Full page add?

Bit showy, I think.

Have you connections in the area? Talk to a few of the locals. Let it be known you’re looking. If that doesn’t yield results, then maybe a small ad in the local paper.

Putting a full page advert in a localised paper , will likely Garner attention coupled with the sound of a cash register ringing in people's ears.

The primary challenges you face is people in the type of properties you seek are likely in properties that they can't downsize from . I did what your looking to do, 20 years ago, purchased a cottage in the Midlands, renovated substantially and whilst Idyllic, rural but not too much so, its value despite restoration, is such, I'd be lucky to afford a 1 bedroom apartment in my nearest town. I've a small manageable mortgage so my only upside would be, being mortgage free but would I wish to live in a box, with no Garden, absolutely not.

Alternatively there is possibility vacant properties like the type you seek, but again, these are likely Tied to a local family, reluctant to sell, being kept for a relative, perhaps tied to a farm etc. Finally derelict properties option ,whilst there was a time it was relatively easy to source labour, Materials etc, both are either in short supply or prices have quadrupled. Renovating, restoring a property is not for the faint hearted.

A close friend has in fact found a property in Longford but it requires complete restoration, he has a family of Trades people and a small connection to the area. I had terrible problems when I started my restoration project having no local connections or contacts in the building industry, so also factor this in.

Your best bet honestly, find a local auctioneer/s fully explain what your looking for, let them do the search, use more than one , it may take time, a couple of hit and misses but I honestly believe this is the best approach to finding the property you seek.

You really need to build relationships with the local agents. They will know where the properties that might suit you and which might be available for sale are. They also know who is serious and who will just play along to get a valuation.

if you really were going to place a big ad you would best do it in conjunction with and on the basis of the advice of a local agent.

Why not get an agent to work on your behalf?

Estate agents also work on behalf of buyers, but because buyers tend not to think its worth paying someone with massive knowledge of a local market, its not an often used service except at the higher end.

However in many countries a buying agent is quite normal. You are probably looking at a fee of €1500 - €2,000