Douglas is one of the most sought after places in Cork to live.  Situated in the south east of Cork City is the suburb of Douglas.
Encapsulating an area that merges city with county, the suburb of Douglas is located to the Southeast of the Turners Cross and Ballyphenane areas and is 4 miles from the city centre and is an ideal location to live in Cork.

Originally a village in the countryside close to Cork City, in the last 20 years it has benefited from its close proximity to the City to avail of all the property development with good bars and restaurants, shops, shopping centres and a cinema located within an area that merges village and country life with a city lifestyle and provides access to all the areas of Cork. Read on about why you should buy a property in Douglas, Cork.

Amenities and Attractions:
Douglas is catered to by not one but two Shopping Centres: Douglas Shopping Centre and the more modern Douglas Court Shopping Centre right accross from each other. These two impressive shopping centres  hold between them a variety of Highstreets stores (such as Next, New Look Vera Moda, Dunnes etc), a number of cafes and eateries, the local  library, a Tescos and a 5 screen Multiplex Cinema. As well as the shops, cafes etc located within the two shopping centres, Douglas has its own network of shops, boutiques, hairdressers and beauticians, bars and restaurants etc, essentially all of the amenities of a prosperous small village, all situated within a tight area where it is easy to walk around the shops in a single day.

Of its many great bars and restaurants of renown, ones to note include Barrys of Douglas a stylish bar and restaurant ideal for watching sporting events and East Village Bar-Restaurant-Hotel in the heart of Douglas which offers good food and drink with cosy accommodation. Restaurants are varied with Eco restaurant which serve recipes and dishes that contain elements of a variety of different cultures, the Bay Leaf and Amicus being the most well known for general eating. For those who want food with a more international flair the Lal Quila (indian) Chans Chinese Restaurant (Chinese) Il Vino (Spanish tapas) offer more options.

With regards to facilities for all the family Douglas is also well catered for with family and child centred facilities such as creches, schools, playgrounds and medical services, all available in the immediate area. It is also very close to two renowned 4 star hotels in the Rochestown Park Hotel which despite its name is as close to Douglas as it is to the neighbouring suburb of Rochestown, and the Maryborough Luxury Hotel. Both of these hotels offer suburb leisure and spa facilities for both guests and locals to avail of. Also for sports and leisure enthusiasts not too far away is it nationally renowned Douglas Golf Club one of the finest golf courses in Ireland which has staged a whole mass of tournaments, both amateur and professional, over the years. With a bar and restaurant on site and a club and trolley hire facility it a must see for the golf enthusiast to check out.

It is also quite close to Mahon Point and all the retail and business opportunities that area provides. Its location by the N25 South Ring Road gives it immediate access to Cork airport (10 minutes by car) through the Kinsale Roundabout, the Jack Lynch Tunnel and thus access out of Cork and onto the routes to the East of the city.

Schools: Douglas has a number of schools both primary and secondary and for the older generation is within easy access of the city centre to avail of the many 3rd level colleges there.

Primary Education:

• Scoil An Athar Tadhg Ó Murchú – Irish language mixed-sex school
• St. Luke’s – Church of Ireland mixed-sex school
• Scoil Nioclais – Catholic mixed-sex school
• St. Columba’s BNS – Catholic boys school
• St. Columba’s GNS – Catholic girls school

Secondary:

• Christ King – girls school
• Douglas Community School – boys school
• Regina Mundi – girls school
• Rochestown College – Catholic (Capuchin order) boys school

Business: The location of Douglas to the N25 ring road and to the city centre of cork gives the residents great access to a number of retail and industrial business areas in the immediate surrounds of Mahon and to the roads onto Ringaskiddy, to the Southwest via Rochestown, Little Island and all of East Cork through the North west of the county. Overall its prosperous and convenient location to the main roads give it access to most of the main business regions.

Location and Transport: With the Turners Cross and Ballyphehanes areas to the west, Mahon to the east and Rochestown to the southwest Douglas is quite centrally located when it comes to the suburbs East of Cork city. Through the Douglas road and the South city Link road off Turners Cross Douglas has direct access to the city centre. As well as this Douglas is very conveniently situated just off the main Cork Ring Road the N25 just past the Kinsale Roundabout on the left when driving on the way to Mahon Point Shopping Center and the Jack Lynch Tunnel. This very important road gives great access to all the areas of Cork city and countryside. To the west through the Kinsale roundabout one can get to the town of Kinsale and the airport, through onto the Sarsfield roundabout one can reach the areas of Wilton and Bishopstown, further on to the Bandon roundabout grants one access to West Cork (N71) or onto the suburb of Ballincollig and onwards to Kerry. If heading east on the N25 link road from Douglas one can access Rochestown, Mahon and Mahon Point retail areas and onto the Jack Lynch tunnel the areas of Glanmire, East Cork and the wider surrounds of the entire whole of Ireland to the North (Dublin etc.) can be accessed.

