Ballsbridge, a suburb of Dublin which is less than two miles from the city centre, was named for the bridge spanning the River Dodder on the south side of the city.

The area extends northwards to the Grand Canal along Northumberland Road and Shelbourne Road, southwards to Merrion and along Anglesea Road to Donnybrook, and finally running westward to encompass the area around Pembroke Road, Clyde Road and Herbert Road.

Average house prices

"There's no such thing as an average house price in Ballsbridge, " says Jackie Connolly of Gunne Residential. "It very much depends on the road, the size of the site, its development potential and whether or not the house is refurbished. For example, you could pay anything from 8m to 15m on Ailsbury Road, " explains Connolly.

Type of houses

Ballsbridge has a huge range of homes from quaint 1900s cottages at Dodder View to large Victorian detached homes on private grounds on Shrewsbury Road, or three-storey over-garden-level terraces on Waterloo Road to modern apartments like the Sweepstakes, where you would pay from 500,000 for a one-bed unit, and Shrewsbury Square, where a two-bed apartment costs around 875,000.

Regardless of the size or style of property in this area, you are likely to pay top prices to live anywhere in Ballsbridge.

Rental market

Rental levels vary greatly in Ballsbridge, ranging from relatively reasonable to ridiculous prices. For example, a two-bed apartment in Wellington House on Wellington Road rents from 1,400 per month, while two-beds in an upmarket development on Prince of Wales Terrace rents from about 2,800 per month. A three-bed, two-bath mews on Serpentine Avenue rents at about 2,500 per month, while an unfurnished Edwardian home of 370sq m (4,000sq ft) is currently available for 11,000 per month.

Best streets to live in

Shrewsbury and Ailsbury Road are the most sought-after addresses in the country. Clyde Road and Herbert Park are other popular addresses, where, again, prices vary. A house on Herbert Park costs anything from 5m to 8m-plus depending on size, while a period two-storey overgarden-level house on Haddington Road is on the market for 2.2m.

Transport

Ballsbridge is within walking distance of Stephen's Green and is well served by bus. The Dart also stops at Lansdowne Road.

Amenities

Herbert Park and tennis courts, Jackie Skelly's gym, Royal Dublin Society and several well-known restaurants and hotels such as Roly's and the Four Seasons.

Schools

St Michael's on Ailsbury Road, St Conleth's on Clyde Road.

Future development plans Lansdowne Road sports are grounds currently undergoing massive redevelopment.

10 Dodderview Cottages, Ballsbridge Price: 585,000.

Bedrooms: One
Details: No 10 Dodderview is a charming two-storey period redbrick in a quiet cul-de-sac. Recently refurbished and beautifully presented this property is ready to move into and comprises a living room and kitchen/dining area downstairs, with one large bedroom and very large bathroom upstairs. The living area has wooden flooring, a stone fireplace and shelved alcoves, while the kitchen has fitted wooden units, two Velux windows and a small dining area. There is a small yard to the rear.
Agent: Gunne Residential 01-632 3000
On the market