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    The most popular seaside towns of 2022

    In Ireland, you’re never too far from the sea and when the sun shines, people typically flock to these places.

    For some, being beside the water is an absolute must and, as a result, coastal towns are always in demand.

    We’re lucky to have several popular seaside towns in Ireland but these were the most popular in the year just gone…

    Kenmare is a town in the south of Co Kerry. It is located at the heard of Kenmare Bay where the Roughty River flows into the sea at the junction of the Iveragh Peninsula and the Beara Peninsula. It is also located near the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Mangerton Mountain and Caha Mountains and is a popular hillwalking destination. Nearby towns and villages are Tuosist, Ardgroom, Glengarriff, Kilgarvan, Killarney, Templenoe and Sneem. Local amenities include a selection of primary and secondary schools, community hospital, churches, library, the Carnegie Arts Centre, restaurants, pubs, hotels and B&Bs. There are daily bus-services in summer to Killarney 20km away and in the off-season, the bus runs Monday-Friday. There is also a daily service to/from Cork in the summer months on the N71 via Bantry and Clonakilty. The nearest airport is Kerry Airport, which is 50 km away. A wider range of services is available from Cork Airport, which is 90 km away. There is a daily direct service to/from Cork Airport in the summer months on the N71 via Bantry and Clonakilty. There is also a GAA club, basketball club and soccer club in the area.

    Tramore, or more specifically its Irish name Trá Mhór, literally translates to ‘big beach’ in Irish making this Co Waterford town the ultimate seaside destination in the south east of the country. Initially just a popular tourist destination, in more recent times it has become a satellite town of Waterford City, which is just 13km to the north. The town is popular for surfing and other water sports due to its large, sheltered bay while there are a large selection of hotels, pubs, restaurants and shops to enjoy, as well as stunning walks and Tramore Racecourse.

    Kinsale is a port and fishing town in Co Cork. Located 25km south of Cork City on the coast near the Old Head of Kinsale, it sits at the mouth of the River Bandon and is a popular tourist destination. Leisure activites in the area include yachting, sea angling and golf. The town also has several art galleries and a school of English. The town is compact with a quaint air of antiquity in the narrow streets. There is a large yachting marina close to the town centre. The town is known for its pubs and restaurants, and holds an annual “Gourmet Festival”. There is both Church of Ireland and Catholic churches in the town while Bus Éireann provides regular routes to Cork City. Kinsale and Bandon are also linked by public transport with a bus service provided by East Cork Rural Transport. As well as a yacht club, GAA club, badminton club and rugby club, the Saile Sports and Leisure Centre boasts all-weather pitches, a tennis court, basketball court, community garden and more. Kinsale hosts an annual jazz festival, which takes place during the last weekend of October. There is also a number of schools in the area.

    Dungarvan is a coastal and harbour town in the heart of Waterford. It is situated at the mouth of the Colligan River, which divides the town into two parishes: Dungarvan to the west and Abbeyside to the east. The harbour offers one potential route to Dungarvan but it is also on the N25 and is well served by bus with links to Cork, Waterford and Rosslare Europort. The area offers a large variety of shops, restaurants, pubs, hotels, schools and sporting amenities while the Waterford Greenway walk is undoubtedly one of its major highlights with its 46km route running from Dungarvan to Waterford along the old railway line.

    Westport in Co Mayo is located at the sout-east corner of Clew Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Ireland. Known as a major tourist destination it has won both the Tidy Towns competition and Best Place to Live in Ireland competition in the past. It is designated as a heritage town and incorporates the Carrow Beg River into its design. The pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick, known locally as “the Reek”, lies some 10 km west of the town near the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey. The mountain forms the backdrop to the town. Westport hosts a large number of festivals throughout the year and boasts a number of the top pubs, restaurants and hotels in the region. It has two secondary schools and five primary schools, as well as a College of Further Education. The N5 national primary route connects the town to Castlebar while it is also accessible via rail. Ireland West Airport in Knock is also just 60km away. The town also boasts a large number of sporting facilities including an angling centre and one of Ireland’s top golf courses. More

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    The most popular home features of 2022

    While the primary function of sites like MyHome.ie is to search for a new place to buy or rent, many visitors simply come to browse.

    Our advanced search allows you to put in key features that might be important to you. This can range from the simplest of requests such as parking, having a garden or a home office but quite often these searches go a little more in-depth.

