Take shelter next to a rugged coastline

THE ATLANTIC comes crashing almost to the door, and a stream feeds from a lake to the ocean. There's dunes to hand, surfing for the brave, forest walks, headlands bookended by a lighthouse: welcome to Long Strand.

Up for sale in a sheltered spot by this rugged mile-long west Cork beach is a traditional two-storey dwelling, tucked down low out of the way of the winds.

Selling agent is Jim O'Brien of CCM Property Services, who has it under offer at €325,000 and who says the two-bed home is on a third of an acre. His enquiries on it to date have come from two distinct camps: holiday home hunters and permanent residents keen on the glories of the great outdoors.