Conversation pieces: Chance to pick up some functional and rare antiques in Cork and Dublin

Des O'Sullivan checks out the opportunities in Cork and Dublin to pick up rare and functional antiques 

A French Empire ebonised circular table at Marshs.

SERIOUS collectors of fine antique furniture will have much to choose from at auctions in Ireland in the coming week. 

The At Home sale at James Adam in Dublin next Tuesday and Marshs auction of contents from the Ursuline Convent, Blackrock, Cork, on Saturday offer opportunities to bag something rare and functional that might also serve as a conversation piece.