    Indeed, furniture, gardens, kitchens and garages were amongst the most popular keyword searches on the site this year.

    Throughout 2022 we’ve noticed that more and more are searching for specific items as they look for inspiration for their homes. This can range from sofa beds, to coffee tables, outdoor furniture to TV stands.

    We always try to look at the aspirational element on MyHome.ie and throughout the year we’ve featured weekly blogs that highlights properties on sale at that time with some unique features.

    As we wrap up the year, we’ve decided to look back on six features we’ve ran throughout the year featuring popular keywords. More

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    Stunning Shrewsbury Road homes a must in your Collection

    Back in the days when we all used to play Monopoly, Shrewsbury Road was the address we all wanted to own.
    While that was just a game, in real life you’ll definitely want to live there too when you feast your eyes on The Collection.
    The Collection in Dublin 4
    This stunning private development of just seven substantial residences is situated at 20 Shrewsbury Road, the former home of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty’s library.
    Nestled among the grand mansions and embassy residences synonymous with the area, these incredible properties bring a new level of elegance and architectural design to Dublin 4 in these four and five bedroom houses.
    The kitchen at The Collection
    Developed by Glenveagh Homes, The Collection is designed by a group of world-class architects and designers who have produced elegant, modern homes that are both distinctive and reflective of the site’s proud heritage. Each house in this gated development willl have to access to a private lift to all levels, garage parking for three cars and are designed to accommodate a private gym, study and media room.
    A living area at The Collection
    These stunning new homes will be ready to occupy this year and will offer high ceilings, panelling and grand proportions throughout.
    With each home designed to accommodate a private gym, study and media room, you can live, work and play at The Collection
    One of Dublin’s most exclusive and desirable addresses, Shrewsbury Road traces its origins back to the Earl of Pembroke’s estate and is now considered one of Dublin’s most striking residential roads, with a mix of house styles reflecting features of the Victorian, Edwardian, Free Style and Arts & Crafts movements from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
    A media room at The Collection
    The Collection brings a new layer of architectural design to this historic road, using the materials and features of the existing neighbourhood in a modern context that is both sophisticated and sympathetic to the surrounding homes.
    A bedroom at The Collection
    To receive a brochure or further information please contact selling agent Knight Frank on 01 237 4500 or find out more on MyHome.ie at www.myhome.ie/4623275
    The garden of The Collection More

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    The Journey Home: Donna and Mark on moving to their forever home

    Even when you think you’re happily settled in your first house, your true forever home might still be out there. Donna and Mark discovered their forever home in their own neighbourhood – and in this blog we learn how, as soon as they stumbled across it, things moved quickly for them and their young family. permanent tsb have reached out to several real home buyers to get some real tips from them and hopefully help you in your home buying journey.

