Here is a rough run-down of prices for holiday homes in the Irish Midlands in 2012. Please note the “alternatives” mentioned – these are residential properties outside the classic “holiday home” description, but might be a viable alternative as a base for holidays. They might also fare better as to re-sale value.
County Cavan
Located on the border to Northern Ireland and renowned for fishing, County Cavan is within easy travelling distance of Dublin Airport, with Belfast providing an alternative. Mainly rural in character, but the new(ish) M3 motorway will get you to Dublin in around ninety minutes.
The average price of a holiday home in County Cavan should be around 55,000 to 65,000 Euros.
As an alternative, you might think about buying a small apartment in Cavan Town at roughly 10,000 Euros more.
County Kildare
Just south-west of Dublin, County Kildare is near enough to be in the commuter belt, yet far away enough to provide some rural comfort. There are, however, very few classic holiday homes on the market. As an alternative, you might think about buying an apartment here at around 80,000 Euros.
County Kilkenny
Just one hour from Dublin on the still-new M9 motorway, County Kilkenny is popular as a tourist destination for a day or two – but not known for long-stay vacationing in a holiday home. Prices for alternatives range from 105,000 Euros for an apartment to 170,000 Euros for a rural bungalow.
County Laois
The Irish midlands are not a premium holiday destination and the virtual non-availability of holiday homes in Laois reflects this. Apartments can be bought at around 60,000 to 80,000 Euros, however, and these are still popular with investors.
County Leitrim
“Lovely Leitrim” (as the road signs say) suffers a bit from being not really accessible and being stuck in a no-mans-land between Northern Ireland and the west coast. Most people travel trough rather than to Leitrim. If at all.
The average price of a holiday home in County Leitrim should be around 45,000 to 55,000 Euros. You might bag a bargain here, especially if you are looking for a “fixer-upper”.
As an alternative, you might think about buying an apartment, but ths will set you back a few thousand Euros more.
County Longford
County Longford has the advantage of being central, the holiday hotspots are within easy reach, yet you may also find very peaceful and secluded areas in the county proper.
The average price of a holiday home in County Longford will be around 55,000 to 65,000 Euros.
As an alternative, you might think about buying an apartment at well below 50,000 Euros!
County Monaghan
One of the Ulster counties and somehow secluded in many areas, County Monaghan has a number of beauty spots where you will find holiday homes. These range form older cottages to new developments.
The average price of a holiday home in County Monaghan would be around 70,000 to 140,000 Euros. This enormous span is a result of some new, definitely modern homes coming onto the market, which might prove to be worth an investment.
As an alternative, you might think about buying an apartment at the price of a modest cottage, while a decent-sized house in an urban environment might be cheaper than a new holiday home.
County Offaly
Another of the midland counties, Offaly would like to cash in on the Barack-Obama-connection ... but this should not be the selling point for a holiday home. A central location, the Shannon and good connections to both Dublin and the Atlantic coast seem to be more important.
The average price of a holiday home in County Offaly fluctuates between 65,000 Euros for an elderly cottage to 100,000 Euros for a well-appointed modern holiday home.
As an alternative, you might think about buying an urban apartment at slightly above cottage prices.
County Roscommon
County Roscommon should not be disregarded as a base when thinking about buying holiday property in Ireland – it is central, has a number of beauty spots and is quiet enough for a relaxing stay, yet Dublin is still fairly easily accessible.
The average price of a holiday home in County Roscommon should be around 50,000 Euros, depending on location.
As an alternative, you might think about buying an apartment, but even the most modest ones will be 10,000 to 15,000 Euros more than a cottage.
County Tipperary
Another large county with a wide variety in property prices – starting at bargain and levelling out at half a million Euros or more. North Tipperary has been less affected by the property bubble bursting.
The average price of a holiday home in County Tipperary could be anything from 95,000 (South) to 150,000 (North) Euros. Holiday homes near Lough Derg are still being sold for 300,000 Euros or more – one of the highest prices in Ireland.
As an alternative, you might think about buying an apartment, starting at around 60,000 Euros.
County Westmeath
A quiet county with many secluded, peaceful areas, yet within easy reach of Dublin – Westmeath has it all, and the Shannon makes more than up for the missing coastline.
The average price of a holiday home in County Westmeath reflects this – 150,000 to 160,000 Euros.
As an alternative, you might think about buying an apartment or even a house in any of the towns – apartments start at around 50,000 Euros, while a new three-bedroom-house will go for the same price (or even slightly less) as a holiday home.
Holiday Homes in Other Areas of Ireland
Here is a rough run-down of prices for holiday homes in other areas:
- Prices for Holiday Homes on the Irish West Coast
- Prices for Holiday Homes on Ireland's Southern and Eastern Coast
