Photograph 1 of 5 of Craigadoes, St. Johnston, Co. Donegal
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Craigadoes, St. Johnston, Co. Donegal

€55,000

What you'll like:

  • Generous site size: The property includes approximately 0.6 acres of land, providing ample space for a single-family dwelling, private gardens, and appropriate wastewater treatment infrastructure.
  • Accessible roadside location: The plot features extensive road frontage onto a minor public road, ensuring straightforward vehicular access and simplified construction logistics for a future buyer.
  • Unique historical feature: The remains of a stone-built flax mill are contained on the site, offering an extraordinary architectural element that can add immense character to a bespoke new build.
  • Attractive entry price: With an asking price of just 55000 euros, the land represents an accessible financial entry point for self-builders looking to create a custom rural home.
  • Convenient regional positioning: Situated mid-way between Raphoe town and St. Johnston, the location offers convenient access to local shops, schools, and essential community services within minutes.
  • Established utility proximity: Rural utility lines running along the minor public road frontage may facilitate easier connections for electricity and telecommunications during the development phase.
  • Scenic countryside setting: The rural surroundings deliver peaceful views and a tranquil atmosphere, making it an appealing retreat for buyers seeking a quieter countryside lifestyle.
  • Custom design potential: Being offered as a blank canvas allows the purchaser to design and construct a bespoke home tailored precisely to their modern family requirements.
  • No upper chain delays: As a vacant parcel of land offered subject to planning, the acquisition process is typically straightforward without the complications of an existing chain.
  • Manageable development scale: Focusing on a single dwelling reduces the regulatory and financial complexities often associated with larger multi-unit residential housing developments.
  • Local builder availability: Donegal features a strong network of local tradespeople and contractors experienced in rural one-off housing construction and traditional stone restoration.
  • Character integration opportunities: Salvaged stone from the historic flax mill ruins could potentially be repurposed into exterior landscaping or feature walls for the new dwelling.
  • Privacy and independence: The generous plot size ensures greater spatial separation from immediate neighbors compared to typical suburban housing estate developments.
  • Outdoor lifestyle potential: The 0.6-acre footprint easily accommodates polytunnels, extensive vegetable gardens, or safe recreational play areas for family use.
  • Favorable regional demand: Demand for well-located rural sites with distinct character remains consistently steady among local buyers seeking to build their own homes.
  • Straightforward boundary layout: Roadside plots with clear physical markers often simplify boundary identification and subsequent fencing installation for the incoming owner.
  • Agricultural adjacency: The surrounding rural landscape helps preserve long-term open vistas and minimizes the risk of intrusive urban encroachment close to the boundary.
  • Direct agent representation: Listing through an established local agency ensures buyers can easily arrange viewings and secure prompt responses to preliminary inquiries.
  • Investment value creation: Successfully navigating the planning process and constructing a bespoke home typically adds substantial value well above the initial land acquisition cost.
  • Heritage aesthetic appeal: Incorporating a period ruin into a contemporary architectural design creates a visually striking contrast highly sought after in modern rural housing.

But keep in mind:

  • Planning permission uncertainty: The property is offered strictly subject to achieving planning permission, meaning the buyer carries the full risk of local authority refusal.
  • Local housing needs restrictions: Donegal County Council enforce strict rural housing policies that may require applicants to prove local ties or housing need to secure approval.
  • Absence of BER rating: No Building Energy Rating exists yet, though this is typical for bare land and will only apply once a new dwelling is constructed.
  • Unknown bedroom count: The listing omits bedroom and bathroom specifications entirely because the structure is merely a ruin requiring a completely new build.
  • Unspecified floor area: The total floor area is not provided, requiring the buyer to commission architectural drawings to determine the feasible scale for the plot.
  • Undeclared property type: The listing does not specify a formal property category beyond being a roadside site with historic ruins.
  • Wastewater treatment viability: Soil percolation tests must be independently verified to ensure the ground can successfully support a compliant septic tank or proprietary effluent system.
  • Historic structure constraints: Preserving or altering the stone flax mill ruins might require specialized conservation input, potentially increasing architectural and engineering costs.
  • Potential connection charges: Accessing local water and electricity networks from the roadside may involve significant installation costs if connections are distant from the boundary.
  • Site clearance expenses: The presence of stone ruins and overgrown vegetation means the buyer must budget for thorough site clearing before any construction can commence.
  • Surface water drainage risks: Low-lying sections or poor soil drainage could necessitate the installation of engineered soakaways to prevent seasonal water accumulation on the plot.
  • Sightline compliance requirements: The local roads authority may demand significant road frontage setbacks and boundary clearing to achieve safe sightlines for a new entrance.
  • Development levy liabilities: Successful planning permission will trigger local authority development contributions, adding thousands of euros in mandatory fees prior to construction.
  • Boundary fence obligations: The buyer should verify existing fencing conditions and anticipate legal costs associated with establishing definitive legal boundaries around the entire 0.6 acres.
  • Archival heritage restrictions: Local planning authorities may impose conditions regarding the preservation, recording, or partial integration of the historic flax mill remnants.
  • Geotechnical survey necessity: Subsurface ground conditions are entirely unknown, making it prudent for the buyer to commission a site investigation to rule out hidden peat or rock.
  • Proximity to minor road hazards: The extensive road frontage onto a minor public road requires careful driveway placement to ensure safe vehicle entry and exit visibility.
  • Time delay risks: The planning application and appeal process can extend over many months, delaying the start of construction and tying up capital.
  • Professional fee overheads: The buyer must budget extensively for architects, engineers, environmental consultants, and planning agents to steer the project through regulations.
  • Financing complexities: Securing a mortgage specifically for unpermitted land can be exceptionally difficult, meaning cash buyers or specialized development loans are typically required.

