Living Over The Shop scheme can revitalise rural Ireland

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

The revival of Ireland’s towns and village centres has become one of the defining challenges of modern planning, as communities grapple with vacancy, dereliction, and a shortage of accessible housing. The enhanced “Living Over the Shop” initiative—delivered through the expanded Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant—offers a practical and imaginative response to these intertwined issues. Welcomed by Séamus McGrath, housing spokesperson for Fianna Fáil, the scheme reflects a growing recognition that the answers to Ireland’s housing crisis and town centre decline may lie, quite literally, above our heads.

At its core, the initiative targets a long-standing and highly visible problem: the widespread vacancy of residential spaces above shops. Across cities, towns, and villages, these upper floors—once bustling with life—have fallen into disuse. Whether due to changing retail patterns, outdated layouts, or the cost of refurbishment, these spaces have too often been left idle. The result is a hollowing out of town centres, where vibrant street-level activity is undermined by darkened windows and empty floors above.

Private second-hand market 2026

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Since the beginning of 2026, the residential property market in Galway has continued to reflect a familiar trend seen across much of the country: robust demand set against a limited supply of homes. Galway’s leading estate agents, DNG Leonard & Heaslip, report that buyer activity has remained strong in the early months of the year, particularly from first-time buyers and families seeking to settle within the city’s established residential areas.

Seeing potential in your new property

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Seeing potential in a new property is part instinct, part imagination, and part careful analysis. When it comes to extensions, almost every house – and even some apartments – holds untapped possibilities. The challenge is not in spotting that potential, but in shaping it into something that genuinely improves how the home works and feels. The difference between a transformative extension and a disappointing one often lies in the thinking that happens before any drawings are made or walls are opened.

How to be a good landlord

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Being a good landlord in Ireland entails more than simply owning property and collecting rent, even though that may be the perception that is widely spread. Being a landlord requires a commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and well-maintained accommodation while also fostering positive relationships with tenants. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Legal compliance: Familiarize yourself with the Residential Tenancies Act and other relevant legislation to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities as a landlord. This includes adhering to regulations regarding rent caps, notice periods, and deposit protection.

Collective sale of two detached office blocks offer prime investment opportunity

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Units 4 and 9, Ballybrit Business Park
Both units are for sale by live online auction which will take place on March 27, at 12 noon. Boasting a passing rent of €267,000 per annum with a vacant ground floor unit, the properties have a gross yield of 13.6 per cent.

Beautiful four-bed semi is in a sought-after location

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

No 66 An Fiodán is a beautiful four-bedroom semi-detached home perfectly located in a well-maintained development overlooking communal green to the front.

Detached beautiful bungalow in Oranmore village

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Sherry FitzGerald has just listed on the market a wonderful detached four-bedroom bungalow-style residence within walking distance of Oranmore village. On a private, west-facing position in an established area, the property is located in Beech Grove, which is one of Oranmore's most highly regarded addresses, as it is a quiet, low-density development located off the Maree Road with excellent services a short stroll away.

A guide to supports for first-time buyers

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Buying your first home is a big deal. The Help to Buy Scheme (HTB) and the First Home Scheme (FHS) are the government's two main support schemes for first-time buyers in Ireland. These schemes are making a huge difference in giving more people the boost they need to get their dream home.

In order to qualify as a first-time buyer and receive any kind of grant aid, you must not have had a mortgage in your name before, either in Ireland or abroad. Inherited properties or a house purchased outright are not included in the list of qualifiers. If you are buying or self-building the property with somebody else, they must also be a first-time buyer.

Spacious home is situated in popular Fort Lorenzo development

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

O'Donnellan and Joyce Auctioneers are delighted to offer for sale an attractive four-bed semi-detached in the sought-after development of Bru Na Mara at Fort Lorenzo, Galway.

Prime mixed-use opportunity in the heart of Clifden

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

A landmark mixed-use property on Main Street in Clifden has been brought to the market by Matt O'Sullivan Estate Agent, Auctioneer and Valuer, offering a compelling opportunity to acquire a well-established restaurant alongside two self-contained residential units in one of Ireland’s most vibrant coastal towns.

A coastal masterpiece hits the market with Colleran Auctioneers

Thu, Mar 26, 2026

Colleran Auctioneers presents a rare opportunity to own one of Galway’s most prestigious residences. Nestled within an exclusive enclave of just 14 homes along the scenic Coast Road, 4 Béal Taoide, Curragreen, Oranmore, offers the perfect fusion of contemporary design, coastal charm, and modern comfort.

Exceptional Victorian coastal home comes with acres of private grounds

Thu, Mar 19, 2026

For sale by international online auction in conjunction with Bright Auctions in The Netherlands, O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers, are privileged to present Carraig Mór House, an exceptional Victorian coastal residence of rare distinction set along the Wild Atlantic Way.

City centre living at its most convenient

Thu, Mar 19, 2026

Colleran Auctioneers are delighted to bring to market 41 The Elms, Forster Street, Galway, a well-located city residence that offers buyers the opportunity to enjoy the convenience and vibrancy of living in the very heart of Galway.

International investment could accelerate housing delivery, but it must work for Ireland

Thu, Mar 19, 2026

Property Insights by Johnny Gannon, Fair Deal Property Estate Agents and Auctioneers, Galway

Ireland’s housing shortage has now reached a scale where solving it will require enormous levels of investment. In recent months, the Government has been actively promoting Ireland internationally as a destination for housing investment, seeking to attract global capital that could help accelerate the delivery of new homes.

Athenry home boasts excellent local amenities

Thu, Mar 19, 2026

Sherry FitzGerald has brought to market a three-bedroom semi-detached home in Ard Esker, Athenry, an established and attractive development with excellent local amenities, just a 10-minute walk from the train station and Athenry's town centre.

Stunning A-rated residence in the centre of Barna

Thu, Mar 12, 2026

O’Donnellan & Joyce auctioneers presents to market this spectacular modern residence in Gort na Carraige, right in the centre of Barna village.

DNG Leonard & Heaslip offers period Canal Road residence

Thu, Mar 12, 2026

A distinctive period residence in one of Galway’s most established residential areas has come to the market, as DNG Leonard & Heaslip offers for sale No 8 Canal Road Upper.

A new chapter of village living in Moycullen

Thu, Mar 12, 2026

Few locations on the edge of Galway city offer the lifestyle, sense of community and natural beauty that Moycullen does. Nestled between the vibrant energy of Galway and the wild landscapes of Connemara, the village has become one of the most desirable places in the region to live.

A peaceful retreat in Pribbaun

Thu, Mar 12, 2026

Sherry FitzGerald presents this spacious four bedroom detached bungalow with integrated garage, set on a mature site of approximately 0.32 acre in the peaceful rural townland of Pribbaun. Built in 1988 and carefully maintained, the home combines countryside tranquillity with modern energy efficiency. Recent upgrades include triple-glazed windows, wall and attic insulation, a new boiler and additional radiators. The extensive attic space offers excellent potential for further expansion, subject to the necessary permissions.

O’Donnellan & Joyce reports high demand for homes of distinction

Thu, Mar 12, 2026

O’Donnellan & Joyce has had an incredible start to the year with the conclusion of a staggering number of sales of substantial family homes of distinction in Galway’s premier residential areas.

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