Former Parochial House, Caracastle, Ballaghaderreen, Co. MayoF45W822
€200,000
3 Bed~2 Bath~200 m²~BER F
What you'll like:
- Generous floor area: Spanning approximately 200 square metres, this substantial property provides extensive interior accommodation that allows for comfortable multi-room living and flexible layout configurations.
- Substantial site size: Occupying a mature 0.89-acre plot, the grounds offer significant outdoor space for gardens, recreation, and future landscaping projects.
- Additional woodland parcel: The inclusion of a separate 2.4-acre parcel of wooded land situated nearby provides extra land assets and natural amenities for the buyer.
- Attractive period features: The interior retains original elements such as traditional sash windows, decorative ceiling coving, and high ceilings that enhance its unique historic character.
- Ornate tiled flooring: Beautiful historic floor tiling featured in the porch and hallway adds immediate visual appeal and authentic period charm upon entry.
- Dual aspect reception rooms: The spacious living room benefits from dual aspect windows including an ornate front bay, flooding the space with abundant natural light.
- Convenient ground bedroom: Featuring a large ground floor double bedroom with dual aspect windows, the layout offers excellent accessibility options for residents.
- Solid fuel heating: A dining room equipped with a solid fuel stove provides an efficient alternative heating source and a cozy focal point.
- Detached garage storage: A large mass concrete garage located to the rear delivers secure storage capacity and practical workshop facilities for vehicles or hobbies.
- Dedicated home office: A separate office space on the premises offers a functional room for remote working or quiet study away from main living areas.
- Ensuite main bedroom: The largest upper bedroom includes a private fully tiled ensuite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe for enhanced daily comfort and privacy.
- Stable asking price: The recorded listing history shows the asking price has remained firm at €200,000, indicating a consistent valuation approach by the seller.
- Tranquil village setting: Positioned in the quiet rural community of Carracastle, the location delivers a peaceful lifestyle away from busy urban centers.
- Proximity to transport: Convenient access to the N5 main road ensures reliable connectivity for driving to surrounding regional towns and commercial services.
- Airport proximity accessibility: Situated less than 14 kilometres from Ireland West Airport Knock, the residence benefits from effortless access to domestic and international flights.
- Nearby town amenities: The close proximity to the larger town of Charlestown ensures that essential shops, schools, and services are only a short drive away.
- Road frontage advantage: The separate wooded land parcel features direct frontage onto the old Charlestown Road, potentially aiding future access or management.
- Established natural woodland: The extra land holding is predominantly covered in broadleaf trees and natural scrub, creating a private wildlife haven.
- Solid construction canvas: The traditional building framework offers a sturdy structural foundation for buyers wishing to undertake comprehensive interior modernisation.
- Clear development scope: The combination of a large house, mature grounds, and extra land delivers an exciting renovation project for those with vision.
But keep in mind:
- Poor energy rating: The property carries a low BER rating of F with an energy performance indicator of 345.62, signaling substantial thermal inefficiency and high heating costs.
- Protected structure status: Buyers must investigate conservation requirements, as the protected status will strictly regulate and complicate any proposed renovation or alteration works.
- Extensive modernisation needed: The house requires a comprehensive programme of renovation throughout, meaning buyers should budget significantly beyond the initial purchase price.
- Detached land separation: The additional 2.4-acre woodland parcel is located approximately 700 metres away from the main house, reducing its practical integration with the dwelling.
- Dated bathroom finishes: The main bathroom features a basic lino floor and older finishes that will likely require immediate replacement to meet modern standards.
- Single glazed perception risks: Traditional sash windows, while charming, may lack modern double glazing and could contribute to drafts and heat loss.
- Heating system uncertainties: Prospective purchasers should verify the operational status of the central heating and stove systems, as the high energy rating suggests outdated equipment.
- Roof and structure checks: Given the period nature of the building, buyers need a thorough structural survey to check for timber rot, dampness, and roof integrity.
- Plumbing and wiring overhaul: The age of the parochial house implies that electrical wiring and plumbing networks may need complete replacement to comply with current safety codes.
- Septic tank verification: Buyers must inspect the status and compliance of any on-site wastewater treatment or septic tank facilities serving the property.
- Historic property maintenance: Maintaining original mass concrete garages, high ceilings, and traditional architectural details can incur higher ongoing specialist repair costs.
- Limited local commercial hub: Carracastle is a very small village, meaning daily reliance on car travel for comprehensive shopping, employment, and healthcare is essential.