    Finding your permanent place
    “The moment I realised the house was for sale?” Donna recalls. “I was out walking the dog when I spotted it. I made the call immediately to the estate agent to get them to come, value our house and get it up straight away. And then onto the mortgage consultant, so we could start the process of getting the mortgage in place to buy it.”
     “Now we’ve got more space to work with.”
    Donna can immediately give a list of the things she loves about their new abode.
    “The ability for us to bring in all those things that we used to have to go outside the home to get,” she begins. “The gym, the music room, the office – which became essential. Even things like the utility room. So, just having that space. I constantly keep looking at the potential for other projects and more changes we can make to the house, to make it completely ours.”
    “They will just hold your hand throughout.”
    “We were already with permanent tsb so moving across the mortgage was very straightforward,” says Donna. “They helped us with all the paperwork, everything was explained… It all just fell into place. We also decided to move over all our current accounts so we had everything in the same place.
    “It was one of the parts of moving that really gave no hassle. When we contacted the mortgage consultant, things just happened quickly and it was all made so simple – everything in terms of pricing and interest rates was explained to us. It’s that comfort of not having to go and find out everything yourself.”
    The right person on your side
    Their mortgage consultant worked closely with the pair throughout.
    “He was so personable and friendly,” Donna says. “We just got on with him from the get-go. Lots of phone calls… towards drawdown, he was always available. It was very much a two-way as well, in that if he needed anything, he was straight on to me. So there was never anything that we’d missed and needed to get to him.”
    “The communication was amazing.”
    Another permanent tsb advantage came in the form of cashback.
    “With the mortgage the second time around,” says Donna, “as long as you have an Explore Account with permanent tsb, you get the 2% cashback on your monthly mortgage repayments. So worthwhile doing. It’s a big saver. With the 2% that we get back, it helps to pay for the electricity for the hot tub!”
    Support the second time around
    Finally, what would they say to other potential Second Time Buyers?
    “Part of it is making sure that, financially, you’re ready for it,” says Donna. “But, if it’s ticking all of the right boxes, I’d say never fear the unknown. You can become so comfortable in your house, you’ve put a lot of work into it…. But it’s the next step, the new adventure. The whole reason you’re looking is because there’s probably something not quite right with where you’re at. So just go for it!”
    “Don’t be afraid of taking that step.”
    Mark agrees: “You can be more cautious buying your second house. A lot of people persevere and jump in on the first one, when you’re spending a lot of money and don’t really take into consideration all the aspects of that house. So, the second time around, we looked at all the variables and went ‘this is what we want.’”
    Wherever you are on your home buying journey permanent tsb are there to support you along the way. Book an appointment to start your journey home with us today or find out more over on our Mortgage Section on our website.
    Featured customers received a gratuity for participating in this advertisement. Cashback offer available to new applicants who receive full letter of approval within the qualifying period. Excludes 4 Year Fixed Home Loan New Business Rates, tracker, buy-to-let, negative equity and applicants refinancing an existing permanent tsb mortgage. 2% cashback monthly will be paid until 31/12/2027. Your monthly mortgage repayment must be made from a permanent tsb Explore Account and meet qualifying criteria. The Explore Account carries a €6 monthly fee for maintaining the account. Any items that are returned unpaid (including Direct Debits and Standing Orders) will incur the appropriate unpaid item charge and other charges may apply. eStatements only. 2% cashback monthly offer applies to home loans only (i.e. excludes buy-to-let). Qualifying criteria applies.
    Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Security and Insurance required. permanent tsb p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
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    Our Journey Home: Sarah and Jody found their perfect place with permanent tsb

    There’s a lot to take in when you’re a First Time Buyer. Along with trying to find the right house, you’re also trying to get your head around new financial terms and things like mortgage rates. So, you really want to focus on learning from people who’ve been there and already bought their dream home. That’s why permanent tsb have reached out to several real home buyers to get some real tips from them and hopefully help you in your home buying journey.

    Our first destination is the seaside village of Kilcoole, where new homeowners Sarah and Jody have fallen in love with the Wicklow way of living. In terms of getting their journey started, Sarah was the first to admit that she can be “easily overwhelmed” and was dreading all the “jargon”. Jody pointed out permanent tsb’s invaluable support in how they laid everything out and broke down each step.
    “Don’t take it all on at once. It needs to be done in phases.”
    In terms of sorting application paperwork, Sarah was surprised how manageable it was when she focused on the task at hand.
    Primary requirements for Sarah and Jody included a signed and stamped salary certificate, Employment Detail Summary (P60) and 2 of your last 3 payslips, and personal bank account statements for the past 6 months. Depending on your mortgage type or application type, there can be different requirements but you’ll be taken through all this at your initial chat. Sarah and Jody were surprised at how smoothly everything went.
     “Getting the documentation was absolutely fine because they’ll tell you exactly what’s needed.”
    From there, Sarah and Jody had other decisions and compromises to make on their home journey, starting with their decision to leave Dublin.
    Get it right with a flexible outlook
    While Sarah initially thought a new build across the road from their old apartment in Dublin was her dream home, she was surprised how quickly that changed. Jody had gone to college in Wicklow and felt the countryside calling him back, so location became the couple’s first compromise.
    “You do need a bit of let-up to get to the right compromise.”
    While affordability played a role in that initial compromise, Sarah now maintains that happily settled into their Wicklow abode, they wouldn’t return to city life if they won the lottery. While Sarah was flexible on location, she was set on buying a new build, which is where their other non-negotiable came in handy…
    Get settled in with mortgage cashback
    While permanent tsb ticked Sarah and Jody’s boxes in terms of lending and rates, they now say permanent tsb’s cashback ended up being most important to them. Having secured the new build, Sarah wanted it to be filled from the moment they got through the door.
    “When you’re thinking ‘I have so much to do in the house…’ the cashback is huge. If I was to go back, it would be my non-negotiable.”
    That lump sum ensured that Sarah and Jody weren’t moving into an empty house while they sorted out flooring, tiling, appliances and “things you never think about, like new bedding!” With permanent tsb, you get 2% of the mortgage amount back as a lump sum within 40 working days of being drawn down. There is no limit on the cashback amount, and you do not need a permanent tsb account to avail of the offer.
    You can see exactly how that cashback helped make Sarah and Jody’s Wicklow house a home in The Journey Home, and hopefully pick up a few extra tips as you do. As Sarah tells our host Ciara, it’s important to chat to new homeowners who have been in the same position as you. There’ll be plenty of them to come, as we continue The Journey Home…
    Wherever you are on your home buying journey permanent tsb are there to support you along the way. Book an appointment to start your journey home with us today or find out more over on our Mortgage Section on our website.
    Offer available to new applicants who receive a full letter of approval up to 30/06/2022. 2% cashback at drawdown will be paid on the amount of the mortgage advanced. Excludes 4 Year Fixed Home Loan New Business Rates, tracker, buy-to-let, negative equity and applicants refinancing an existing permanent tsb mortgage. 2% cashback at drawdown is paid into the customer’s mortgage paying account (which does not need to be a permanent tsb account) within 40 working days of mortgage drawdown. The qualifying period (11 January 2016 until 30 June 2022) may be extended as permanent tsb decides.
    Product eligibility criteria applies. Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Security and Insurance required. permanent tsb p.l.c is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. More

