Dunderrow, Kinsale, CorkP17Y529
€300,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~55 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Spacious site acreage: The property spans an impressive 1.186 acres, offering immense outdoor potential, extensive gardens, and ample private parking for residents and visitors alike.
- Desirable location proximity: Situated just a five-minute drive from Kinsale, residents enjoy easy access to one of Ireland's most fashionable, picturesque, and amenity-rich coastal towns.
- Commuter friendly distance: Positioned only seventeen miles from Cork City, the location provides a convenient and practical base for daily commuters working in the urban center.
- Exceptional development potential: The generous plot and existing cottage layout lend themselves perfectly to a brand-new custom build or an extensive modern renovation project.
- Bypassing planning restrictions: The existing structure offers a unique opportunity for buyers who might otherwise struggle to secure local planning permission in this sought-after rural area.
- Charming historic character: Dating back to the early 1900s, the Irish cottage features authentic architectural elements like an old open fireplace complete with an original swing pot insert.
- Optimal solar orientation: The property benefits from a private, spacious site with a favorable east-to-south-facing aspect, maximizing natural sunlight throughout the day.
- Probable holiday home appeal: The scenic setting and close proximity to coastal attractions make this an ideal candidate for a relaxing weekend retreat or lucrative holiday rental.
- Outdoor leisure access: The surrounding region is renowned for outstanding natural beauty, dramatic coastlines, safe beaches, and world-class sailing, fishing, and yachting facilities nearby.
- Golfing paradise nearby: Enthusiasts will appreciate the close proximity to three world-class golf courses, most notably the globally renowned Old Head of Kinsale links.
- Cultural vibrancy locally: The nearby town hosts numerous celebrated events annually, including the famous gourmet festival, arts festival, and vibrant music and opera programmes.
- Renowned culinary scene: Kinsale is widely celebrated as the gourmet capital of Ireland, boasting an abundance of fine dining restaurants, welcoming pubs, and top-class hotels.
- Convenient airport access: Cork International Airport is located a comfortable twenty-minute drive away, providing direct transport links to major European and domestic destinations.
- Essential utilities present: The property comes equipped with mains water connection and an on-site septic tank, providing a practical foundation for immediate renovation works.
- Flexible accommodation layout: The compact interior features an open-plan kitchen, dining, and sitting area alongside three double bedrooms, maximizing the use of its fifty-five square meters.
- Mezzanine level features: The inclusion of a mezzanine adds vertical dimension and architectural interest to the bedrooms, enhancing the unique character of the cottage interior.
- Private parking provision: Ample off-street parking space ensures convenience for multiple vehicles, which is a significant practical advantage for family gatherings or future construction phases.
- Scenic south-west setting: Situated in a highly desirable region of south-west Ireland, the property offers a peaceful rural lifestyle while remaining close to modern conveniences.
- Growth investment value: Purchasing a sizeable plot near a high-value coastal town presents strong long-term capital appreciation potential following a successful redevelopment.
- Engaging community atmosphere: The local village setting provides a welcoming community feel while offering quick access to bustling urban and tourist amenities.
But keep in mind:
- Extremely poor energy rating: The property carries a disastrous G energy rating, indicating severe thermal inefficiency that will require substantial insulation upgrades and financial investment.
- Extremely compact footprint: With a total floor area of just fifty-five square meters, the existing dwelling is exceptionally small and requires immediate expansion for comfortable modern family living.
- Substantial renovation costs: Bringing a 1900s cottage up to modern standards will demand significant capital expenditure beyond the initial purchase price to address structural and cosmetic wear.
- Septic tank due diligence: Buyers must thoroughly inspect the condition and regulatory compliance of the existing septic tank system to avoid costly replacement or environmental upgrade requirements.
- Planning permission uncertainty: While described as a development opportunity, buyers should independently verify local planning policies to ensure ambitious extension or new build plans will be approved.
- Modern heating absence: The reliance on an old open fireplace suggests a complete lack of central heating, necessitating the installation of an entirely new heating system throughout.
- Restricted bathroom facilities: Featuring only a single bathroom for three double bedrooms, the property will create household bottlenecks and demands a layout reconfiguration or addition.
- Low ceiling heights risk: Early 1900s cottages frequently feature low ceilings and restricted headroom, which can make rooms feel dark and constrain modern interior design options.
- Structural integrity verification: Given its age, a comprehensive structural survey is essential to check for dampness, timber rot, roof stability, and foundation integrity before proceeding.
- Insulation deficiencies likely: Historic stone or early concrete block construction typically lacks cavity insulation, meaning extensive wall and roof insulation works will be mandatory.
- Wastewater compliance checks: The local authority environmental standards for rural wastewater treatment must be verified to ensure the current setup meets contemporary legal benchmarks.
- Utility connection updates: Buyers should verify the capacity and condition of the existing mains water and electrical supplies to ensure they can support a modern expanded dwelling.
- Potential hidden asbestos: Older properties occasionally contain hazardous materials such as asbestos in roof sheets or old insulation, requiring professional testing and safe removal.
