The tide has turned

TIMES change — 30 years ago, this beach-side field was the site for six small wooden chalets, frequented by visiting Dutch and Germans booking horse-drawn caravan holidays around West Cork.

Back then, it was the Continentals who had the money to splash out on such 'exotica'. Now with unprecedented prices being paid for second and even third homes by native Irish families, this 1.6 acre plot tucked low into the folds of the landscape right by a beach is home to only one, just-built 2,300 sq ft home with a €1 million price tag.

However, you'll also get one guest chalet thrown in for free, as the last surviving original timber chalet has been re-built on its frame and foundations. Its tiny 250 sq ft or so has two tiny bedrooms, plus compact living/kitchen and a shower-room.