Trading up: Jacobs Island, Mahon, Cork; €385,000

When first built, apartment blocks at Jacobs Island by the water in Cork’s Mahon might have seemed unusual, especially given the location’s isolation, almost island-like indeed, across the ring road from Mahon Shopping Centre and retail park.

Size: 97 sq m (1,060 sq ft) 

Bathrooms: 2 

Bedrooms: 2 

BER: B3

But, City Hall’s master plan for Mahon brought in many of the planned-for bonuses in the re-making of a suburb, such as major office parks and as a result the vista from the sixth-floor penthouse at 138 The Falcon, Jacobs Island has continued to evolve.

This striking, 1,000-plus sq ft two-bed crowning glory apartment, complete with soaring ceiling heights, lots of glazing and two roof terraces/balconies (one currently holds a hot tub facing south) is now for sale with agent Conor Smith of Casey & Kingston, and is offered at a time of recovery in apartment values, and escalating rents.

Mr Smith guides at €385,000, so that does indeed reflect some penthouse status and uplift, and he says it’s in excellent condition, with luxury, elegance, and style, and views: it’s apartment living at its best, he says.

No 138 has gas central heating, master bedroom en suite, underground parking, gated access and security, and is accessible to the Jack Lynch tunnel and Mahon, with riverside walks and the Joe McHugh Park along the development’s boundary.

VERDICT: Back on a rising tide.