- Site boundary verification: Buyers need their legal representative to carefully examine property deeds and maps to confirm exact site boundaries and right-of-way access provisions.
- Rural access and upkeep: The rural Dunderrow location may involve narrow approach roads and ongoing maintenance responsibilities that buyers accustomed to urban living should anticipate.
- Construction financing hurdles: Securing a standard residential mortgage on a G-rated property in poor condition can be difficult, potentially requiring specialized renovation loan products.
- Temporary alternative accommodation: Undertaking a major rebuild or gut-renovation will likely render the cottage uninhabitable during works, requiring temporary housing arrangements for buyers.
- Local restriction policies: Rural housing control zones often impose occupancy clauses or design guidelines that restrict who can build or alter properties in the area.
- Surface water drainage: The east-to-south-facing sloping site should be evaluated for proper surface water drainage and run-off management to prevent dampness in the structure.
- Future development costs: Demolition or heavy structural alteration expenses can escalate rapidly due to unforeseen site conditions, requiring a robust contingency budget for the project.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears modestly positioned given the substantial acreage and exceptional location near a highly desirable coastal town, suggesting the valuation reflects significant remediation costs required for the outdated cottage.
- Signals of attractive pricing include the extensive site size and potential for a replacement dwelling or major expansion, though these positives are tempered by a very poor energy rating requiring major capital investment.
- Market support rests heavily on sustained regional demand and scarce development opportunities in this specific area, while factors that could undermine value include unforeseen planning restrictions or excessive construction inflation.
- Additional considerations involve the high cost of bringing an older structure up to modern living standards, meaning that the ultimate financial commitment will far exceed the initial acquisition cost to fully unlock the property's potential.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is an early 1900s detached Irish cottage with a small floor area of approximately 55 square metres, featuring three bedrooms, one bathroom, and a mezzanine.
- Given the G BER rating and age of the structure, the existing building likely suffers from significant thermal inefficiencies, lack of insulation, and potential dampness.
- The listing highlights the property as a development opportunity suitable for a major extension and renovation, or potentially a complete new build.
- A buyer should investigate the structural integrity of the existing cottage, the condition of the roof, walls, and foundations, and verify the status of the septic tank and mains water connection.
- Planning permission requirements for extending or replacing the dwelling on the 1.186-acre site should be thoroughly investigated with the local authority, particularly regarding local housing needs or rural planning restrictions.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a BER rating of G, indicating poor energy efficiency and the need for a comprehensive deep retrofit if the existing structure is to be retained and modernized.
- A full deep retrofit—including internal or external wall insulation, roof insulation, floor insulation, window and door replacements, and the installation of a modern heating system such as a heat pump—is estimated to cost between 50,000 and 80,000 euros or more, depending on the extent of the works and contractor pricing.
- Given the small footprint of 55 square metres, costs per square metre may be higher relative to the overall size due to fixed mobilization costs for specialized trades.
- Alternatively, given the condition and the marketing of the property as a development opportunity, a buyer might consider demolishing or substantially rebuilding, which would incur different cost structures requiring professional architectural and quantity surveyor estimates.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: approximately 2500 to 3500 euro.
- Explanation: Given the poor G energy rating and small 55 square metre floor area, the property likely suffers from significant heat loss, requiring substantial energy inputs for heating until deep retrofitting or insulation upgrades are completed.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
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 Kinsale area
4 HOGANS ROW, BLIND GATE, KINSALE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €421,000.00
10 SPANISH WALK, CONVENT GARDEN, KINSALE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €676,000.00
6 WESTWOOD GARDENS, BANDON RD, KINSALE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €775,000.00
HOUSE NO. 6 OCEAN DRIVE ROAD, KINSALE MANOR, KINSALE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €575,000.00
60 SHEARWATER, PIER RD, KINSALE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €335,000.00
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 3000 euro for a 300000 euro property.
- Solicitor legal fees: roughly 1500 to 2500 euro plus outlay.
- Land registration fees: approximately 500 to 800 euro depending on property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: around 150 to 300 euro.
- Surveyor fees: roughly 500 to 1000 euro depending on the depth of the structural survey.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 400 to 800 euro per year depending on the policy and coverage level.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Dunderrow and greater Kinsale area frequently discuss the high demand for rural housing and the challenges of securing local planning permission.
- Community forums often highlight traffic and commuting times into Cork City via regional roads during peak morning and evening hours.
- Residents regularly share updates regarding local amenities, village community events, and the ongoing popularity of Kinsale as a tourist hub.
- Discussions regarding older rural properties often center on upgrade potential, retrofitting for better BER ratings, and managing private septic tank systems.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children6/10
The property sits on a spacious 1.186-acre site with safe outdoor play potential, though the current 55 m² cottage is very compact and would require significant extension or rebuilding to comfortably accommodate young children.
- Teenagers5/10
While the large plot offers plenty of space for activities, the current layout with only one bathroom and limited indoor square footage means teenagers would likely lack private space unless the home is substantially expanded.
- Multi-generational Living4/10
The existing 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom structure is far too small for multi-generational living, though the generous site size does present development potential for a granny flat or extension subject to planning.
