Ok, that may be a little misleading since I don’t actually own an Irish castle, but in my dreams I do. The truth is that there are so many castles in Ireland so why can’t I have one? I’m not sure if it is the building itself or the childhood fantasy I wish to fulfill, but any way you look at it, castles are the ideal home.
This is a picture of an Irish castle that our tour guide, Mike, told us an American bought. He apparently had visited Ireland, fell in love with the country and golfing in Ireland, and decided to buy a castle. He doesn’t live there year-round, but who doesn’t want to be able to say that they own a castle in Ireland?
There are castles in various states throughout Ireland, from beautifully renovated castles that have been turned into 5-star hotels to castles left in total disrepair.
I found several castles for sale in Ireland on the Internet. Here are just a few:
Here is Castle ffrench in Ballinamore Bridge, Co. Galway.
From their website:
Built in 1779, this beautiful listed Grade ‘A’ manor house is situated amongst century old trees and lawns. 29 rooms, stone walled cobbled courtyard with a 2 apartment guest cottage, 16 stall stable, 8 paddocks and 2 large pastures. Set in rolling parkland Castle ffrench ranks with Irelands ‘ outstanding examples of Georgian architecture. Absolutely one of a kind with its original floor plan, elaborate plasterwork, woodwork and hardware. Ornate fireplaces and huge bedrooms all being the hallmarks of this very rural country house, which is full of eye-catching features including a barrel vaulted semi-basement, ornate cornicing, marble fireplaces, wooden floors and flagstoned hallway.
How about Killahara Castle in Thurles, County Tipperary?
- Just completed a full ‘restoration’ (technically, it underwent a conservation project rather than the more usual speculative restoration – full detail available on request)
- Unique self-contained ‘penthouse’ with glass gables overlooking the countryside
- Wide windows on all floors, making lower levels also exceptionally bright and livable
- Comfortable and easy to heat due to modern features that were subtly included in the renovation – central heating, excellent insulation, good glazing, bathrooms and hot water on all floors, cooking and laundry facilities, etc.
- Very low maintenance
- Stunning views in all directions
- All works were overseen and authorized by conservation experts (details available)
- Exceptionally detailed historical record has been compiled, backed up by extensive and intriguing documentation
- Includes an avenue through a mature beech woodland
- Comes on 7 acres of excellent land suitable for horse paddocks
- Secluded yet not isolated – near the historic Victorian village of Dovea
- Approx. 1.5 hours from Dublin, Cork, and Shannon
How about Caherkinmonwee Castle in Galway? Not only do they have a website for the castle, but they also have a FaceBook page.
From the web site:
MyIrishCastle is a story about a castle built in 1450 by the French Normans. Now for sale, the castle lay in ruins for about 200 years until it was beautifully restored by a local stonemason and artisan. For ten years, Pete Hayes recreated the castle from a pile of rubble into what it is today. Every window, room and doorway was restored. Pete bought the castle in 1996, and worked on it for 10 years. Pete trained as a clothing designer, but taught himself stonemasonry. The castle stands on 4 acres of beautiful grounds with a river, trees and gardens, with several outhouses. It has been lovingly restored over the past 10 years, and is currently for sale.
Is it possible to own your own Irish castle? Absolutely! It might take money and hard work, but nothing is impossible. If anyone is thinking about, in the process of buying one, or has bought one, please let me know! I would love to interview you as there isn’t much written on castle ownership. In the meantime, I will continue to dream about my castle in Ireland.