Tommy Barker finds Cork houses named after racehorse Tirol are stable buys.

Size: Sq m 265 (2,850 sq ft)

Size: Sq m 241 (2,600 sq ft)

The early 1990s were a busy time for the family just now setting sail from 14 The Paddocks. They were family-building and home-buying - and there was a little matter of competing in the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 to contend with as well.

Tommy Barker finds a good solid house in a great location close overlooking Blarney’s famous castle

HOUSES in the Paddocks in Douglas, Cork are coming up on 25 years of age — and in that period, they’ve never lost their hold in the popularity stakes.

Inside and out, the Paddocks is a winning family home, says Tommy Barker.

THE junior interpros get underway this weekend, with the Paddocks in Cobh hosting the clash between Munster and Leinster on Saturday.

THE rather horsey name for the south city estate, The Paddocks, on Cork’s Maryborough Hill is not just an affectation.

WE Irish like to build our houses in prominent roadside locations, making the statement “this is where I live”.

IT was the bee’s knees when it first opened and it even won a few awards for its architect, Roddy Hogan, who also lives there himself.