
Ballynahown, Furbo, Co. GalwayH91W7C6
€720,000
4 Bed~109 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Generous land holding: The property includes approximately 6.5 acres of beautiful countryside, providing enormous scope for a rural lifestyle, smallholding, or enjoying immense space and privacy.
- Active planning permission: Full planning permission has already been granted under reference 24/60564, allowing a buyer to bypass administrative delays and start building immediately.
- Shovel ready status: Full structural engineer drawings have been completed for the approved scheme, meaning you can commence the major renovation project without unnecessary preliminary design expenses.
- Substantial expansion potential: The approved planning scheme provides for a gross floor area of roughly 2,700 square feet, transforming a small cottage into a large modern home.
- Traditional character features: The stone-built architecture, traditional adjoining barn, and original outbuildings create an atmospheric central yard rich with authentic historical charm.
- Picturesque river boundary: The gently flowing Loughinch River forms a natural western boundary, adding a genuinely tranquil, scenic element to the rural landscape.
- Desirable south aspect: The farmhouse is ideally positioned to take advantage of a south-facing orientation, ensuring excellent natural light enters the front rooms.
- Convenient coastal proximity: Furbo village, the local church, and the local beach are just a five-minute drive away, offering wonderful local amenities close to home.
- Accessible city commute: Galway City Centre is reachable within approximately 20 minutes by car, successfully combining peaceful countryside living with urban convenience.
- Historic farmhouse appeal: Dating back to around 1855, the property offers a rare opportunity to restore a genuine mid-19th-century Galway homestead.
- Versatile ground floor layout: The layout includes a flexible room that can easily function as a dedicated home study or an additional downstairs bedroom.
- Dual aspect bedrooms: Several first-floor bedrooms feature windows to both the front and rear, maximizing ventilation and daylight across the upper level.
- Natural light throughout: Windows positioned along the long first-floor landing and main rooms ensure the interior feels bright despite needing complete modernization.
- Private countryside setting: Enjoying an exceptionally secluded rural atmosphere, the homestead provides a peaceful retreat away from heavy traffic and noise.
- Agricultural heritage charm: The surrounding stone ruins and yard layout offer an inspiring architectural canvas for landscaping and creative courtyard integration.
- Established utility connections: The site already features a septic tank and is plumbed for a mains water supply, simplifying initial infrastructure work.
- Clear development vision: Detailed architectural plans are ready to guide the transformation, removing guesswork for contractors executing the approved extension.
- Strong lifestyle investment: Acquiring land, history, and approved permits in a sought-after Galway region represents a compelling long-term property venture.
- Distinctive market opportunity: Traditional farmhouses with this scale of acreage and ready-to-go permits rarely appear, offering a genuinely unique purchase for visionary buyers.
- Engaging community location: Situated in a highly regarded rural area near Furbo, supporting strong future property desirability upon successful project completion.
But keep in mind:
- Extensive modernization required: The existing structure has been unoccupied since 2011 and requires a complete, costly renovation before it becomes habitable.
- Poor energy rating: The property carries a disastrous G energy rating with an extremely high performance indicator, demanding comprehensive insulation upgrades.
- Substantial financial commitment: Beyond the asking price, extensive construction costs will be required to execute the 2,700 square foot approved development plan.
- Strict planning conditions: Buyers must carefully review all conditions attached to planning reference 24/60564 to ensure compliance during the extensive build.
- Wastewater compliance check: The existing septic tank system should be professionally inspected to verify whether it meets modern environmental and regulatory standards.
- Historic fabric limitations: Restoring a mid-19th-century stone structure often uncovers unforeseen structural defects that can significantly inflate overall renovation budgets.
- Vacant since 2011: Long-term vacancy implies that dampness, timber rot, or roof degradation may require severe remedial intervention prior to finishing works.
- High energy upgrade costs: Achieving a modern BER rating from a baseline G status will necessitate major investment in heating systems and renewable tech.
- Contractor availability risks: Securing reliable builders for a complex rural renovation and extension project in the current market may introduce project delays.
- Proximity to water: Being bounded by the Loughinch River means buyers should investigate potential flood risks or insurance implications for the site.
- Demolition and waste management: Integrating existing outbuildings into the new extension will involve careful debris clearance and structural shoring.
- Limited existing accommodation: In its current untouched state, the 109 square meter layout is entirely too small and outdated for modern family living standards.
- Unverified fixture conditions: Internal fixtures, fittings, and room dimensions provided in preliminary brochures are approximate and require personal verification.
- Financing complexities: Lenders can be hesitant to provide standard mortgages on uninhabitable G-rated properties without specialized renovation loan products.
- Access road suitability: Buyers should check local rural laneways to ensure heavy construction vehicles can safely access the site during the building phase.
- Utility connection upgrades: Existing mains water and electrical services must be evaluated to confirm they possess sufficient capacity for the proposed larger home.
- Potential ecological restrictions: Proximity to a natural watercourse and rural environment may trigger specific environmental surveys or planning constraints.
- Construction inflation exposure: Spanning a major extension project exposes the buyer to fluctuating material and labor costs over the build duration.
