There’s nothing like waking up to a sea breeze.

Luckily, Cork is surrounded in miles of magnificent coastline, so there’s plenty of choice when it comes to finding the perfect seaside home just a short commute to the city.

Right now there’s a choice of top class properties available in some of the most sought after coastal areas, from Kinsale to Glengarriff.

Here are five that fit the bill for less than €300,000: 

1. Airlie Cottage, 38 Cork Street, Kinsale, Co. Cork

Asking price: €285,000 

This three-bedroom, two bath townhouse boasts views over the harbour and a sunny private back garden to chill out in when you’re not out enjoying everything Kinsale has to offer.

The three storey property is in an historic part of the town, with Desmond Castle across the street and the Friary Church just uphill on the beautiful tree-lined Carmel Avenue.

2. Peach Gardens, Clashreagh, Kilbrittain, Co. Cork

Asking price: €295,000

A ten minute drive to Kinsale town and three minutes from the bustling village of Ballinspittle, this property is a peach for a variety of reasons. With stunning views to Courtmacsherry Bay, the interior has been tastefully updated in recent years, with a sun lounge, kitchen, dining area, three bedrooms and a brand new family bathroom.

The large garden boasts a decking area, orchard and storage shed for all those surfboards and kayaks.

3. Vale Cottage, Ballinaclogh, Rosscarbery, West Cork

Asking price: €285,000

Nestled on a hillside just a short stroll from Mill Cove and one kilometre from Tralong Beach, Vale Cottage is a country retreat with serious vintage charm. It’s been renovated in recent years, with wainscotting, wooden beams, cast iron stoves and open fireplaces adding lasting charm to every room in the house, from the three cosy bedrooms to the roomy bathroom.

There’s even a detached stone outbuilding you could potentially use as a guest room, studio or workshop.

4. 1 Belvidere, Upper Strand, Youghal, East Cork

Asking price: €200,000

With four bedrooms and two bathrooms, €200k is already a steal for this period property. Throw in the panoramic sea views and a raised decking area and this is a bargain family home that oozes charm.

Just a short stroll from Youghal town centre, there’s an entrance hall, living room with open fire place and French doors to the dining room as well as a kitchen, utility, four bedrooms, one bathroom and separate loo.

5. Ellen’s View, Furkeal, Glengarriff, West Cork

Asking price: €275,000

With views of Garnish Island and access to the waterfront just 100 meters from the house, this is a property that will delight anyone who appreciates the wild scenery of West Cork.

It could do with a bit of an update to the decor internally, but with a little elbow grease, this three bed, one bath detached bungalow could be a magical private getaway just three kilometres west of Glengarriff Village.