- Single Buyers5/10
At €300,000, it offers an affordable entry point for a detached home with land, but the poor G BER rating and small size mean substantial renovation costs should be anticipated.
- Couples7/10
An appealing project for a couple looking to undertake a renovation or new build on a large site near Kinsale, provided they have the budget and vision to upgrade the property.
- Empty Nesters5/10
The single-level cottage style could theoretically suit downsizers seeking a quiet rural setting, but the extensive maintenance and renovation requirements might not align with a low-effort retirement lifestyle.
- Retirees4/10
The G energy rating and considerable modernization needed—along with the reliance on a septic tank—pose practical hurdles for retirees looking for a straightforward, comfortable home.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working5/10
While working from home is peaceful in this rural setting, buyers should verify the local broadband speed and connectivity capabilities, and the small cottage lacks a dedicated home office space without renovation.
- Hybrid Commuting6/10
Cork City is about 17 miles away and Cork International Airport is a 20-minute drive, making hybrid commuting feasible for those willing to drive.
- Retired6/10
Suits retirees looking for a project and a quiet lifestyle near Kinsale, though the extensive home renovation work required should be carefully considered.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place5/10
The single-level layout is positive for avoiding stairs, but the property requires complete modernization and potential insulation upgrades to be comfortable long-term.
- Low Maintenance2/10
An early 1900s cottage with a G BER rating, septic tank, and extensive grounds requires significant ongoing maintenance and capital investment.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The listing indicates private car parking and front/rear gardens, but there is no mention of pre-existing secure automated gates.
- Minimalist Design4/10
Features traditional cottage elements like an old open fireplace with original swing pot and kettle insert rather than sleek minimalist architecture.
- Flexible Floor Plans6/10
The property is explicitly marketed as a development or extension opportunity, offering high potential for a custom floor plan subject to planning permission.
- Heritage Home8/10
As an early 1900s Irish cottage featuring historic touches like an original fireplace insert, it holds genuine period character.
- Ecological Setup2/10
Rated G for BER, indicating poor energy efficiency and a high carbon footprint until comprehensive retrofitting is carried out.
- Outdoor areas9/10
Outstanding outdoor space featuring a private 1.186-acre site with east-to-south facing orientation and ample room for expansion or landscaping.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
The generous 1.186-acre plot with front and rear gardens provides an exceptional canvas for keen gardeners and outdoor landscaping projects.
- Walking7/10
The surrounding countryside and scenic South West region offer pleasant walking opportunities, though local pedestrian infrastructure directly outside the door may be limited.
- Gym4/10
Dedicated fitness facilities and gyms will require a drive into nearby Kinsale or toward Cork City.
- Cycling6/10
Scenic local roads offer cycling routes, though rural country lanes can lack dedicated bike paths and require caution.
- Golf9/10
Proximity to three world-class golf courses, including the renowned Old Head of Kinsale, makes this an ideal location for golf enthusiasts.
- Fishing8/10
Kinsale provides excellent local marine and river fishing facilities, well-suited for angling enthusiasts.
- Horse Riding8/10
Equestrian pursuits are well catered for in the wider South West region with various local facilities and scenic riding tracks.
- Water Sports9/10
Close proximity to Kinsale's marinas, coastlines, and beaches makes it exceptionally convenient for sailing, surfing, bathing, and other water sports.
- Entertaining6/10
The large site offers great outdoor entertaining potential in warmer months, but the current 55 m² interior is very restricted for hosting guests indoors.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living9/10
Located in Dunderrow near Kinsale, the property offers a peaceful rural and village atmosphere with a private East-to-South facing site away from heavy urban noise.
- Rural Living8/10
Set on over 1.1 acres surrounded by scenic countryside and close to the coast, providing a true countryside living experience.
- Village Living8/10
Situated in Dunderrow Village, giving residents a close-knit community feel while remaining just a short drive from Kinsale.
- Coastal Living8/10
Kinsale's dramatic coastline, safe beaches, and excellent sailing and yachting facilities are only a brief drive away.
- Urban Living3/10
This is distinctly a rural and village location, though Cork City is accessible within roughly 25 minutes for broader urban amenities.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Dunderrow and the vibrant nearby community of Kinsale offer active local associations, festivals, and community groups.
- Café Culture7/10
Kinsale is famed for its gourmet food scene, top-class restaurants, and welcoming cafes, just a short drive from the property.
- Nightlife6/10
While the immediate village is quiet, nearby Kinsale boasts plenty of pubs, hotels, and a thriving music and cultural scene.
- Health/Wellness groups6/10
Local wellness and fitness groups are accessible primarily by traveling into Kinsale or surrounding towns.
- Networking Opportunities4/10
Rural village living offers limited local professional networking compared to major urban business hubs.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity3/10
Not positioned within a tech hub, meaning remote professionals will rely heavily on home internet infrastructure.
Listing information
- Agent
- James Murphy & Co. Auctioneers
- Phone
- 021 477 7999
- Published on HouseDelve
- 13 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-A7ADF2HouseDelve · 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.