- Temporary alternative accommodation: Buyers undertaking a full ground-up restoration will likely need to rent nearby housing while the farmhouse is unlivable.
- Due diligence necessity: Independent structural and legal surveys are critical before closing to uncover any hidden title, boundary, or planning anomalies.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears somewhat ambitious given the substantial renovation costs required, as the property currently holds a poor BER rating of G and has remained unoccupied for over a decade, necessitating comprehensive structural modernization.
- The valuation is heavily supported by the inclusion of approximately 6.5 acres of scenic countryside land and valuable full planning permission for an expansive 2906 square foot residence, which significantly enhances its development potential.
- Factors that could undermine this pricing include unexpected heavy construction inflation, historical building complexities, or delays in executing the approved expansion, whereas strong demand for coastal county lifestyle properties supports the figure.
- Relevant context is provided by recent regional property transactions in the broader Furbo area, demonstrating that large rural holdings with development scope command substantial premiums compared to standard second-hand housing stock.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a traditional stone-built detached farmhouse dating back to c.1855, requiring complete modernisation after being unoccupied since 2011, meaning a buyer must investigate the condition of the historic stonework, roofing, and internal timbers.
- Full planning permission has been granted under reference 24/60564 for a refurbishment and extension incorporating the existing outbuildings to bring the gross floor area to approximately 270 sq.m., which a buyer should verify alongside compliance with any planning conditions.
- Structural engineer drawings are completed and the property is described as shovel ready, though a comprehensive structural survey is essential to determine the extent of damp, structural integrity, and foundation stability of both the main house and surrounding stone structures.
- The property relies on a private septic tank and mains water supply, so a buyer must inspect the capacity, condition, and regulatory compliance of the existing waste system.
- The site is bounded to the west by the Loughinch River, making it important to investigate potential flood risks or drainage considerations associated with the riparian boundary.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Given the G BER rating, the property requires a complete and deep retrofit to achieve modern energy efficiency standards.
- With the approved expansion to approximately 270 sq.m., a comprehensive deep retrofit including insulation, window replacement, heating systems, and renewable energy integration could cost upwards of €100,000 to €150,000 or more, depending on the standard of finishes and integration with the permitted extension.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: EUR 3,000 to EUR 4,500+.
- Explanation: Given the poor G energy rating, a floor area of 109 square metres in its current state, and the property having been unoccupied since 2011 with no active modern heating systems described, thermal efficiency is very low. Heating costs will be exceptionally high until the approved refurbishment and energy upgrades are completed.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is situated in a peaceful rural countryside setting in Ballynahown, well away from heavy industrial zones, major manufacturing hubs, or large-scale waste facilities.
- Potential buyers should independently verify the operational condition and environmental compliance of the existing on-site septic tank system.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property occupies an elevated south-facing rural site, though it is bounded to the west by the gently flowing Loughinch River.
- While general flood risk appears low given the topography, buyers should review local drainage patterns and consult official flood maps regarding the proximity of the watercourse.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estateExtra effort was used to find nearby sales here
1 GAOTH NA MARA, BALLYNAHOWAN, FURBO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €2,100,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Furbo area
SEANAFHRAOCHOG, FURBO, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €520,000.00
STRIPE, FURBO, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €415,000.00
SEERSHIN, FURBO, CO GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €400,000.00
COISMEIG MOR, FURBO, GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €730,000.00
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
BALLYNAHOWN, FURBO, COUNTY GALWAY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €511,000.00
Buyer fees*
Associated expenses guide
- Solicitor legal fees: approximately EUR 1,500 to EUR 3,500 plus VAT and outlay.
- Land registration fees: approximately EUR 400 to EUR 800 depending on the property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: approximately EUR 150 to EUR 300 for a standard mortgage or market valuation.
- Surveyor fees: approximately EUR 500 to EUR 1,200 depending on the depth of the structural survey required for a property requiring complete modernisation.
- Annual home insurance: approximately EUR 400 to EUR 900, noting that vacant or older properties requiring renovation may require specialised vacant property insurance and should be investigated.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local discussions highlight the strong demand for traditional properties with renovation potential and land in the Furbo and broader Connemara hinterland.
- Residents frequently discuss the balance of rural tranquility and easy commuting distance to Galway City via the coastal route.
- Community forums often note the high scenic value and popularity of nearby coastal amenities, beaches, and local village life.
- Property discussions in rural Galway generally emphasize the importance of checking local infrastructural capacities, such as private wastewater treatment systems and local road access.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children3/10
The property requires complete modernisation and has been unoccupied since 2011, presenting significant safety hazards for young children in its current state until extensive renovations are completed.
- Teenagers4/10
While the 6.5 acres provide ample outdoor space, the remote rural setting and current dilapidated state offer limited independent social opportunities for teenagers without transport.
- Multi-generational Living7/10
Full planning permission for a major extension to approximately 270 sq.m. creates an excellent canvas to design adaptable living quarters for extended family members.
- Single Buyers3/10
The scale of the project, requiring substantial capital investment beyond the €720,000 asking price and heavy renovation management, is generally unsuitable for a single buyer.