Price positioning

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This comparison depends on limited public and listing evidence, which may be incomplete, outdated or not directly comparable. The score is not a percentage, professional valuation or guaranteed estimate. Ask an independent qualified valuer before relying on a property value.
The asking price appears broadly in line, with a slight undervaluation signal.
  • The asking price appears modestly positioned because acquiring a 0.6 acre rural plot subject to planning permission carries inherent development risks and uncertain approval timelines that typically depress initial land values significantly.
  • Valuation signals reflect standard conditional site pricing where the presence of an old stone flax mill introduces both unique architectural character and potential conservation or clearance costs that require careful financial calculation.
  • This pricing strategy could be supported if local planning precedents strongly favour one-off rural housing in this specific Donegal corridor, but it would be heavily undermined by strict local planning restrictions or high connection costs for essential utility services.
  • Relevant market considerations include the broader regional demand for self-build sites and the reality that obtaining local authority consent remains the primary hurdle for prospective buyers before any meaningful construction can commence on the roadside plot.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a 0.6-acre roadside site containing the remains of a stone-built flax mill, offered for sale subject to planning permission for a single dwelling.
  • Buyers should investigate local planning policies regarding rural housing restrictions, local needs criteria, and the feasibility of obtaining planning permission on a site with historical ruins.
  • The presence of an old mill structure may require archaeological assessments, structural evaluations of the ruins, or specialized site clearance and conservation considerations.
  • A thorough site suitability assessment, including percolation tests for wastewater treatment and checks for connection points to local utility services along the road frontage, is essential.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Not applicable as the property is a site with the remains of a stone built flax mill offered subject to planning permission, and currently has no habitable dwelling or heating system installed.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The site is located in a predominantly rural agricultural setting with no major heavy industrial facilities, incinerators, or active large-scale landfills immediately apparent nearby.
  • Any historical industrial use is limited to the remains of a small nineteenth-century flax mill on the plot, which should be assessed for localized legacy issues if development proceeds.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The property is situated along a minor public road in an elevated rural context, generally reducing the likelihood of widespread river or coastal flooding.
  • Buyers should verify local surface water drainage patterns and consult official flood maps during site-specific engineering assessments.

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 St Johnston area

  • CASTLEDOOEY, ST JOHNSTON, CO DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €495,000.00
  • LEGNATHRAW, ST JOHNSTON, DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €450,000.00
  • 4 CHURCHVIEW, ST JOHNSTON, DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €160,000.00
  • 6 ARD NA MEALA, ST JOHNSTON, DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €189,000.00
  • ARDAGH, ST JOHNSTON, DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €160,000.00

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

  • Solicitor legal fees: €1,500 to €3,000 plus VAT
  • Land registration fees: €400 to €800 depending on the property value and registration type
  • Property valuation fees: €150 to €300
  • Surveyor fees: €500 to €1,200 depending on the depth of the survey required
  • Annual home insurance: €350 to €700 depending on the structure and policy type

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Locals in the St. Johnston and Raphoe areas frequently discuss rural planning guidelines and the specific challenges of securing permission for one-off housing in County Donegal.
  • Community discussions often highlight the character and historical significance of old vernacular structures, such as former flax mills, scattered throughout the rural countryside.
  • Road maintenance and safety on minor rural roads connecting St. Johnston and Raphoe are common topics among local residents.
  • Prospective buyers in the wider Donegal region regularly exchange advice on navigating the pre-planning consultation process with the local council.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property is a bare 0.6-acre site requiring planning permission to build, meaning it is not immediately suitable for families with young children until a home is constructed.

    3/10
  • Teenagers

    Building a custom home offers future potential, but the current state as an undeveloped site provides no immediate living space for teenagers.

