Iconic Thurles castle on sale for €1m

In Irish, Thurles or Durlas Éile means Strong Fort of Éile, or, more correctly, Durlas Éile Uí Fhogartaigh (Strong Fort of the O’Fogarty’s of Éile). It is the O’Foragtys that gave their name to Thurles. Cornelius O’Fogarty, the former owner, fought in 1690 at the Battle of the Boyne and was Captain on the side of James II. He owned and played the O’Fogarty Harp. The harp is on the town’s coat of arms.

The more recent history is equally as important. The castle was used as a base by Northampton Regiment against the IRA during the turbulent years of the battle of independence. In 1922, as it drew to a close, the castle was burnt and destroyed by the IRA. Today, the ruin of Castle Fogarty still stands, albeit with an impressively renovated residence that stands at the wing of the castle.

Castle Fogarty dates from as early as the 16th century. Today it is in the hands of the Ryans, having been passed down through the generations through inheritance and marriage. It is the first time in 380 years that the castle has been offered for sale.

The potential on offer within an age-old castle deep in the Tipperary countryside is unimaginable. The shell of the residence that stands there today may not be anything that resembled the magnificence of before, but for those with an imagination and money, one cannot rule out such a return of grace.

From a farming point of view, the €1m guide price on what stands on 100 acres represents a solid €10,000/ac, however it must be noted that of the 100 acres, a third is woodland.

The presence of this woodland pushes the price of available agricultural land up significantly to almost €15,000/ac. With the influence of dairy farmers and active businesspeople in the market in the county over the last 18 months, one would assume that there will still be interest.

Savills, the auctioneers handling the sale, agree.

The residence

While the castle lays in ruin and has done for almost 100 years, a clever renovation of a side wing was undertaken shortly after its destruction. Looking at this dramatic property from afar, the idea that it is lived in is extraordinary.

This residential wing provides comfortable accommodation for family living and entertaining and is laid-out in a C-shaped plan with a courtyard to the rear formed by outbuildings and stone walls. Constructed around the northern wing of the original castle, one of its key features is the impressive castellated entrance.

The principal reception rooms are well positioned to take in the attractive views over the estate’s parkland. Internally, the home includes a number of impressive features, including hardwood flooring, deep skirtings, open fireplaces and wine bins in the cellar. The northern tower forms part of the residential accommodation, from which there are expansive views.

Outbuildings

As well as the residence, there is a useful range of traditional outbuildings adjoining the residential wing. They are constructed of stone beneath pitched slate roofs and are enclosed by stone walls, creating a courtyard with a gravel base.

They include coach houses, stables and a barn, all of which have the potential to be converted to provide further residential accommodation, subject to obtaining the necessary planning permission.

An attractive garden laid to lawn surrounds the castle and residential wing. Two substantial walled gardens are also contained on the property.

Land

Tipperary land is always well sought after. Competition is usually high for land parcels of good quality here. The land at Castle Fogarty extends to about 102 acres in total – however, just 64 acres of this is farmland. Lying within a ring fence, the ground here is good quality.

Described by the auctioneers as a good balance of productive farmland and deciduous woodland, it is evidently good Tipperary land. The woodland predominantly comprises of ancient native species with some younger plantations, including oak, beech and ash, that were planted between 1991 and 1994. Two acres are described as miscellaneous by the auctioneers.

The potential

Imagination and money could restore this castle to its magnificent former glory. It is a private treaty sale and the guide is €1m. The holding has been on the market now for almost a month.