The sea-side town of Balbriggan is right at the tip of north Co Dublin and within the council area of north Fingal. It has three sandy beaches and is overlooked by a Martello Tower. The population has doubled in the past four years, meaning there are an estimated 9,500 people in the town, but if the neighbouring north Fingal area is taken into the equation, the entire catchment area is 30,000

Where is it?

Twenty miles from Dublin city centre; 15 minutes drive to Drogheda, 15 minutes drive to Swords and Dublin airport.

Average house prices:

According to Killian Crean from the busy Sherry FitzGerald O'Connor Crean office in the town, prices average in and around 295,000 for a two-bed; 340,000 for a three-bed and 400,000 for a four-bed.

Types of houses:

From a relatively small fishing village to a busy town, Balbriggan has seen significant new housing estates emerge since the 1970s, with building activity markedly increased over the past seven years and resulting in a profile of mainly three to four-bed terraced and semi-detached houses in private developments. There is also a high number of two-bed apartments, and Section 23s. It's an interesting spot for first-time buyers, but according to Mary Halligan from the Drogheda office of Gunne Residential, there is a big shortage of 'quality' houses at the upper end. She recently sold a house near the golf club for 950,000, but property is scarce at this level of the market.

Best streets to live in:

The older streets around the town centre and market green, such as Clonard Street, Chapel Street, Hampton Street.

Also, the older developments at Westbrook, Chapel Gate, Castleland Court and Ashfield are sought after for family homes.

Rental market:

The rental market is currently very strong . . .

Balbriggan is a handy spot for anyone working in the city, Drogheda, Swords or the airport. There is a high percentage of social welfare tenants renting also. Rent for an average three-bed semi-d starts from 1,000.

Transport:

Mainline Dublin - Belfast train, and commuter train service. Plans are mooted to extend the Dart and also create a station for the proposed Metro. Bus routes are Nos 33, 33A and 33N.

Amenities:

The beaches, Balbriggan Golf Club, the restored Ardgillan Demense and Castle set in 83 Hectares (200 acres) of rolling parklands, with access to beautiful rose and kitchen gardens. The freshwater lake at Balrothery near Balbriggan offers good trout fishing. A new streetscape is planned and the town square has been redeveloped.

Schools:

Primary and secondary locally, numerous creches. The Loreto Convent in the town is currently celebrating its 150th anniversary.

Gormanstown College is within a ten-minute drive.

Future development plans:

Drogheda Port Board is considering relocating its major port facilities at Bremore, on the outskirts of town. Thre are plans for proposed new out-of-town centre and for 2500 new houses under current development plan.

No 28 Barons Hall Grove, Balbriggan, Co Dublin Price: 325,000 Bedrooms : Three Details: This mid-terrace residence is close to Balbriggan town centre, the commuter train station, the seafront and within walking distance of the recently opened Castle Mill Shopping Centre.

Accommodation at ground "oor comprises the entrance hall; guest cloakroom; lounge wth ceiling coving, marble "replace and double-glazed patio doors to the rear; kitchen/diningroom with coving and Shaker-style fitted presses. Upstairs are the three bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes and varnished floorboards. The bathroom has recently been fitted with a new bathroom suite.

Agent: Flynn & Associates 01-890 1141