Re: Co. mayo rural areas
JohnJoda
There are considerable differences in prices for different parts of Mayo. Even rural area's around Westport, Achill and Castlebar are quite expensive. You can expect to pay in excess of E200k for even a basic cottage on 1/2 and acre of land. However if you are prepared to go further east towards Swinford, Charlestown, Ballyhaunis, Claremorris or Hollymount you'll find a good few properties as low as E120k though they might require some work.
As other posters said, it all depends on what you want. Do you want plenty of space for gardening or keeping livestock, Do you want to be near the sea? Do you want access to public transport or to be reliant on car for access to shopping? Do you want to be near entertainment, theatre, social activities?
If good quality shopping, better public transport, proximity to the sea, social activities are your priority then you're better off near Westport or Castlebar (West mayo)
On the other hand if you are happy with keeping to your self, having plenty of space, travelling by car to shops, and possibly less spectualar scenery or mountains then East Mayo will suit ya.