonsus Road is an extension of Iona Road, and is just off Drumcondra Road.

Agent: Sherry FitzGerald 01-837 3737.