Drumfad Lower, Kerrykeel, DonegalF92PF68
€155,000
2 Bed~1 Bath~3399 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Affordable Entry Price: The asking price of €155,000 provides a budget-friendly option for buyers looking for a holiday home or a small rural retreat in Donegal.
- Peaceful Rural Setting: The property is nestled in a quiet country location, offering buyers a tranquil environment away from urban congestion and noise.
- Proximity To Portsalon: Being situated close to the scenic coastal village of Portsalon allows easy access to beautiful local beaches and recreational activities.
- Golf Course Nearby: The proximity to Portsalon Golf Course is a major advantage for golf enthusiasts looking for nearby sporting amenities and outdoor leisure.
- Local Village Amenities: Kerrykeel is just a short distance away, providing essential conveniences such as a national school, independent shops, bars, and a post office.
- Charming Semi Detached Cottage: The traditional cottage style appeals to buyers seeking character and authentic rural architecture rather than a modern cookie-cutter build.
- Functional Kitchen Area: The combined kitchen and living space features fitted eye and low-level units along with essential appliances like an electric oven and gas hob.
- Washing Machine Included: The inclusion of a washing machine in the kitchen setup saves the incoming buyer immediate appliance purchase and installation costs.
- Flexible Bedroom Layout: Bedroom two features wood painted flooring and ceiling with potential to be utilized as an alternative secondary sitting room if desired.
- Electric Shower Installed: The bathroom is equipped with an electric shower, ensuring a reliable and independent hot water supply for daily washing needs.
- Private Gravel Driveway: The gravel drive provides dedicated off-street parking space, enhancing convenience and security for residents and visiting guests.
- Outdoor Garden Space: Features include a lawn to the front and side, along with a fenced boundary around the back garden for privacy and safety.
- Handy Small Store: The inclusion of a small store building on the plot offers useful exterior storage for garden tools, bicycles, and outdoor gear.
- Generous Plot Extension: The plot extends further to the rear, giving buyers potential room for landscaping, outdoor entertaining, or future property expansion.
- Holiday Retreat Potential: The manageable two-bedroom footprint makes this an ideal lock-up-and-leave holiday home for weekend getaways along the coast.
- Stable Asking Price: The tracked asking price of €155,000 has remained unchanged, indicating a firm pricing strategy from the seller with no sudden upward adjustments.
- Clear Eircode Access: The provision of a specific Eircode makes navigation straightforward for visitors, delivery drivers, and tradespeople trying to locate the rural address.
- Established Local Routes: Clear directional guidance from nearby landmarks like Blaney's store in Kerrykeel ensures easy vehicular access to the rural property.
- Natural Light Opportunities: The cottage layout benefits from dual-aspect positioning typical of rural dwellings, offering pleasant views of the surrounding countryside.
- Renovation Potential: The property offers enthusiastic buyers an exciting opportunity to modernize and upgrade interior finishes to their own personal tastes and standards.
But keep in mind:
- Extremely Poor BER Rating: The property holds a G energy rating, which indicates very poor thermal efficiency and high potential heating costs for the buyer.
- Massive Energy Performance: The energy performance indicator sits at a staggering 1172.92 kWh/m2/yr, meaning the home will likely require extensive insulation upgrades.
- Unusually Large Floor Area: The listing data claims a floor area of 3,399 square meters, which is likely a data entry error and must be verified immediately.
- Potential Title Discrepancy: Given the extreme mismatch in stated square meterage, buyers should inspect the legal boundaries and folio maps carefully with their solicitor.
- Heating System Uncertainty: The listing does not detail a central heating boiler, so buyers must investigate how the property is currently heated during cold months.
- Single Bathroom Facility: The property contains only one bathroom for the two bedrooms, which may feel restrictive for families or when hosting holiday guests.
- Compact Room Dimensions: Bedrooms and living spaces are relatively small, limiting the capacity for large furniture items or extensive family living arrangements.
- Surface Water Drainage: Buyers should verify the status of septic tank arrangements or local wastewater compliance, as rural properties often rely on private systems.
- Water Supply Verification: The buyer should investigate whether the water supply comes from a private well or a local group water scheme and check its quality.
- Insulation Upgrades Required: Upgrading the building fabric to modern standards will require a significant financial investment given the current G energy rating.
- Roof and Attic Inspection: Due to the age typical of rural cottages, a thorough survey of the roof timbers and attic insulation is strongly advised.
- Dampness Risk Assessment: Rural properties with poor energy ratings frequently suffer from damp or condensation issues, requiring a professional damp and timber survey.
- Gas and Electrical Checks: The electrical wiring and gas connections should be professionally inspected to ensure compliance with current safety standards and regulations.
- Limited Public Transport: The rural setting lacks robust public transport links, meaning future occupants will rely entirely on private vehicles for daily travel.
- Winter Weather Exposure: Coastal and rural Donegal locations can experience severe weather, making winter accessibility and wind exposure important factors to consider.