- Woodland management obligations: Owning a 2.4-acre plot of established scrub and broadleaf trees requires ongoing land management to prevent overgrowth or boundary disputes.
- Planning permission hurdles: Securing local authority approval for alterations on a protected structure can cause project delays and increased architectural fees.
- Insulation deficiencies: Achieving a comfortable indoor climate will likely demand extensive retrofitting of roof, wall, and floor insulation to improve the poor energy score.
- Potential damp issues: Older vacant or semi-occupied period homes frequently suffer from rising or penetrating damp that requires professional investigation.
- Ventilation requirements: Traditional buildings renovated for modern living often need upgraded ventilation systems to prevent condensation and indoor air quality problems.
- Boundary verification needed: Buyers should instruct their legal representative to carefully verify the exact legal boundaries for both the 0.89-acre house site and the distant land plot.
- Access road conditions: The local rural approach roads and the frontage on the old Charlestown Road should be inspected for maintenance quality and winter accessibility.
- Resale value considerations: The high cost of required renovations balanced against a rural location means buyers should carefully calculate potential future equity returns.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of two hundred thousand euros appears reasonably valued when considering the expansive floor area of two hundred square meters and the included additional wooded land parcel, providing substantial spatial assets relative to the initial cost.
- Valuation signals indicate potential overvaluation risks due to the poor energy rating of F and the status as a protected structure, which together signal substantial future capital expenditures required for mandatory modernisation and conservation compliance.
- Such a price could be supported by the unique period architectural features, large mature site of nearly an entire acre, and detached garage, while it could be severely undermined by unforeseen structural remediation costs or prolonged planning restrictions.
- Relevant contextual factors include the quiet rural village setting in County Mayo, proximity to regional transport links like the N5 road and airport, and the historical character which will heavily attract niche buyers willing to undertake extensive heritage restoration.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a former parochial house extending to approximately 200 sq. m., featuring period elements such as decorative coving, high ceilings, traditional sash windows, and tiled flooring.
- The listing notes that the property is a protected structure, meaning any proposed renovation, modernisation, or alteration works will be subject to strict planning and conservation requirements.
- A detached mass concrete garage is included on the 0.89-acre site, alongside a separate 2.4-acre parcel of wooded land located approximately 700m away.
- Given the period nature and protected status of the building, a buyer should investigate structural integrity, dampness, the condition of the traditional sash windows, and consult with conservation architects regarding permissible upgrade works.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Estimated deep-retrofit cost is between €80,000 and €120,000 due to the property holding a poor F BER rating and measuring approximately 200 sq. m.
- Because the building is a protected structure with traditional sash windows and solid or period wall construction, standard external insulation and modern double-glazing may be restricted, requiring specialized conservation-grade materials and internal interventions which significantly increase costs.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: approximately 3,000 euro to 4,500 euro.
- Explanation: Given the floor area of approximately 200 square meters and a poor BER rating of F, the energy efficiency is low, leading to significantly higher heating demands during colder months.
Environmental checks
Area-level evidence and things to investigate
Air quality
Location could not be matched to the air-quality model.
Nearby sites
Location could not be matched precisely enough to check nearby sites.
Nearby infrastructure
Location could not be matched precisely enough to check nearby infrastructure.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property occupies a mature rural site in Carracastle, Co. Mayo, generally elevated away from major coastal or tidal surge hazards.
- While formal flood mapping status is unavailable for this precise rural location, regional topography suggests low overall vulnerability from major river networks.
- Standard surface water management during periods of intense rainfall should still be considered for rural properties with extensive grounds.
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 Ballaghaderreen area
No verified results were found for this group in the previous five years.
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: €2,000 — 1% of €200,000.
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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: approximately 1,500 euro to 3,500 euro plus VAT.
- Land registration fees: approximately 400 euro to 800 euro depending on property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 euro to 300 euro.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 euro to 1,200 euro depending on the depth of the survey required for a period property.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 500 euro to 1,000 euro depending on coverage levels and rebuilding costs.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local discussions in rural Mayo community groups frequently highlight the charm and historical value of former parochial houses, noting their appeal for buyers seeking renovation projects.
- Community forums often discuss the regeneration of small villages like Carracastle, pointing to proximity to Ireland West Airport Knock as a key logistical advantage for commuters and returning emigrants.
- Residents and local property observers on social media emphasize that properties designated as protected structures require specialized tradespeople and careful navigation of local authority planning guidelines.
