Recommendation of towns

road_high

Kilkenny is a great spot to live but expensive and with that budget really only apartments or entry level homes that need work. Wexford or Waterford are better value and obviously nearer the sea. As mentioned Wexford train service is not good. Carlow is a good place to live also and can be good value

Be right back

How about Clonakilty? Certainly small but looks ok on the inside!

https://www.daft.ie/for-sale/terraced-house-43-mccurtain-hill-clonakilty-co-cork/5788339

Rows Grower

Kenmare ticks all your boxes, plenty auctioneers around there too only a phone call or an email away.

Babyreignbow

Not sure what the story is with these, they were holiday lets or short term accommodation but they come up for sale regularly.

https://www.daft.ie/property-for-sale/tramore-waterford/bungalows

They are in a handy little town close to everything and the sea but can't speak for the nature of the immediate environment.

https://www.daft.ie/for-sale/bungalow-71-pebble-drive-pebble-beach-tramore-co-waterford/5800041

Pretzill

Thanks I wouldn't fancy Tramore and those cottages are very awkwardly laid out - no gardens - more of a temporary living arrangement.

I have put Kerry to the back of my mind but Kenmare is a great suggestion and going on the recce list!

mykrodot

Kenmare is lovely, no doubt. But it is seriously far away from everywhere, particularly if you are from Connaught now (and possibly have friends there) and also have family in Dublin. Its a very long drive south and can feel cut off in Winter from Dublin. I'm saying this as someone living in Kerry. I had shortlisted it last year but the distance and price (!) was the main factor (as someone who is from Dublin originally.)

Seriously pricey too, nothing for sale under €345K right now. My budget was also €250K

Rows Grower

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122553323#Comment_122553323

Quick Google there just showed a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom semi detached house 10 minutes walk to SuperValu priced at 235k.

Mrs OBumble

Ennis is good value and now has a 24x7 bus connection with Limerick.

Grassy Knoll

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122552636#Comment_122552636

Left field suggestion here, I would suggest the small town / large village of Leighlinbridge in Co Carlow. Very good community spirit there, picturesque, historic village, on the river Barrow close to both Carlow / Kilkenny, bit of a hidden gem IMHO and at your price point. Nice pubs, restaurant, mini market, churches etc. Rail links in Bagnalstown a few mins away which has the major supermarkets etc. No links to the place, but was there a while ago and thought it would be a wonderful spot to retire.

mariaalice

https://www.myhome.ie/residential/brochure/grange-big-grange-road-rosslare-strand-wexford/4819512

mariaalice

Dunmore east and Rosslare strand are georgous but unfortunately approaching Dublin prices.

C3PO

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122552542#Comment_122552542

At the risk of offending people I would say that it’s the area around Parnell Road, Munster Hill, Saint Johns Villas etc. West of the river as you look at a map. Very settled and quiet but within walking distance of everything. My neighbours really couldn’t be nicer.

There are other areas, particularly on the other side of the river that are not so nice. Like everywhere, I would suggest taking a long walk around an area before considering buying there.

Pretzill

Thanks everyone for more great suggestions- I have been looking at properties but I want the town to come first before I buy so I know prices and availability will change before I am ready - so yeah finding the place first for me is really important - I suppose if the town suited all my criteria the house can come in whatever shape fits ... if that makes sense - thanks

secondrowgal

Midleton in East Cork is great. Here is a detached cottage, in Ballinacurra, about 40 min walk to the centre of Midleton.

There's a daily bus that takes you to Shannagarry and Ballycotton, so straight to the beach and cliff walks. The Midleton train line links you with Cork city.

https://www.daft.ie/for-sale/detached-house-lower-road-ballinacurra-midleton-co-cork/5797729

Pretzill

Would you believe I was just looking at that cottage- literally 5 minutes ago- yes I will check out the area lots of value too - thanks!