Bus Routes: No. 7 from Ballyvolane to Donnybrook via the city centre and Douglas.

The no. 19 southern orbital from Mahon to Bishopstown via Douglas, Ballyphehane and Togher.

Conclusion:Having all the features of a prosperous town with a relatively young population very directly accessible to the city centre to the Northwest and busy developed industrial areas of Mahon and Little Island to the West makes Douglas a great location to consider when buying a property in Cork City. It’s proximity to the main roads and network into and out of Cork city centre and county make it an excellent base to access all the best of what Cork city has to offer while enjoying the safe, quiet yet bustling atmosphere of a busy little village in a scenic area.

Beautifully maintained and spacious one bedroom apartment available to let. Bright and Airy. Big windows. High Ceilings. Accommodation includes entrance hall, kitchen with breakfast bar, living room, double bedroom with built in wardrobes, main bathroom. Located on top floor. Stairs access. Well kept communal area. Located half way down North Main St. 2 minutes walk to Patrick St, 2 minutes walk to Mercy Hospital. Ideally situated close to shops, bars, restaurants, churches, cinemas etc.

Apartment To Let: North Main Street, Cork City

Next on our regions in Cork is Wilton to the Southwest of Togher.

The small area of Wilton in the southwest of the city is an ideally situated suburb of Cork located close to all the main routes to and from Cork city. It is close to the Bishopstown and Model Farm Road areas and has thus access to a number of facilities there such as schools, sports clubs and banks.

Attractions and Amenities: At the epicentre of Wilton would be the Cork University Hospital (CUH) that caters to the entire population of the South West of Cork county. Opposite the hospital is the large Wilton Shopping Centre (and huge carpark) which holds over 65 stores including stores of note such as a large 24 hour Tesco store, (largest around cork city) Penneys store, New Look and Awear, Golden Discs, Boots and Specsavers and a number of restaurants to name  just a few. Also within the shopping grounds is a cab office, and a Bank of Ireland.

Situated around the grounds of the Wilton Shopping Centre, is the impressive Bishopstown library, one of the newest and most design innovative libraries in the country having been nominated for both National and European design awards.

To the left  of the shopping centre is the Wilton bar and restaurant a nice place for a few quiet drinks and lunch, and down the road is another groups of shops including a petrol station, a takeaway and an Xtravison store for movie rentals.

Nearby in the Doughcloyne area that borders on Wilton and Togher,  catering to  families with young children there is Chuckies, a large Indoor Play Centre with a multi zone play area which is suitable  for children from 12mths to 10 years,  giving both children and parents a day out.

For people who want to pursue a more active lifestyle the Leisureworld complex boasting swimming pools, football pitches and gym, on the Model Farm Road in the Bishopstown area is within easy reach of Wilton and Wiltons close proximity to Bishopstown means the many clubs and schools and the nearby college of CIT (if one wishes to pursue nightclasses) are all easily accessible.

Location and Transport: The beauty of Wilton is its location and the transport routes. The heart of Wilton is situated in between two roundabouts, the Wilton roundabout to the north, which directs traffic from the West (West  Cork and Kerry) to either the city centre (a 15 minute drive) or to the scenic lough area (less than 5 minute drive), and the Sarsfield roundabout to the south which links traffic from the West to the Kinsale (route to Cork airport) roundabout and onto the South Ring road with provides access to Mahon Point, the east of Cork (Fota, Cobh etc) and the rest of the country.

Main Bus routes: for traveling to and from the city centre there are the No.14 (city centre to Wilton via the Lough and Togher) and No. 8 ( city centre to Wilton and Bishopstown via UCC) buses, with the bus stops located outside Wilton shopping centre (outgoing) and opposite the hospital (incoming).

All in all the Wilton area is ideal place to live close enough to the city centre to avail of the nightlife but far enough to live comfortably with easy access to routes outside of the city.

As mentioned in the earlier post to ensure a stress free and a good and informed relationship between tenant and landlord it is essential that the rules regarding renting accommodation in Cork City and beyond be understood and followed.
So as well as the 11 obligations for tenants renting property in Cork listed in an earlier blog we have also highlighted the well known but sometimes forgotten 5 responsibilities that the tenant should remember when renting a property. These 5 items listed below are universally required by landlords when one rents a house from them. By taking note of and obeying these duties when renting accommodation it will ensure that no issues will arise over the return of deposits etc.