- Narrow Rural Roads: Approaching the property via local country lanes may involve narrow stretches that require careful navigation during peak tourist seasons.
- Resale Market Limitations: The remote rural location and small bedroom count may result in a niche resale market compared to urban residential properties.
- Maintenance Responsibilities: Exterior elements like gravel drives, boundary fences, and garden lawns will require ongoing upkeep and personal physical maintenance.
- Lack of Central Amenities: Daily shopping and services require driving into Kerrykeel or Portsalon, as there are no immediate commercial conveniences within walking distance.
- Renovation Budgeting: Buyers must factor potential upgrade costs well beyond the asking price to make the cottage comfortable for year-round residential living.
Price positioning
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- The asking price appears somewhat overvalued when considering the extremely poor G energy rating, which will inevitably demand substantial capital expenditure from any buyer to achieve modern living standards and adequate home heating efficiency.
- Valuation signals are mixed because while the rural coastal location near popular amenities and beaches provides lifestyle appeal, the very high energy performance indicator heavily detracts from the underlying intrinsic value of the dwelling.
- Potential buyers might be deterred by the massive improvement costs required to rectify the severe thermal inefficiency, though low initial entry pricing could still attract holiday home seekers looking for a quiet rural renovation project.
- Relevant market dynamics suggest that rural properties requiring deep retrofits trade at significant discounts, meaning the current list figure leaves limited room for negotiation unless the seller adjusts expectations downward significantly.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a traditional two-bedroom semi-detached cottage located in a rural setting, which suggests older construction methods likely lacking modern insulation standards.
- Given the extremely high energy performance indicator associated with a G BER rating, a buyer should investigate the condition of the walls, roof, and windows for dampness, lack of cavity insulation, or single glazing.
- The electrical and plumbing systems should be thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional to determine if they meet current safety regulations.
- A structural survey is recommended to check the condition of the roof structure, foundations, and any potential issues with the shared semi-detached party wall.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Estimated deep retrofit cost ranges from €45,000 to €75,000.
- The property holds a G BER rating with a very high energy consumption figure, indicating that comprehensive intervention is required.
- Costs would cover the installation of external or internal wall insulation, roof insulation, high-efficiency heating systems, window and door upgrades, and airtightness measures to bring the property to a modern energy efficiency standard.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost is high, ranging between 2,500 and 3,500 euro.
- This high estimate is due to the G BER rating, indicating very poor energy efficiency and a high energy performance indicator of 1172.92 kWh/m2/yr.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is situated in a rural, scenic setting in Drumfad Lower, well away from major heavy industrial zones, waste incinerators, or large commercial landfills.
- Any potential local environmental concerns would typically be limited to agricultural runoff or septic tank management, which should be verified during the standard building survey.
Flood Safe
9/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The descriptive details place the cottage in an elevated rural setting near Kerrykeel, appearing distant from major coastal flood zones or tidal surge areas.
- Surface water pooling after heavy rainfall is a general consideration in rural parts of Donegal, so buyers should check local drainage and site grading during inspection.
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 Kerrykeel area
GORTCALLY, KERRYKEEL, CO. DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €96,500.00
LEITRIM, SHORE RD, KERRYKEEL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €220,000.00
11 FORD GARDEN, KERRYKEEL, DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €170,000.00
6 CUAN NA TRA, KERRYKEEL, LETTERKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €240,000.00
KNOCKBRACK, KERRYKEEL, COUNTY DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €80,062.00
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
- Estimated stamp duty: €1,550 — 1% of €155,000.
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Based on the asking price shown on this page, using standard residential stamp-duty rates. No adjustments are made for VAT, reliefs, mixed-use property or additional land. The final purchase price and your circumstances may change the amount payable.
- Solicitor legal fees: 1,500 to 3,000 euro plus VAT and outlays.
- Land registration fees: 400 to 800 euro depending on property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: 150 to 250 euro for a standard mortgage or market valuation.
- Surveyor fees: 500 to 1,200 euro depending on the depth of the structural survey required.
- Annual home insurance: 400 to 800 euro depending on the level of contents and buildings cover chosen.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Kerrykeel and Portsalon areas frequently discuss the peaceful rural charm and scenic coastal lifestyle.
- Community groups often highlight the importance of local amenities like national schools, shops, and post offices in maintaining rural vibrancy.
- Tourism and holiday home occupancy are common topics of discussion, especially given the proximity to Portsalon beaches and golf course.
- Infrastructure maintenance, rural road conditions, and local water services are standard items of interest among residents in North Donegal.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children4/10
The property features a back garden and front/side lawn, but with only two bedrooms and a modest footprint, space is quite limited for growing families with young children.
- Teenagers3/10
Two bedrooms provide very limited privacy and space for teenagers, making this more suitable as a compact holiday retreat than a permanent family home.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
The small two-bedroom layout lacks the independent living spaces or separate annexes required to comfortably accommodate multiple generations under one roof.
