The sale of one of the most historic residences in the west of Ireland was completed last week, when the Mac Dermot estate, situated at Coolavin near Monasterden, Co Sligo, was purchased by a couple believed to be from England. The Mac Dermot estate, named so after the well-known family that have lived in the area for over 300 years, comprises a Gothic-style Victorian house and circa 155.5 acres.

The Mac Dermot family history can be traced back hundreds of years and is closely linked with the counties of Sligo and Roscommon. In fact, the original seat of the Mac Dermot family was located in a castle on an island on Lough Key. During their time here, the family was known as the Kings of Moylurg.

They resided here until the late 16th century, when they moved to the famous Georgian mansion known as King House in Boyle, Co Roscommon. During the reign of Charles II, much of the family lands were confiscated and they moved to Monasterden, where they resided until the 1890s when they purchased the now Mac Dermot estate at Coolavin and built the residence that stands there today. The Mac Dermot family have always been highly regarded and respected by the Monasterden locals due to their involvement in the community.

The late Madam Mac Dermot in particular was very well regarded, as she was instrumental in setting up a number of local schemes which created employment in the area.

The lands which make up the estate are described as “mixed” with some good, average and poor areas. There is also circa 40 acres of woodland on the estate. The Mac Dermot family have farmed the land as long as they have resided there. They kept a dry stock beef enterprise for years, but some can remember when the family milked cows.

According to selling agent James Kilkoyne Senior, of James Kilkoyne Ltd, Ballaghadreen, around 30% of the land is of good quality, a further 30% is average ground, while the remainder is boggy and in need of work. The land does offer plenty of road frontage and is enclosed by a high stone wall in many parts.

The Gothic-style house is also in need of some repair and restoration as it has had little investment since it was first built in 1898. The 7,800 sq ft building is a publically listed building so any restoration work will have to be delicate.

Despite this, Kilkoyne says there has been huge interest in the estate “from all over the world.” He added that the couple who bought the estate, believed to be from the UK, are “lovely people who will be a great addition to the area.”