Responsibilities when renting a property:

1. To ensure that the rent is paid on time

All rent must be paid on of before its due date every month to the office or account.

2. To report any problems at the property to landlord/agent

Any issues at the property throughout the tenancy must be reported immediately to the landlord/agent.

3. To pay for services ie Gas, phone, electricity, refuse

All services will be transferred in to the tenants names at the commencement of the tenancy. It is the tenants responsibility to ensure that these are paid to date before vacating the property.

4.To maintain the property with care

It is the tenants responsibility to maintain the property with care. Any problems will be dealt with once reported to the landlord/agent.

5.To provide notice when vacating the property

A tenant must provide sufficient notice to the landlord/agent when vacating the property. This will follow with the return of the keys to the property on that date. All bills etc must be paid up to date prior to the tenants vacating.

By presenting the above responsibilities and obligations for tenants,  Denis A. Barrett auctioneers & Property Consultants  hope that everyone (tenants and landlords alike) know what is required when taking the step into renting property.
Knowing the essential rules about obligations and responsibilities ensures that renting is a hassle free venture for both parties. Thus by providing new tenants with all the information with regards to rules and obligations for renting the accommodation, we hope to make sure that all parties are informed and satisfied with the arrangements before they agree to rent or let out a house.

We’ve all been there at some point in our lives when we have to leave the family nest and venture out into the big bad world!!
Leaving your family home and moving into rented accommodation can be a challenge, while for landlords renting out your property is just as daunting.  From trying to find out what documentation is needed before you even meet, knowing your tenant and landlord rights, being aware of the rules with regards to looking after the house, establishing and maintaining a good tenant/landlord relationship and of course paying rent, bills and deposits it can seem like a daunting task for tenants and landlords alike.
Here at Denis A. Barrett we know from experience that the most important thing is a good line of communication between both groups with regards to key issues that often arise.

With that in mind here is a list of 11 obligations we advise tenants to note when renting a property.

11 Tenant Obligations when renting:

1. To provide references – Work and previous landlord

2. To pay one months rent and one months security deposit in advance

3. To agree a rental period prior to signing a contract

4. To maintain the property in good manor and report and issues to landlord/management company

5. To pay the agreed rent amount on or before the due date every month

6. Allow landlord/agent to carry out routine inspections

7. Do not cause damage to the property intentionally

8. Give landlord/agent sufficient notice of vacating the property

9. Ensure that all bills are paid up to date prior to vacating the property ie ESB, GAS, phone etc.

10. To sign the PRTB form

11. To inform the landlord/agent of any requests or changes to the tenancy or within the property

1. To provide references – Work and previous landlord

Tenants are to provide the agent with both references which should be for current employment and most recent landlord reference. Both must be in writing and provide contact details for employer and landlord.

2. To pay one months rent and one months security deposit in advance

One months rent and one months security deposit of the agreed rental amount must be provided in advance of moving into the property. This can be paid directly to our account or in cash, cheque or bank draft to our office.

3. To agree a rental period prior to signing a contract

A rental term must be agreed and stated on the contract. The tenants must remain at the property for this agreed term.

4. To maintain the property in good manor and report and issues to landlord/management company

Any issues or questions that a tenant should have must be reported to the landlord/agent throughout the tenancy. The property must be kept in good condition by the tenant and any issues that arise will be dealt with immediately.

5. To pay the agreed rent amount on or before the due date every month

The tenant will sign a contract and agree to pay rent as of that date monthly on time for the full amount. This is paid to our bank account or to our office.

6. Allow landlord/agent to carry out routine inspections

It is agreed that routine inspections will be carried out quarterly at the property. Tenants will be given sufficient notice of any inspections and will allow the Landlord or Agent access to the property.

7. Do not cause damage to the property intentionally

The property must be looked after by the tenant and no damage caused intentionally to the property. Any damage caused must be reported to the landlord/ agent immediately.

8. Give landlord/agent sufficient notice of vacating the property

If a tenant is leaving a property, they must give sufficient notice as per threshold regulations and inform the landlord/agent. All keys must be returned on the agreed vacating date.

9. Ensure that all bills are paid up to date prior to vacating the property ie ESB, GAS, phone etc.

All bills must be paid in full and all balanced cleared prior to the tenants vacating the property. The ESB and Gas account must be transferred back into the landlords name and all other accounts rectified.

10. To sign the PRTB form

All landlords must register with the PRTB every tenancy. The tenants must sign the Private Residential Tenancies Board form and provide PPS numbers.