    3/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The generous 0.6-acre plot provides ample space to design a large home or annex tailored for multi-generational living, subject to acquiring planning permission.

    4/10
  • Single Buyers

    Single buyers looking for a ready-to-move-in home will find this unsuitable as it is merely a plot of land with ruins requiring a complex self-build project.

    3/10
  • Couples

    An appealing opportunity for couples wanting to build their own bespoke home from scratch, though subject to the uncertainties of securing planning permission.

    4/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Could suit empty nesters wanting to downsize to a self-built bespoke bungalow, but the lengthy construction process must be factored in.

    4/10
  • Retirees

    Managing a self-build project on a site with old stone ruins may prove challenging and stressful for retirees seeking a hassle-free lifestyle.

    3/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    A custom-built home could easily incorporate a dedicated home office, but buyers must verify the availability and speed of local broadband infrastructure.

    5/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    The rural location between Raphoe and St. Johnston means commuting to major employment hubs will likely involve significant driving time.

    4/10
  • Retired

    Suitable for retirement only if the buyer is prepared to undertake or manage a self-build project.

    5/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    Building a single-story accessible home is possible, but the rural isolation makes long-term aging in place challenging without a car.

    3/10
  • Low Maintenance

    Managing a vacant plot with old stone ruins requires groundskeeping, and building a new home involves extensive ongoing maintenance.

    2/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    Buyers have the opportunity to design and install secure gated entry systems as part of their self-build planning.

    4/10
  • Minimalist Design

    While the land is a blank canvas, local planning guidelines may dictate specific architectural styles that must blend with the rural vernacular.

    5/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    Total flexibility to design any floor plan desired, subject to securing local authority planning permission.

    10/10
  • Heritage Home

    Features the remains of an old stone-built flax mill which adds unique character and historical interest, though restoration feasibility should be thoroughly investigated.

    6/10
  • Ecological Setup

    A 0.6-acre plot in a rural setting offers wonderful opportunities to incorporate renewable energy, sustainable drainage, and eco-friendly building materials.

    7/10
  • Outdoor areas

    A generous 0.6-acre site provides expansive outdoor space for landscaping, gardens, and outbuildings.

    9/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    A 0.6-acre plot offers fantastic potential for enthusiastic gardeners to design and cultivate extensive landscaping from the ground up.

    8/10
  • Walking

    The minor public road with extensive frontage provides a quiet starting point for rural walks, though buyers should verify pedestrian safety on local country lanes.

    7/10
  • Gym

    There are no commercial gym facilities on or immediately adjacent to this raw land site.

    1/10
  • Cycling

    The surrounding rural roads offer scenic routes for cyclists, though the lack of dedicated cycle lanes requires caution.

    6/10
  • Golf

    County Donegal features several notable golf courses, though access will require driving from this rural position.

    5/10
  • Fishing

    The general region in East Donegal offers access to freshwater fishing opportunities in nearby rivers.

    6/10
  • Horse Riding

    The rural location and sizable plot could potentially accommodate equestrian interests, subject to planning and proper stable setup.

    7/10
  • Water Sports

    Inland location means water sports are not available directly on-site, requiring travel to rivers or coastal areas.

    2/10
  • Entertaining

    Currently just a vacant site with ruins, offering no space for entertaining until a property is successfully built.

    2/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Located in a rural setting mid-way between Raphoe and St. Johnston, offering a peaceful and tranquil environment away from major urban noise.

    9/10
  • Rural Living

    A quintessential rural offering consisting of a 0.6-acre roadside plot surrounded by the countryside.

    10/10
  • Village Living

    Situated a short drive from local towns like Raphoe and St. Johnston, providing reasonable access to village amenities.

    6/10
  • Coastal Living

    County Donegal has extensive coastlines, but this specific inland location does not offer coastal views or immediate seaside access.

    2/10
  • Urban Living

    This is a rural roadside site far removed from city centers and urban amenities.

    1/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Involves integrating into a rural townland community, which typically centers around nearby local towns and parishes.

    5/10
  • Café Culture

    Very limited café options in the immediate vicinity, requiring a drive into nearby towns for social dining.

    2/10
  • Nightlife

    Zero nightlife options directly available in this rural roadside location.

    1/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Local wellness activities like pilates and stretching would need to be accessed in nearby community centers or towns.

    3/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    As a vacant rural plot, there are no inherent professional networking opportunities here.

    1/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    Rural Donegal can experience variable internet speeds; high-speed fiber connectivity should be verified prior to committing.

    2/10

Listing information

Agent
Henry Kee & Son
Phone
074 9131050
Published on HouseDelve
5 October 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-2CD193HouseDelve · Republic of Ireland

Report 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.