Where is it?

Blanchardstown is six miles northwest of Dublin city. It begins at the end of the Castleknock Road and stretches to Mulhuddard and Corduff. It neighbours Carpenterstown, Clonsilla and Castleknock.

Average house prices Recently-built two-bed apartments cost from 300,000, while four-bed houses with gardens sell for up to 540,000, according to Tom Stanley of Flynn & Associates.

Type of houses Blanchardstown village has some mature houses and cottages lining Main Street, although most of these properties are now used commerciallly. The bulk of residential property available has been built in the last 10 to 20 years and largely comprises semidetached three- and four-bed houses with gardens and a range of one-, two- and three-bed apartments, duplexes and townhouses, largely aimed at the first-time buyer market.

Best streets to live in The most popular developments include Summerfield, Charnwood and Limelawn, according to local estate agents. "Houses in Summerfield are decent sizes, around 125sq m (1,350sq ft), which appeals to buyers with a family, " says Stanley, adding that these sell for up to 530,000.

In terms of apartments, Paul O'Brien of Douglas Newman Good says demand for homes in Waterville, built on the former grounds of the hospital, is always strong.

"The duplex units with own-door access and large balconies sell very well, with two-beds getting between 330,000 and 350,000."

Rental market Blanchardstown rental market is very strong, according to O'Brien, who says apartments and houses are snapped up within days or even hours of being advertised. "There's a huge demand for accommodation from the hospital staff, and from people working in the Ballycoolin Industrial estate. Two-bed apartments rent for 1,100- 1,200 a month and standard three-bed houses with only one bathroom have no problem getting 1,300 1,400 a month, " says O'Brien.

Transport Bus routes 37, 38, 39, 70 and 237 to the city centre, train service from nearby Clonsilla, easy access to the M50.

Amenities Blanchardstown shopping centre, Draiocht Theatre, Connolly Memorial Hospital, Tolka Valley Park and several golf courses in the area.

Schools There are several primary and secondary schools in Blanchardstown and the surrounding neighbourhoods including Castleknock College and the D15 Educate Together School. Blanchardstown also has a third-level Institute of Technology.

Future development plans Plans to upgrade the rail link from Maynooth to Dublin city, serving the Clonsilla and Blanchardstown area.

On the market 22 Summerfield Rise, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 Price: 470,000 Bedrooms: 3 Details: No 22 Summerfield Rise is a beautifullypresented semi-detached home. Set on a corner site, this house is not overlooked and has been tastefully decorated. Hardwood "ooring has been laid and a conservatory added to the rear of the house.

Accommodation includes a hall, guest wc, living room with double doors into a conservatory, a large kitchen cum dining room, three bedrooms, one en suite and the main bathroom. The garden is fully enclosed and includes a patio and timber shed.

Agent: Douglas Newman Good 01-822 4455