THE Dublin Docklands is shaping up to be the city's hottest new lifestyle location for young professionals with its trendy bars, even trendier hotels, restaurants and shops, and stunning statement buildings, such as Grand Canal Theatre, designed by architect Daniel Liebeskind, and the proposed Norman Foster-designed U2 tower.

One new development, hoping not only to make an impression on Dublin's skyline but also with buyers is the Ivory Building, off Sir John Rogerson's Quay.

Designed by Macadam Roe Design Consultants and built by Haytonvale Developments Ltd, the Ivory Building is a mixed residential scheme of 29 contemporary one and two-bed apartments and three-bed duplex units, which is being launched to the market for the first time this week through agents HT Meagher O'Reilly New Homes.

With the city on its doorstep, the development is excellently positioned close to two proposed new parks . . . the Chimney Park and the Chocolate Factory Park . . . as well as hotels such as the Clarion, Jurys Inn and the proposed new five-star hotel at Grand Canal Square. It is also within walking distance of the Dart and shops.

Competitively priced from 375,000, units at the Ivory Building range in size from 47sq m (506sq ft) for a onebed apartment to three-bed duplexes at 97sq m (1,044sq ft). All come with a feature balcony.

Interior fit-out and design is high spec and includes highgloss kitchens topped with polished granite worktops, high-gloss wardrobes in all bedrooms, fully tiled bathrooms and Velfac doubleglazed windows.

Outside spaces have been beautifully landscaped and there is a huge communal roof garden which runs the whole length of the building and provides unrivalled views of the city.

Secure underground car parking is available to buyers at an additional cost.

Burkeen, Wicklow: from 695,000

BURKEEN Group's upmarket residential scheme of large detached homes in Wicklow town, known as Burkeen, is a high-end scheme comprising a mix of four- and five-bed houses finished to a very high standard and wired for the Orkit Intelligent Home Solutions system. This weekend saw the first residents who purchased The Druid, a large five-bed at a reduced rate under the Wicklow County Council Affordable Housing Scheme.

The handing over of the keys coincided with the launch of another 18 homes at this stylish development.

Just outside the town, Burkeen overlooks the sea and comprises two types of home.

The Druid is a five-bed detached house of 260sq m (2,800sq ft), while the four-bed, the Ellery, is also very spacious at 168sq m (1,814sq ft).

Designed to a classic style, and laid out over three floors, these homes are truly impressive. Kitchens are large and elegant and have a built-in touchscreen PC. Other features include a central vacuum system, outdoor hot tub and walk-out balconies on the first and second floors. On the top floor the main bedroom is laid out like a suite incorporating walk-through wardrobes, wrap-around balcony, entertainment/home cinema room and spacious en suite bathroom.

Price: four- and five-bed houses from 695,000 Agent: Dooley Poynton Auctioneers 0404-62292 Station Court, Gorey, Co Wexford: from 250,000

STATION Court is the perfect home for those who love to be in the centre of things.

It is situated on The Avenue in Gorey, Co Wexford, opposite the train station, across the road from the newly opened Gorey Town Centre and within minutes walk of Main Street and its shops, restaurants and bars.

Built by Pat Neville & Sons and designed by architect Micheal Sheridan, Station Court is a mixed residential scheme of 85 apartments, houses and duplexes. On offer this weekend are 14 two- and threebed houses and eight two- and three-bed apartments, ranging in size from 78sq m (840sq ft) to a spacious 116sq m (1,245sq ft).

With prices from just 250,000, agents Hooke & MacDonald are hoping these properties will not only appeal to first-time buyers and Dublin commuters looking for more space and value for their money, but also those looking for a second home and investors.

Gorey is one of Ireland's fastest growing towns and has seen its population increase by a staggering 90% over the last 10 years, so there's no shortage of potential renters.

The town is well serviced by road and rail, with daily trains to and from Dublin city and also Enniscorthy, Wexford town and Rosslare Europort.

Price: two-bed apartments 250,000; two-bed houses 285,000; three-bed houses & three-bed duplexes from 320,000 Agent: Hooke & MacDonald 01-631 8402 Hyde Square, D8: 335,000

STRONG interest is expected in the latest launch of apartments at Hyde Square, with the South Circular Road location always a popular one. Opposite the Hybreasal development in Dublin 8, and adjacent to the St James Wood scheme, Hyde Square is just a few minutes walk from both the Rialto and Suir Road Luas stations.

Hyde Square is in a good rental area, about two miles from the city centre and very close to St James's Hospital. Other nearby amenities within walking distance include the War Memorial Gardens, Irish Museum of Modern Art at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham Gaol and the Phoenix Park.

The overall development comprises 82 oneand two-bed apartments and a selection of live/work units. This is an attractive scheme laid out in three blocks built around a central courtyard and finished in a mix of brick and render with timber cladding and glazed balconies.

Price: one-bed apartments from 335,000; two-beds from 440,000 Agent: Hooke & MacDonald 01-631 8402