Tommy Barker on local property values.

There’s always been a sort of wayward independence attached to the coastal Cork property Walton Court — and, little wonder really, as this historically colourful house dates back to 1776, the same year as the US Declaration of Independence.

A great man for Shank’s Mare, one of The Menu’s finest ever escapades was on the Burren, so the prospect of a walking weekend at the peak of wildflower season led by author/guide Tony Kirby (May 10-12) in Co Clare has him dusting down the clogs.