With the sun inevitably shining now that the schools have returned, many of us may take the opportunity to enjoy the last few days of summer this weekend by retreating to a local beach.
If you love nothing more than a swim or walk along the beach all year round, then living nearby is a definite help.
With that in mind, here are five beachside homes currently for sale.
1. Cois na Mara, Clifden, Co Galway
This bungalow style home was originally built in 1993 but has since been extended. It comprises of 343.5 square metres of accommodation, with each of its eight bedrooms having either a shower room or bathroom ensuite. It has a separate private family apartment, and views from the house stretch across the ocean to four different islands.
It is based among rugged limestone mountains, bogs, heathland and lakes, white sandy beaches, tiny coves, bays and fishing villages. The land extends to some 11.1 acres, making it a private resort positioned above a sandy beach with panoramic coastal views. It can be yours for €2.8 million.
2. 18 The Hoar Rock, Skerries, Co Dublin
This two-bed terraced house has uninterrupted sea views over the North Beach, a private car port with a gated entrance and sunny outdoor areas in Skerries. There is a choice of gourmet restaurants, pubs, cafés, and local shopping in the town all available within a leisurely beach stroll from the house.
There are also a number of sporting amenities nearly on both land and water, and Dublin city centre is easily accessible via the nearby train station. The house is located around 12 miles from Dublin Airport and the M1 motorway and is on sale for an asking price of €850,000.
18 The Hoar Rock, Skerries, County Dublin - DNG McKenna Healy - 4807526 - MyHome.ie Residential
3. Quebec, Summercove, Kinsale, Co Cork
This mid-terrace three-bedroom property is southwest facing, and boasts sea views from the upper floors. The four storey building covers a floor area of 140 metres squared and is designed to maximise the views.
It is located just a short walk from the Bulman pub, Summercove pier and a shingle beach, accessible at low tide. The town of Kinsale is also within easy walking distance, and the property is 25 minutes drive from Cork city. It is on sale for €850,000.
Quebec, Summercove, Kinsale, Cork - Engel & Voelkers - 4803704 - MyHome.ie Residential
4. The Lake House, 6 Claremont Road, Howth, Co Dublin
This four bed detached house sits on 0.8 acres of land, features a lake and landscaped irrigated gardens to the south, manicured grass covered sand dunes behind a seawall, with direct private beach access to the north. Howth village is a 15 minute walk away via beach or road.
The house provides 267 square metres of accommodation that focuses on comfortable living, light filled rooms and wonderful views from every window. Its open plan living room offers views of islands, coastline, sea and lake, and a covered outdoor patio/barbecue area off the living room allows for both family living and entertaining. The asking price is €3.6 million.
5. Forenaught, Creaden, Dunmore East, Co Waterford
This six-bedroom detached house offers panoramic sea views on a private 3.5 acre elevated site overlooking Creaden Bay and The Waterford Estuary. It is a five-minute drive from Dunmore East Village and Woodstown Beach, with gated access offering privacy, seclusion and security.
The house is just a 90-minute drive from both Dublin and Cork and nearby amenities include beaches, an equestrian centre, golfing, sailing, swimming, and coastal and woodland trails, and is for sale at an asking price of €2.995 million.