11. To inform the landlord/agent of any requests or changes to the tenancy or within the property

Should a tenant request to change the terms of their tenancy or adjust it in anyway, they must confirm this with the agent/landlord.

Being aware of these 11 points before you start will ensure that the move from family home to rented accommodation is a stress free and enjoyable venture for both tenants and landlords alike.  For tenants knowing your rights and obligations with regards to moving into rented accommodation allows you to enjoy your new found freedom responsibly.

View our latest range of rental properties in Cork

Known as the Rebel county and in Munster as the “real” capital of Ireland, Cork is a city with a unique culture and personality distinct from Dublin and Galway.

Its international appeal was well and truly cemented recently by the selection of Cork, by  Lonely Planet, as one of the Top Ten cities in the world to visit in 2010 –“Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2010” .

“With a population of the Cork Metropolitan Area of four hundred thousand people and a huge investment into infrastructure Cork now has one million square feet of retail space in an easily accessible city centre. Cork also has some of the best restaurants in Ireland or England so this vote is not really a surprise to the people of Cork,” say Lonely Planet.

“Sophisticated, vibrant and diverse while still retaining its friendliness, relaxed charm and quickfire wit, Cork buzzes with the energy of a city that’s certain of its place in Ireland.”

With this in mind…. Here’s our Top 10 Reasons to Live in Cork City

1. Cork Festivals:

One of the many things that separate Cork city from the rest of Ireland is the quality and variety on offer in its festivals. In summer there’s the Cork midsummer festival a rapidly growing arts festival that takes place for ten days in mid June. In those ten days the city streets, parks and venues rock with music, dance, theatre, circuses and picnics to celebrate the summer solstice. In June there is also the Cork City Marathon and the Ocean to City race, an exciting and good-humoured 15-mile rowing race from Crosshaven to Cork city to look forward to. During October one has the gift of 2 festivals running  after each other. The Cork Jazz Festival which is run on the long October weekend. Renowned worldwide as one of the friendliest Jazz festivals, some 1,000 musicians from 30 countries play in venues all over the greater city area during the four-day event. Also running in October or in November some years is the Corona Cork Film Festival which hosts a wealth of renowned world cinema showing a range of international, experimental and art-house films as well as international shorts that one would otherwise might not have a chance to see in mainstream cinema, thus being a delight for film buffs of all ages.

2. Music:

As well as the celebrated Jazz Festival, Cork has a thriving music scene and is famous for one of the greatest guitarists in the world Rory Gallagher. During the summer it hosts Live at the Marquee a summer music festival for all generations with a mixture of bands and comedy acts for old and new. Past acts in the last few years have included acts as diverse as 50cent, Kasabien, the Flaming Lips, Lady GaGa,  rock legends such as The Who and Irish folk legend Christy Moore as well as Comedy acts such as Des Bishop and Tommy Tiernan. To celebrate it’s musical diversity many bars in Cork have different thriving music scenes: for the true rock diehards there is Fred Zeppellons, for those interested in traditional Irish music sessions try An Realt Dearg on a Wednesday night and for those looking for a more contempory music feel there are various bars around too many to name that cater to that. However if you want to sit down, have a drink and listen to a gig Charlies Bar hosts live music from a range of influences rock to blues 6 days a week.

3. Nights out:

In Cork city there is a diverse range of bars, clubs and restaurants to suit all needs. Cork bars combine a distinctive mixture of the old and the new. From snug pubs with a distinct Cork feel such as the SinE the only public house left in Cork, and the little gem that is Tom Barry’s with it’s relaxed atmosphere and beer garden, to a bar with a global feel such as the Bierhaus which serves international beers to the more cosmopolitan modern bars such as Suas Corks finest rooftop bar, and latebars (The Crane Land Theatre) and clubs such as Havana Browns, Cork city has it all. As regards eating out, as well as traditional pub grub, Cork has an internationally renowned range of restaurants combining both traditional and new world cuisine ranging from the award-winning vegetarian restaurant Café Paradiso to Augustines to restaurants with global flavours such as Boqueria. From traditional cosy pubs that play live Irish music sessions most of the week, to cosmopolitan bars and nightclubs to fine dining Cork has a selection to suit everyone.

4.Entertainment and the Arts:

Cork is alive with the Arts and for the best in Comedy shows, Opera, Theatre, Pantomine for the kid in all of us and Dance check out the Opera House and the Half Moon Theatre. Comedy is also played in various venues and pubs around Cork and the Everyman Palace is a well known theatre in Cork city.