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    5 of the most romantic homes for sale on MyHome.ie this St Valentine’s Day

    Home is where the heart is, or so they say, so what better way to impress the love of your life than by cosying up in your dream home for St Valentine’s Day.
    With that in mind, the team at MyHome.ie have put together a list of five of the most romantic properties which caught our eye on the site right now.

    True some of them may be a tad pricey and beyond the budget of most of us, but there’s no harm dreaming of that idyllic place to spend some quality time with your loved one.

    The Castle…

    We’ve all heard the story of Rapunzel being rescued from her tower by her prince and if you’ve hair long enough you can try to recreate that scene at the stunning Ballindoolan House in Carbury, Co Kildare. This luxurious Georgian country manor has a castle on its extensive grounds and while it has seen better days, you won’t be disappointed by the main house or gardens.

    The Penthouse…

    Few things scream romance like a penthouse apartment with a stunning view. This particular example in Malahide, Co Dublin overlooks Malahide Castle and Gardens. With so much more on its doorstep, this ticks a lot of boxes on the romantic front.

    The Waterfront…

    There’s few things more romantic than watching the sun go down with a loved one. Where better to do that than in a stunning waterfront property like this one in Co Cork which boasts coastal views across the Lough. The 5 bed house also offers complete privacy within a mix of beautiful mature trees and shrubs.

    The Saint…

    This 2 bed apartment in Dublin 2 might not appear the most romantic of homes at first glance but with property it’s all about location, location, location. Situated on Whitefriar Street, it’s just a few hundred metres away from Whitefriar Street Church where the shrine and relics of St Valentine rest. Irish Carmelite John Spratt brought the remains of St Valentine back to the church in 1836 and people have flocked to see them in the last half a century since they were returned to prominence.

    The cottage…

    Nothing says old style romance like a traditional cottage. This one in Co Kerry not only offers somewhere cosy to cuddle up with a loved one but it also benefits from its close proximity to beaches, lakes, mountains and much more.

    You can browse the full collection of homes on MyHome.ie at www.myhome.ie More

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    Last chance to get your hands on a home in Silver Banks, Stamullen, Co Meath

    The final release of 3 bed homes are now available at the Glenveagh Homes-built Silver Banks development in Stamullen, Co Meath, with prices starting from €330,000.