- Single Buyers7/10
An affordable asking price of €155,000 and manageable maintenance make this an attractive entry-level option for single buyers looking for a rural lifestyle.
- Couples8/10
With two bedrooms and a peaceful rural setting close to the coast, the cottage provides a cozy layout well-suited for couples seeking a permanent home or holiday getaway.
- Empty Nesters7/10
The single-level cottage style offers manageable proportions, though prospective buyers should verify if any accessibility modifications are needed for long-term living.
- Retirees7/10
The tranquil setting and single-story nature appeal to retirees, provided they are comfortable with a rural location requiring driving for day-to-day amenities.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working5/10
While the peaceful rural setting provides a distraction-free home office environment, buyers should independently verify local broadband speeds and reliability.
- Hybrid Commuting2/10
The remote location in Donegal makes regular hybrid commuting to major employment hubs highly impractical.
- Retired9/10
The layout and quiet location are well-suited for retirees seeking a slower pace of life in a scenic holiday or permanent retirement setting.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place6/10
The single-story nature of the cottage is helpful, but prospective buyers should verify if doorways and bathroom layouts can accommodate future mobility needs.
- Low Maintenance7/10
The compact size and gravel drive keep exterior upkeep manageable, though the G energy rating indicates the heating system and insulation likely need significant updating.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The property features a gravel drive and open parking area without a formal secure gated entry system.
- Minimalist Design6/10
The cottage layout is simple and unpretentious, lending itself naturally to a minimalist approach to interior styling.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
Bedroom 2 (4.60m x 3.20m) offers potential flexibility to be used as a sitting room, providing some adaptability within the small footprint.
- Heritage Home7/10
The property presents as a charming traditional semi-detached cottage, though buyers should verify its exact age and structural history.
- Ecological Setup2/10
With a BER rating of G and a high energy performance indicator (1172.92 kWh/m²/yr), the property currently lacks an efficient ecological or green energy setup.
- Outdoor areas7/10
Includes a back garden with a fenced boundary, front and side lawn, and a small store, offering practical outdoor utility space.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening7/10
Features a front and side lawn, a rear plot, and a small store, offering a solid foundation for keen gardeners to develop outdoor planting.
- Walking9/10
The scenic rural roads and nearby coastal areas around Portsalon and Kerrykeel provide fantastic opportunities for walking and hiking enthusiasts.
- Gym2/10
There are no commercial gym facilities within walking distance, meaning fitness routines must rely on home setups or travel to nearby towns.
- Cycling7/10
The surrounding country roads offer scenic routes for cyclists, though narrow rural lanes require caution regarding traffic.
- Golf9/10
The property is located within a short 10km drive of the renowned Portsalon Golf Course, making it an ideal base for golf enthusiasts.
- Fishing8/10
The coastal proximity to Portsalon and local waterways offers strong potential for sea fishing and angling enthusiasts.
- Horse Riding6/10
The rural environment provides a pleasant backdrop for equestrian activities, though buyers should investigate local livery and riding stable availability.
- Water Sports8/10
Proximity to the excellent beaches near Portsalon provides convenient access for swimming, surfing, kayaking, and other water sports.
- Entertaining4/10
The open kitchen and living area (4.60m x 3.50m) and overall compact footprint limit the indoor space available for hosting large gatherings of guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Nestled in a peaceful rural setting in Drumfad Lower, the property offers an exceptionally quiet and tranquil environment away from urban congestion.
- Rural Living10/10
The cottage is deeply embedded in the Donegal countryside, offering a classic rural lifestyle surrounded by natural scenery and open space.
- Village Living6/10
While rural, the property is close to Kerrykeel and Portsalon, giving residents access to local independent shops, bars, restaurants, and community amenities.
- Coastal Living7/10
Located close to the coastal village of Portsalon and its excellent beaches, the property offers great proximity to marine environments and seaside recreation.
- Urban Living1/10
The rural location offers virtually no urban conveniences, requiring a significant drive for city-style amenities, nightlife, and extensive retail options.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Proximity to Kerrykeel provides opportunities to engage with local community groups, shops, and village amenities.
- Café Culture4/10
Local amenities in Kerrykeel and Portsalon include basic bars and restaurants, but a vibrant café culture is limited compared to larger urban centers.
- Nightlife3/10
Nightlife is largely restricted to local village pubs, with extensive entertainment venues requiring travel to larger towns.
- Health/Wellness groups4/10
Formal wellness classes and groups are likely sparse in the immediate rural vicinity and would require travel to nearby population centers.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
The rural location offers minimal professional networking opportunities, making it best suited for remote workers or retirees.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity1/10
There are no nearby tech hubs, and high-tech infrastructure should be thoroughly verified by the prospective buyer.
Listing information
- Agent
- REA McElhinney
- Phone
- 074 915 3414
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 10 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-547C02HouseDelve · 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.