5.Art and Culture:

UCC and Glucksman Gallery. The influence of UCC and it’s properties is felt throughout Cork city with a thriving youth scene which gives Cork it’s modern edge. If you want a sense of history and art visit the UCC university grounds (Corks answer to Oxford) and the Glucksmans Gallery on site. Or if you want to sit down and relax and take in the scenery one can stroll though Fitzgeralds Park not too far from UCC and visit the Cork Public Museum situated on its grounds. As well as the Glucksman in UCC ground Cork city has a vibrant arts scene with various art museums such as the renowned Crawford Art Gallery Corks main art gallery in the city centre with a mixture of old and new, while Cork Vision Centre, Triskel Arts Centre and Fenton Art Gallery are others to take note.
6. Corks various Museums and landmarks:

For some history why not visit Blarney located 8km north of the city and kiss the Blarney Stone which will,in theory, give you the ‘the gift of the gab’ or in layman’s terms, eloquence. Checkout the historic quarter of Shandon and ring the Shandon Bells in Church of Saint Anne, in the distinctive red and white brick colour of Cork, the oldest cathedral in Cork. Whereas St Anne’s Cathedral in Shandon may be the oldest, the picturesque gothic St Finbarrs Cathedral is the most famous. The Cork public museum in Fitzgeralds Park, the Butter Museum and Cork City Jail are other interesting landmarks of Cork city to visit but they are just a few of many iconic Cork landmarks.

7. Great home of Sport

Be it Cork’s dominance of GAA, being the most successful dual sporting county (dominant in Hurling and Camogie, a main contender in Football and the only county to win the double this last century in 1990), it’s two great exports in that other football game (soccer) ( Roy Keane and Steve Irwin of Manchester Utd fame) and of course Munster Rugby to name just a few of it’s sporting accomplishments, Cork is renowned for it’s sport. For a chance to soak up the sporting atmosphere why not visit some of the numerous pubs around Cork. Or if one wants to see Cork GAA stars in action visit GAA grounds at Parc Ui Chaoimh, see Munster play half their home matches in Musgrave Park in Ballyphehane or check out the local soccer club Cork City in Turners Cross play a soccer match. If however one wants a different sporting night out, availing of food and drink, why not try greyhound racing at Curraheen Park or on the other hand head to Cork racecourse for the equine equivalent.
8. Shopping:

As opposed to the compact and winding streets of Galway and the metropolis that is Dublin by comparison shopping in Cork city is straightforward with all the main high street brands one expects from a major city all located on one street, the main thoroughfare St Patricks street saving you time so you can enjoy all the hidden delights of Cork. And shopping in Cork has never been better with the redevelopment on Opera lane just off St Patricks Street adding highstreet leaders such as Topshop, H&M, New Look, River Island to the already established high street stores.

9. Food:

English Market : As Cork county is one of the finest food producers in Ireland it is no wonder that Cork city has a historic indoor market to sell all it’s wares. The emphasis is on local produce, with cheeses, ham, buttered eggs, sausages, bread and smoked salmon on offer, and for those with a strong stomach try the uniquely Irish produce Tripe and Drisheen. As well as local produce  there are some imports such as olives, chocolates and wine and the market has both a national and international gourmet feel. Other than browsing and taking in the atmosphere of this historic and unique market why not try a few things there. If you are a cook at heart and want fresh cooking tips the fresh-food sellers will help you to decide exactly what to buy and how to cook it. Or if you want to take advantage of all the latest gourmet choice on offer check out the markets restaurant, the Farmgate Café, on the second floor of the market while you take a breather and take in the view of the goings on in the market below.

10. Drink

While Dublin is famous for Guiness known worldwide Cork has it’s unique alternative Murphy’s and Beamish only found in Cork city. And for further proof of it’s delight in fine stout and lager visit the Franciscan Well which was voted the best Microbrewery in Ireland by Food and Wine Magazine (May edition 2008). The Franciscan Well is a bar that actually brews it’s own beer. One can enjoy the taste of some of it’s specialities such as Shandon Stout, Blarney Blonde, Rebel Red and Friar Weisse in the enormous beer garden at the back. Around Easter and October they host an international beerfest with beers from all over the world. And as mentioned earlier Cork has a vibrant nightscene with many distinct and welcoming bars.

And these are just some of the reasons to look at residential houses for sales in Cork or residential property rentals in Cork . There’s also the Lough, the Peace Park, the Blackrock Castle Observatory and the Lifetime Lab, the library, the people, the scenery, the history and then there’s cork county a whole other area indeed ……..

About Us Established in 2003, Denis A Barrett Property Consultants prides itself in the efficient professional service on offer to their valued customers. We provide a comprehensive property service that includes sourcing, acquiring, sales, letting & management for all of all types of property including residential, commercial, & agricultural.