Ballinakill, Lettermullen,, Lettermore, GalwayH91TK8K
€175,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~102 m²~BER F
What you'll like:
- Elevated coastal setting: The property occupies an elevated site of approximately 0.731 acres that enjoys attractive water views, offering a peaceful rural lifestyle surrounded by stunning Connemara coastline.
- Generous floor area: Providing 102 square metres of well-proportioned accommodation, the detached bungalow layout offers a solid foundation for a comfortable three-bedroom family home or holiday retreat.
- Dual living spaces: The interior features both a formal sitting room with an open fireplace and an additional family room boasting a solid fuel stove for cozy gatherings.
- Attached garage convenience: A dedicated rear hallway provides direct access to an attached garage, offering valuable secure storage or potential workspace for future renovation projects.
- Natural slate roofing: The main structure features a traditional natural slate roof, which generally provides durable protection and complements the character of this 1940s countryside dwelling.
- Partial window upgrades: The home already benefits from double-glazed windows and doors in a mix of materials, which helps reduce initial replacement costs during the upcoming renovation process.
- Existing gas heating: An Alpha gas boiler has been installed over the years, giving buyers a head start on heating infrastructure before undertaking a full thermal retrofit.
- Off-street parking space: A private gravel driveway approaches the dwelling and provides ample off-street parking capacity for residents and visiting guests amidst mature grounds.
- Spacious mature grounds: Encompassing roughly 0.731 acres, the surrounding grounds offer ample outdoor space for landscaping, gardening, or extending the footprint subject to necessary planning permissions.
- Rich cultural location: Situated right in the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht, residents can immerse themselves in a welcoming community known for its unique heritage and scenic beauty.
- Proximity to beaches: The surrounding area is rich with beautiful local beaches and coastal landscapes, making this an ideal haven for swimming, walking, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Tranquil rural privacy: Positioned amidst open countryside and individual private residences, the property delivers exceptional peace and privacy without feeling entirely isolated from neighbors.
- Renovation potential: Requiring complete modernization throughout, savvy buyers have a fantastic opportunity to restore and customize every single finish to match their personal aesthetic preferences.
- Flexible viewing arrangements: The selling agent highlights a willingness to be ultra-flexible around private appointments, making it easier for interested purchasers to inspect the property thoroughly.
- Manageable one-story layout: The single-level detached bungalow format appeals strongly to downsizers or families seeking accessible living spaces without internal stairs to navigate daily.
- Established regional access: While deeply rural, the location remains within driving reach of larger hubs like Spiddal and Maam Cross, facilitating occasional trips for broader supplies.
- Solid historical footprint: Constructed originally in the 1940s, the property showcases traditional vernacular characteristics that can be thoughtfully highlighted in a modern architectural redesign.
- Attached storage options: Beyond the main rooms, the garage integration helps keep clutter out of the primary living quarters, supporting tidy rural organization year-round.
- Scenic driving routes: The journey to Galway City spans stunning Connemara landscapes, turning regular commutes or weekend errands into visually rewarding scenic experiences.
- Investment upside: Purchasing a detached coastal property at this entry price point allows for substantial value creation through strategic renovation and energy efficiency upgrades.
But keep in mind:
- Poor energy rating: The dwelling holds a weak BER rating of F, indicating severe thermal inefficiency and high heat loss that will require substantial insulation investments.
- Extensive renovation required: The listing notes that the home requires complete renovation throughout, meaning buyers must budget significantly for structural and cosmetic overhauls before moving in.
- Dating from 1940s: Built in the 1940s, prospective purchasers should investigate potential hidden issues such as dampness, outdated wiring, obsolete plumbing, and foundation settling.
- Mixed window materials: The windows and doors comprise an eclectic mix of timber, PVC, and aluminium, which may look disjointed and require eventual uniform replacement.
- Distant urban access: Situated roughly 55 kilometres from Galway City, daily commuting requires significant driving time and fuel expenditure across rural regional roads.
- Private septic uncertainty: Buyers should verify the status, capacity, and current regulatory compliance of any on-site wastewater treatment or septic tank systems.
- Private water supply check: It is essential to investigate the source and quality of the local water supply servicing the rural dwelling to ensure safe potable water.
- Roof extension concerns: The rear extension features a metal roof rather than slate, which should be inspected for potential condensation, durability, and insulation performance.
- Gaeltacht planning rules: Local planning authorities often enforce strict restrictions on housing development in Gaeltacht areas, potentially complicating any future extension or modification plans.
- Limited local amenities: Being deeply embedded in a tranquil rural pocket means everyday shopping, schools, and medical services require driving significant distances.
- Weather exposure risks: Elevated coastal sites in Connemara experience harsh Atlantic winds and driving rain, requiring thorough inspection of exterior render and weatherproofing.
- Chimney and stove check: The open fireplace and solid fuel stove need professional flue and chimney inspections to ensure they meet modern fire safety standards.
- Boiler lifespan unknown: Although an Alpha gas boiler is present, buyers must commission a technical assessment to determine its age, efficiency, and remaining operational lifespan.
