Whether you’re dreaming of a medieval castle, a sprawling estate, a refurbished farmhouse or a cozy cottage, a piece of Irish history can be yours – for prices ranging from $97,000 (€75,000) to the (rather open ended) “best offer.”
Here are some of the most enticing historic Irish properties on the market right now, as listed on FormerGlory.ie, an excellent resource for information on period properties for purchase, rental, vacationing or holding an event.
Each of these properties is very different, from the charmingly renovated Victorian Mill House in Co. Cork to the stately former family home of playwright J.M. Synge. Still, we know which ones are our personal favorites! What about you? Let us know in the comment section.
Central Part of Glanmore Castle, Ashford, Co. Wicklow
Enjoy presiding over a 2,000 acre kingdom with Dublin just a short 30 minute drive away. The sprawling Glanmore Castle was built in the mid-1700s and then carefully re-designed in 1804. Glanmore was the family home of J.M. Synge, one of Ireland’s most famous playwrights. The castle sits on the grounds of Devils Glen Equestrian Village and offers sweeping views of the Irish countryside and down to the sea.
Atop the castle is a roof deck – sheltered, to protect you from the Irish rain. Inside, there are four bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and a multitude of halls. Listed by Premier Properties Ireland, for best offer.
Dromore Mill, Bantry, Co. Cork
A former water mill built in the Victorian era to grind local stone for export, Dromore Mill partially converted into a residence in the 1970s and has been extensively renovated in recent years to suit modern tastes. The interior is flooded with light from a skylight and includes six bedrooms, five bathrooms, an open kitchen, a muck room, an office and even a gallery.
The home sits alongside the River Owennashingaun (river of the ants), and the listing paints a lovely picture of waterfalls, salmon leaping in the river, and rambling wooded grounds. There is also a guest cottage on the property being offered as its own lot – interested parties may inquire after the mill house, the cottage or both.
What’s more, the 25-foot mill wheel remains on the property and feasibility studies have indicated it could be re-installed to generate up to 6kw in power supply. Property listed by Michael Daniels, price available upon request.
Cloodrumman Beg Cottage, Foxfield, Keshkerrigan, Fenagh, Co. Leitrim
Less than 1,500 thatched cottages are left on the island of Ireland – many of them, sadly, crumbling and in need of repair. What we have here, however, is a charming cottage in excellent exterior and interior condition.
Sitting on an acre of wild meadow, the cottage has been carefully restored with special attention paid to traditional methods, such as lime plaster, authentic Irish straw and a half-door. The original oak beams, flagstone hearth and fireplace remain intact. An added bonus is a modern extension at the back of the house that links to the cottage through a glass interior hallway.
The cottage has two bedrooms and, despite its rustic charm, all modern conveniences including oil heating, septic and a private well. The property also includes a barn and an outhouse. The towns of Keshkerrigan and Fenagh are nearby, and Leitrim’s main town Carrick-on-Shannon is a short distance away. Price: $166,500 (€ 129,000)
The Old Rectory, Lough Eske, Co. Donegal
An old rectory built by the Church of Ireland in 1900, this home sits on four acres of woodland along the picturesque and tranquil southern edge of Donegal’s Lough Eske.
Inhabited by one family for the last two decades, the home has been carefully updated and upgraded, while at the same time maintaining original features including tall ceilings, an elegant staircase, and cornice moldings.
The spacious layout includes two formal reception rooms, an open dining room/kitchen with an Aga stove, four bedrooms on the first floor and a large master bedroom on the second floor with sweeping views of Barnsmore Gap. Priced on application.
Liss Church & School House, Grogan, Ballycumber, Co. Offaly
This listing is a fantastic steal for a buyer prepared to carry out extensive renovations. Both a former Church of Ireland church and an old stone school house are included in the offer, pre-approved for conversion to residential property.
The church, built in 1820 and vacant for many years now, is built of coarse rubble limestone and includes a tall west tower. Renovation work was previously started, but many of the original details were untouched, including a stone spiral staircase leading to the belfry, an original Telford organ, and two stained glass windows by Harry Clarke, Ireland’s most famous stained glass artist.
The school house, just across the road from the church, was built in 1840 and is in need of complete interior renovation. Listed by PropertyTeam.ie and Lappin Estates, Price: $220,000 (€170,000)
Rahelly House, Carney, Co. Sligo
This two-story, 6,000 sqft house sits on 2.5 acres in Co. Sligo and comes with a bell tower, two courtyards surrounded by stone buildings, a stable for 18 horses, 68 cattle stalls and a storied past.
It was built in 1860 by a tenant of the Gore-Booth Lissadell Estate, sold in 1885, and inhabited by an agent of the Gore-Booths. In 1922, it was used as barracks by Irish Republicans, taken over by National troops, and in 1923 the main house was burned down.
The main residence has since been carefully restored to minimalist taste design-wise, but includes many luxurious amenities, such as a gym, a wine cellar, a reception hall and a library. The house provides views of Sligo Bay and Ben Bulben.
The outbuildings have mostly been re-roofed and weather-proofed, but are in need of interior renovation. Potential uses include office units, a country hotel, and more. Listed by Schiller & Schiller price: $986,000 (€750,000)
Ballyfinboy Castle, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary
Ballyfinboy Castle doesn’t exactly scream “home sweet home,” but for a buyer intent on owning a piece of Irish history, this is an intriguing listing.
The castle was built by the O’Kennedy clan in 1480. Its first recorded mention is on St. Bridget’s Day, 1599, when it was captured; its owner at the time, Phillip Kennedy, “put to sword.” Mentions of the castle pre-Famine times describe it as a ruin, but in good condition.
It sits on 2.5 acres of land, bordered to the north by the Ballyfinboy River, and is a 12 minute drive from the town of Nenagh. Listed by Premier Properties Ireland, price: $97,000 (€75,000).
The Shepherd's Cottage, The Pocket, Coomlumina, Blackwater, Killarney, Co. Kerry
It doesn’t get much more story-book than this! The Shepherd’s Cottage is currently a popular Co. Kerry vacation rental, and would make an ideal business venture or personal retreat for any buyer. The cottage and its surrounding meadow are surrounded on three sides by mountains and on one side by a river, guaranteeing the utmost tranquility and privacy.
The cottage includes three bedrooms and a separate garage, and is located 20 minutes from Sneem, 30 minutes from Kenmare and 40 minutes from Killarney. Listed by Kerry Property, price: $407,000 (€315,000).
Heathfield, Ballyruane Woods, Kilmeedy, Co. Limerick
Looking for a castle-like home in need of little to no renovation? Heathfield is for you. Described as “a most beautiful blend of historic and contemporary,” Heathfield offers the best of everything – and the surrounding 1,000 acre Ballinruane Wood.
The house has Italian marble floors heated from underneath by a charcoal heating system, individual thermostats for each room, sandstone walls, a gothic tower, Jacuzzi bath, and four bedrooms on the first floor.
Heathfields environs include gardens, 12 waterfalls, and a golf driving range. Listed by Premier Properties Ireland, price: best offer.
Mountross House, Farrihy, Broadford, Co. Limerick
Mountross House is a 3,700 sqft farmhouse built in the early 1900s and recently renovated, with an extension added in 2006. It offers 4 bedrooms, a lovely internal staircase, a hot tub, a full bar, and a garage. What’s more, furniture may be included.
The one-acre property is walking distance from the village of Broadford, close to the historic Springfield Castle, and a 30 minute drive from the town of Adare.
Which historic property would you most like to live in? Let us know in the comment section, below.
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