Set up fort in a choice of two homes in the historic heart of the city

TWO city centre Cork houses, aimed at investors or first-time buyers, are separated by the old military Elizabeth Fort — and by a price difference of €35,000.

No 1 Fort Street is a mid terraced, two-bed house just off rejuvenated and upgraded Barrack Street, which puts it close to both UCC and the city centre.

One of a row of painted brick-fronted houses renovated about 10 years ago, it has a €200,000 price guide with agents Irish and European Real Estate Alliance.

It has a 14' by 12' kitchen living room, two bedrooms, bathroom, enclosed rear yard that's about it, but it has location in spades.

A few hundred yards away on Frenches Quay, 8 St Finbarre's Place has a bit more breathing space throughout plus a third bedroom.

On the market with the same agents, it has a €235,000 guide, and again could suit a couple keen to live in the historic heart of the city, or else will find investors aware that there'll always be rental demand for this location.

It has a hall, sitting room with cast iron fireplace, separate kitchen with pine units, three bedrooms, bathroom with shower, gas central heating and a yard behind with views to the back of the bulky stone base of Elizabeth Fort.