- Couples6/10
For couples with project management experience and vision, this offers an exciting opportunity to restore a historic farmhouse, though it requires patience during the build phase.
- Empty Nesters5/10
The tranquil rural setting appeals to empty nesters, but the considerable maintenance demands of a 6.5-acre historic holding and a major renovation project may prove daunting.
- Retirees4/10
The property currently lacks modern accessibility features and has a poor BER rating of G, requiring substantial adaptation for comfortable retirement living.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The tranquil setting is ideal for home working environments once renovated, though buyers should verify local broadband speeds and connectivity infrastructure.
- Hybrid Commuting6/10
Being approximately 20 minutes from Galway City makes a hybrid commute feasible, though reliance on a car is absolute.
- Retired5/10
Appealing for a peaceful retirement lifestyle, provided the owners are prepared to manage a significant property restoration and ongoing land maintenance.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place3/10
The existing mid-19th-century structure requires complete modernisation and lacks ground-floor accessibility features, though future-proofing could theoretically be integrated into the approved extension plans.
- Low Maintenance1/10
An unoccupied historic farmhouse with a G BER rating, requiring total refurbishment, coupled with 6.5 acres of land and stone outbuildings, represents very high maintenance.
- Secure Gated Entry4/10
The private rural setting offers natural seclusion, but formal secure gated entry infrastructure is currently absent and would need to be installed.
- Minimalist Design2/10
Characterised by traditional mid-19th-century stone architecture, historic outbuildings, and rustic charm rather than clean-lined minimalism.
- Flexible Floor Plans8/10
Full planning permission for a 270 sq.m. refurbishment and extension provides an exceptional blank slate for buyers to configure a highly flexible layout.
- Heritage Home10/10
A genuine mid-19th century (c.1855) traditional stone-built farmhouse complete with a traditional barn and original outbuildings surrounding a central yard.
- Ecological Setup5/10
The property currently features a G BER rating and relies on a septic tank, but the extensive land offers fantastic potential for renewable energy or sustainable smallholding projects.
- Outdoor areas10/10
Features approximately 6.5 acres of land, a central yard, traditional stone outbuildings, river boundary, and a sunny south-facing aspect.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening10/10
With approximately 6.5 acres of land, a traditional yard, and historic outbuildings, there is boundless potential for extensive gardening and landscaping projects.
- Walking9/10
The surrounding scenic countryside and nearby beach offer fantastic local walking and hiking opportunities right from the doorstep.
- Gym2/10
There are no commercial gym facilities within walking distance, requiring travel into nearby towns or Galway City for structured fitness facilities.
- Cycling6/10
Quiet rural roads surrounding the property offer pleasant cycling routes, though rural traffic speeds and lack of dedicated cycle lanes require caution.
- Golf5/10
While regional golf courses can be reached within a reasonable drive, none are immediately adjacent to this rural location.
- Fishing9/10
The property is bounded to the west by the gently flowing Loughinch River, providing an exceptional setting for fishing enthusiasts.
- Horse Riding9/10
The generous 6.5-acre plot, traditional outbuildings, and rural environment make this property highly suitable for keeping horses.
- Water Sports6/10
Proximity to the coast and local beaches within five minutes allows for convenient access to sea-based water sports.
- Entertaining6/10
The approved plans for a large 270 sq.m. home and extensive outdoor grounds will eventually offer great entertaining space, though current facilities are non-existent.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Set on approximately 6.5 private acres in a rural Galway setting bounded by a river, offering exceptional peace, privacy, and seclusion.
- Rural Living10/10
A quintessential traditional Irish homestead experience featuring stone outbuildings, a yard, river frontage, and extensive grounds ideal for a smallholding.
- Village Living7/10
Furbo village, with its local amenities, church, and beach, is conveniently located just five minutes away by car.
- Coastal Living7/10
Proximity to the local beach within a five-minute drive provides good access to coastal environments while maintaining a rural countryside base.
- Urban Living3/10
Located roughly 20 minutes from Galway City Centre, meaning urban amenities require a dedicated drive rather than being on the doorstep.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Proximity to Furbo village facilitates integration into the local rural community, church, and nearby social networks.
- Café Culture4/10
Local café options are limited immediately nearby, requiring a short drive into Furbo village or further towards Galway City.
- Nightlife2/10
The rural location offers virtually no nightlife, requiring travel into Galway City for pubs, clubs, and evening entertainment.
- Health/Wellness groups4/10
Structured wellness classes and health groups will generally require travel into nearby urban centres or village community spaces.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
Professional networking opportunities are sparse in this rural setting, requiring connections to be maintained in Galway City or online.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity3/10
While tech hubs exist in Galway City, the immediate rural location lacks direct tech-hub infrastructure, making reliable home internet vital to investigate.
Listing information
- Agent
- O'Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers Ltd
- Phone
- 091 564 212
- Published on HouseDelve
- 7 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-873A34HouseDelve · Republic of IrelandReport checks
Sources used: Public marketplace, Property Price Register, and grounded web research where available.
Automated quality checks: Passed
* Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.