- Boundary verification needed: Intending purchasers must carefully review land registry maps with their legal representative to confirm the exact boundaries of the 0.731-acre site.
- Access road maintenance: Buyers should check who is legally responsible for maintaining the rural approach roads leading to the property to avoid unexpected repair costs.
- Electrical system age: Given the 1940s origins, the electrical wiring may be outdated and should be thoroughly tested by a certified electrician for safety compliance.
- Insulation deficiency: Properties of this vintage typically lack cavity wall and adequate attic insulation, contributing to the poor energy rating and cold indoor temperatures.
- Restricted public transport: The remote rural setting lacks robust public transport links, making private vehicular transport an absolute necessity for all household members.
- Future resale liquidity: Highly specialized rural properties can sometimes take longer to resell compared to urban or suburban housing stock during shifting market conditions.
- Hidden structural defects: Because the property requires deep restoration, buyers should allocate contingency funds for unforeseen structural surprises discovered during strip-out.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears fairly positioned or slightly conservative relative to broader regional norms, given the requirement for extensive modernization and a poor energy efficiency rating that will demand substantial capital investment from any prospective purchaser.
- Positive signals supporting this valuation include a generous site area of over half an acre and attractive coastal water views, which typically add considerable appeal and long-term value to rural properties in scenic coastal regions.
- Factors that could significantly undermine this pricing position include hidden structural defects, difficult site conditions, or the high cumulative costs associated with bringing a 1940s detached bungalow up to modern comfort and energy standards.
- Overall, the figure reflects a realistic market entry point for a renovation project in a remote location, balancing the charm and scenic advantages of the setting against the heavy outlays required for comprehensive property restoration.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a detached three-bedroom bungalow originally constructed in the 1940s, occupying an elevated site of approximately 0.731 acres with water views.
- The listing notes that the home requires renovation throughout, so buyers should investigate the condition of the structural elements, internal finishes, and services.
- Features include a natural slate roof with a metal-roofed rear extension, an attached garage, a mix of timber, PVC, and aluminium double-glazed windows and doors, and an Alpha gas boiler.
- Buyers should verify the compliance and condition of the various window types, the roof extension, and the heating system, as well as checking for damp, insulation levels, and the integrity of the older building fabric.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a poor BER rating of F, indicating significant energy inefficiency and high heat loss.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit to bring a house of approximately 102 m² up to a modern energy-efficient standard (such as a BER rating of B2 or better) would typically require substantial investment.
- Estimated costs would likely range from €50,000 to €80,000 or more, depending on the extent of external wall insulation, roof/attic insulation, window and door upgrades, heating system replacement (potentially integrating heat pumps or solar technologies), and airtightness improvements.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: 2,500 euro to 3,500 euro.
- Explanation: The property has a poor BER rating of F and a floor area of 102 square meters, indicating significant heat loss. Combined with an older structure requiring renovation and reliance on solid fuel and gas heating, heating expenses are expected to be notably higher than average until energy efficiency upgrades are completed.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in a tranquil rural coastal setting with no apparent major industrial plants, incinerators, or active large-scale landfills nearby.
- Any historical land use is typically agricultural or residential, though buyers should verify local septic tank registration and standard environmental compliance during their investigation.
Flood Safe
7/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The listing highlights that the property occupies an elevated site enjoying attractive water views in a coastal region.
- While elevated positions generally offer good protection, coastal properties in this region may experience specific exposure risks during severe storms, so a formal flood risk assessment is recommended to verify local vulnerabilities.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
No verified results were found for this group in the previous five years.
Recent sales in the wider Lettermore area
LETTERCALLOW, LETTERMORE, CO GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €164,000.00
DEREENGLASS, LETTERMORE, CO GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €220,000.00
MAUMEEN, LETTERMORE, CO. GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €425,000.00
DEEREENGLOSS, LETTERMORE, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €280,000.00
LETTERCALLOW, LETTERMORE, COUNTY GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €275,000.00
Source: Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA), Residential Property Price Register (PPR).
Matching uses address information published by the PPR rather than measured map distance. It may omit nearby properties on differently named streets.
Last Sale
A confidently matched previous PPR transaction for this property
No confidently matched previous sale was found in the Property Price Register.
Buyer fees*
Associated expenses guide
- Stamp duty: approximately 1 percent of the purchase price, amounting to 1,750 euro.
- Solicitor legal fees: estimated between 1,500 euro and 3,000 euro plus outlay and VAT.
- Land registration fees: approximately 175 euro to 400 euro depending on the registry type.
- Property valuation fees: roughly 150 euro to 300 euro for a mortgage valuation report.
- Surveyor fees: estimated between 600 euro and 1,200 euro given the need for a thorough structural survey due to the property's age and renovation requirements.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 400 euro to 800 euro depending on the level of coverage and rural location.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals and community groups in the Connemara Gaeltacht frequently discuss local infrastructure projects and road maintenance on regional forums.
