There's a phenomenal amount of empty buildings over here, as mentioned largely due to the downturn.
I remember when I first visited Ireland after meeting my now wife about 6 years ago and remarking how there were cranes everywhere.
Now essentially you have ghost villages, retail parks and even sites in the Dublin city centre.
This site has never been finished despite being 2 mins away from the IFSC (Financial District):
http://goo.gl/maps/Juonc
Down the road even nearer to the IFSC, these blocks have always been vacant to my knowledge:
http://goo.gl/maps/SYjlM
Similarly across the river, these office blocks have been empty since I've been here, right next to Grand Canal Square and the Bord Gais Energy Theatre:
http://goo.gl/maps/B56uF
As per the abandoned Ireland site, there are whole towns abandoned in more rural areas of Ireland.
It's a great time to buy property assuming you can get a mortgage, which is one of the main reasons we decided to reside here. Rather that than pay £300,000 for a 2 bed converted flat in Brighton, that's for sure.
Incidentally, the "Hell Fire Club" on that site is where we walk the dog most Sundays. I'd classify it as more of a ruin than abandoned though. Interesting history (if true).
