Trading up: Monkstown, Cork €365,000

Cork’s shipbuilding was in its heyday in the Verolme dockyard near Cobh when this house, Robin Hill was built in 1971 across the water at Rocklodge, Monkstown.

Size: 184sq m (1,982sq ft) 

Bathrooms: 2 

Bedrooms: 5 

BER: E1

The yard got into gear in the late 1950s, and shipbuilding ceased in the early 1980s when a slew of traditional Cork employers also folded. Verolme employed 1,500, and produced 33 ships, with launches taking place in full view of this detached property.

Now, for sale, the detached five-bed house of almost 2,000 sq ft up past Carrigmahon is a bit of a 1970s timepiece inside, and will need upgrades and a fresh interior stamp.

But, at the €365,000 guide, it’s on a price par now with the sort of money well-located three-bed semis are making in Cork’s traditional suburbs.

Robin Hill’s setting is elevated, and it’s on decent grounds with views over the river and Monkstown toward Great Island and Rushbrooke (and of river-spanning pylons nearby too) and the two-storey, part brick-faced home has a first floor balcony, five beds, very large linked living/dining room, dated kitchen and main bathroom, utility, and guest WC with shower.

It’s got oil central heating, and double glazing, but needs further investment once in new ownership

Outside, there’s lots of parking and a large, sloping garden, with harbour views.

VERDICT: Ships ahoy