- Residents often highlight the peaceful and scenic lifestyle of Lettermullen, noting its strong sense of community and rich cultural heritage.
- Housing availability and the demand for rural renovation projects are common topics of conversation among those looking to move to or remain in the area.
- Community discussions often touch upon the balance between preserving local traditional amenities and managing tourism during peak seasons.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children5/10
The property features an elevated 0.731-acre site for children to play, but the home requires extensive renovation before it is suitable for young families.
- Teenagers4/10
The rural, remote location in Lettermullen offers plenty of space, but teenagers might find it isolated from urban amenities and social hubs.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
With three bedrooms, one bathroom, and 102 m² of living space requiring total renovation, the layout is quite compact for multi-generational living without expansion.
- Single Buyers5/10
At an asking price of €175,000, it offers an affordable entry point for a standalone home, though significant renovation funds will be needed.
- Couples6/10
An appealing project for couples looking to craft a countryside retreat or permanent home, provided they are willing to take on substantial restoration work.
- Empty Nesters6/10
Single-level bungalow living suits downsizing or retirement goals, though the need for heavy renovations should be carefully evaluated.
- Retirees6/10
The detached bungalow layout avoids stairs, making it practical for ageing, but the remote rural setting means reliance on driving for essential services.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working6/10
A quiet rural setting offers a peaceful home office environment, but buyers should verify local broadband speeds and connectivity.
- Hybrid Commuting2/10
With Galway City 55 km away, regular commuting would be lengthy and impractical for hybrid schedules.
- Retired9/10
An ideal location for retirees seeking peace, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life away from the city.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place7/10
The single-level bungalow style is well-suited for ageing in place, provided the layout is adapted and modernized during renovations.
- Low Maintenance1/10
The property requires comprehensive renovation throughout, and the large 0.731-acre mature site demands ongoing upkeep.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The property features a gravel driveway but lacks a pre-existing secure automated gated entry system.
- Minimalist Design4/10
Built in the 1940s, the traditional layout features distinct rooms rather than open-plan minimalist spaces, though this can be reconfigured.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
The current 102 m² layout includes a formal sitting room, family room, and kitchen, offering moderate flexibility for reconfiguration during renovations.
- Heritage Home6/10
Originally constructed in the 1940s in the Connemara Gaeltacht, it holds period character, though it has an F energy rating and requires modernization.
- Ecological Setup3/10
Featuring an older gas boiler and an F-rated BER, significant energy efficiency upgrades will be needed to achieve an eco-friendly standard.
- Outdoor areas8/10
Occupies an elevated site of approximately 0.731 acres with mature grounds and attractive water views.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening8/10
The mature grounds extending to approximately 0.731 acres provide ample outdoor space for enthusiastic gardeners to landscape and cultivate.
- Walking9/10
The scenic Connemara surroundings, coastal paths, and local beaches offer exceptional opportunities for walking and exploring nature.
- Gym2/10
There are no commercial gym facilities nearby in this rural Gaeltacht area, requiring home setups or long drives.
- Cycling7/10
Scenic local roads provide picturesque cycling routes, though the rural infrastructure lacks dedicated cycle lanes.
- Golf3/10
Proximity to standard golf courses is limited given the remote rural positioning of Lettermullen.
- Fishing9/10
The coastal location in Lettermullen offers fantastic access to marine and local fishing environments.
- Horse Riding6/10
The expansive rural countryside offers potential for equestrian pursuits, though local stable infrastructure should be verified.
- Water Sports8/10
Proximity to the Atlantic coastline and beaches makes this an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts.
- Entertaining5/10
While the site and footprint offer space, the interior requires complete modernization before it is well-suited for hosting guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Located in a tranquil rural setting amidst open countryside and private residences, offering exceptional peace and privacy.
- Rural Living10/10
Situated in the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht on a 0.731-acre site surrounded by scenic landscapes and open countryside.
- Village Living5/10
The location is deeply rural rather than central to a bustling village community, though local Connemara Gaeltacht community ties are present.
- Coastal Living9/10
The property enjoys attractive water views and is surrounded by stunning coastline and local beaches.
- Urban Living1/10
Extremely remote from major urban centers, with Galway City located approximately 55 km away.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
The Connemara Gaeltacht boasts a strong, welcoming local community with a rich cultural heritage.
- Café Culture3/10
Local café options are scarce directly in the immediate rural vicinity, requiring travel to nearby towns.
- Nightlife1/10
Nightlife options are virtually nonexistent locally, requiring trips into major regional hubs.
- Health/Wellness groups3/10
Organized wellness classes and group activities are limited due to the sparse rural population density.
- Networking Opportunities1/10
Professional networking opportunities locally are minimal given the geographic isolation.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity1/10
The area is completely removed from tech hubs, though satellite or fiber internet availability should be checked.
Listing information
- Agent
- Vincent Walsh Auctioneers
- Phone
- 093 346 95
- Published on HouseDelve
- 13 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-352287HouseDelve · Republic of Ireland* Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.