    Sponsored by Glenveagh
    Some of the superb new homes in Silver Banks
    Don’t miss out on your chance to get your hands on one of these superb new homes, which are set in a location where you can enjoy all the best of what life has to offer.
    If Covid-19 has taught us anything it is the importance of where we live. These fine homes in a beautiful setting will ensure you have everything you could possibly need close by no matter what the future brings.
    Stamullen enjoys close proximity to the sea and the beach
    Silver Banks is just a five minute drive from Junction 7 on the M1 motorway with Dublin Airport just 20 minutes away and the city centre 40 minutes drive.
    There are endless transport links nearby too, including Gormanston Train Station just five minutes away and Balbriggan Train Station 11 minutes away as well as a private bus service from the village and Bus Éireann services from Balbriggan.
    One of the living areas in Silver Banks
    While the towns of Drogheda and Balbriggan are within close proximity, Silver Banks is within walking distance of Stamullen village and all it has to offer.
    Stamullen offers a strong rural community within close proximity of the capital. Its amenities include a St Patrick’s primary school, Gormanston College, St Patricks GAA club, various sporting amenities, childcare, local shopping facilities and the City North Hotel.
    The kitchen in one of the homes at Silver Banks
    Your lifestyle will also be completed by a visit to Gormanston beach, just five minutes’ drive away.
    Stamullen has much to offer nearby including train stations and the beach
    Silver Banks is a small exclusive development with a good selection of family homes. With prices starting from €330,000, these fantastic houses are designed with family living in mind.
    Silver Banks caters for all your needs
    The spacious houses all have excellent interior finishes and with an A-rating they are future proofed to ensure this is a home that will cater for many generations to come.
    Another of the living areas in Silver Bank
    All houses are constructed to provide a high level of air tightness in order to retain heat. Internal features include walls painted throughout in a mid-tone easy neutral paint with ceilings painted in white.
    One of the bedrooms in Silver Banks
    All kitchens are integrated by Gallagher Kitchens while shaker style fitted wardrobes are provided in the master and second bedrooms. The houses also feature a stylish contemporary bathroom, en-suite and guest w.c. with elegant sanitary ware.
    Another of the bedrooms in Silver Banks
    External features include a tasteful mix of brick and render exteriors with composite front doors and driveways that are finished in Kilsaran paving.
    A child’s bedroom in Silver Banks
    Find out more about these superb family homes now on MyHome.ie at www.myhome.ie/4379627, by contacting selling agent Raymond Potterton on 046 9027666 or at www.silverbanks.ie
    All of the homes in Silver Banks are finished to the highest of standards More

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    Final chance to live in Ruxton Oaks, Blackcastle, Navan, Co Meath

    The final release of 3 bed homes are now available at the Glenveagh Homes-built Ruxton Oaks development in Blackcastle, Navan, Co Meath, with prices starting from €310,000.

    Sponsored by Glenveagh

    There’s few things more frustrating than missing out on something. Be it the concert tickets you’ve been dying to get your hands on, the last pastry in the bakery that you’ve been dreaming about all day or, even worse, seeing that bus or train that you’re meant to be on pull off when you’re just yards away.
    If all those relatively minor things are annoying, just think how annoyed you’d be if you missed out on your dream home.
    With the final release of 3 beds now available at Ruxton Oaks in Blackcastle, Navan, Co Meath this really could be your last chance to live in this modern and stylish new development from Glenveagh Homes.

    Ruxton Oaks consists of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom family homes located at a historic and mature residential setting just north of Navan.
    The development is close to a wide range of amenities including schools, leisure facilities and excellent transport links.
    Ruxton Oaks has something to offer every type of resident from the first-time buyer to growing families. The houses are particularly spacious and ideal for families of all ages. A fluid layout is enhanced by bright and airy hallways, while big, high-spec windows make the most of the natural light.

    Each room is also designed with modern life in mind with large living areas and kitchens ideal for family get togethers while the bedrooms offer the perfect sanctuary. Externally high quality materials and innovative building methods ensure homes that look great and are guaranteed to stand the test of time.

    Ruxton Oaks is located at Blackcastle, a well-regarded residential setting just north of Navan. As well as a wide range of amenities, they also offer beautiful scenery over the River Boyne and its mature forestry. The M3 and M2 motorways are also just a few minutes away while for commuters there are several bus routes as well as a park and ride facility a short drive away in Dunboyne.

    The area is steeped in history with Navan at the heart of the Boyne Valley region. With a wide range of attractions nearby, you can also take into the beautiful Boyne Ramparts Walk, a linear stretch of 8km pathway that runs from Navan to Stackallen that takes in Babe’s Bridge (the oldest bridge on the river) and passes by the ruins of Dunmoe Castle and Ardmulchan Church.

    As Ireland’s fifth largest town, Navan is packed with amenities for all the family. There are a wide selection of primary and second level schools in the area as well as three shopping centres, two hospitals and two parks. Navan also has a wealth of sporting facilities including a tennis club, rugby club, boxing club, pitch and putt club, hockey club, gymnastics club and several GAA clubs.
    Find out more about Ruxton Oaks and register your interest here by contacting selling agent Raymond Potterton on 046 9027666 or at www.ruxtonoaks.ie More