- Discussions regarding rural properties in County Mayo commonly touch upon the availability of vacant property refurbishment grants, which prospective buyers frequently investigate for funding major upgrades.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children5/10
The large 0.89 acre site and spacious 200 sq. m. interior offer plenty of room for children to play, but the property requires significant modernisation and has a poor BER rating of F, meaning energy efficiency upgrades will be necessary for a comfortable family environment.
- Teenagers6/10
With three bedrooms, an office, and ample reception space, there is good separation and room for growing teenagers, though the rural location offers limited local adolescent-focused amenities.
- Multi-generational Living6/10
The generous footprint of 200 sq. m. provides scope for multi-generational living arrangements, but prospective buyers should verify whether layout adaptations are permitted given that the property is noted as a protected structure.
- Single Buyers4/10
A 200 sq. m. period house requiring renovation represents a substantial undertaking for a single buyer, both in terms of capital investment and ongoing maintenance.
- Couples6/10
Couples looking for a project home with character will find the historic features and large site appealing, though the extensive renovation required demands time and budget.
- Empty Nesters5/10
The property offers peaceful rural living and plenty of space for visiting family, but the extensive grounds and historic maintenance requirements may become burdensome over time.
- Retirees5/10
While the quiet village setting suits retirement, the two-storey layout, lack of ground-floor bedroom accessibility features, and the need for significant modernisation mean it may require adaptation for ageing in place.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The inclusion of a dedicated ground-floor office and spacious rooms makes remote working feasible, though buyers should verify local broadband speeds.
- Hybrid Commuting5/10
The property offers good road access to the N5 and is less than 14km from Ireland West Airport Knock, but commuting long distances to major cities on a hybrid schedule would be demanding.
- Retired8/10
The peaceful village atmosphere and spacious character home make it an attractive retreat for retirees looking for a project.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
While there is a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom, the overall property is a large two-storey period home requiring substantial renovation and lacks built-in accessibility features.
- Low Maintenance2/10
A 200 sq. m. historic building requiring significant modernisation, coupled with a 0.89-acre mature site and a protected structure status, demands ongoing maintenance and specialist care.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The property occupies a large open site without private secure gated entry currently installed.
- Minimalist Design1/10
This is a historic former parochial house defined by ornate period features, high ceilings, decorative coving, and traditional sash windows, entirely opposite to minimalist design.
- Flexible Floor Plans6/10
The generous 200 sq. m. floor area provides large rooms and versatile spaces, though structural changes are strictly regulated due to the protected structure status.
- Heritage Home10/10
Rich in character, history, and original charm, the property retains authentic period features such as ornate tile flooring, sash windows, and coving, though it is registered as a protected structure.
- Ecological Setup3/10
The property currently carries a poor BER rating of F (345.62 kWh/m²/yr), meaning substantial energy efficiency upgrades are required to achieve an eco-friendly setup.
- Outdoor areas9/10
Features an extensive 0.89-acre mature site, a detached mass concrete garage, and an additional 2.4-acre parcel of wooded land located nearby.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
The large mature 0.89-acre site provides fantastic scope for keen gardeners to develop extensive planting, vegetable plots, or landscaped grounds.
- Walking7/10
The surrounding peaceful country roads and nearby wooded land offer pleasant local walking routes, though access to designated trailheads may require a short drive.
- Gym2/10
There are no commercial gym facilities directly within the small village, requiring travel to nearby towns for indoor fitness infrastructure.
- Cycling7/10
The quiet local roads surrounding Carracastle can accommodate recreational cycling, though the rural setting lacks dedicated cycle lanes.
- Golf4/10
Golf enthusiasts will need to travel to courses located in surrounding larger towns, as there is no local course in the immediate village.
- Fishing6/10
The rural County Mayo location places the property within reasonable reach of various regional rivers and lakes known for angling opportunities.
- Horse Riding6/10
The large site, detached mass concrete garage, and rural surroundings offer potential for equestrian enthusiasts, subject to setting up appropriate stabling.
- Water Sports2/10
Inland location far from major marine water sports hubs, though regional lakes offer limited freshwater activity potential.
- Entertaining8/10
With large reception rooms, high ceilings, and an extensive 0.89-acre outdoor space, the property provides a grand setting for hosting guests once renovated.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living9/10
Situated in the heart of a small, peaceful rural village, the property provides an exceptionally quiet and tranquil living environment.
- Rural Living10/10
Set on a large 0.89-acre site with an additional parcel of wooded land nearby, this property is the definition of authentic rural Irish living.
- Village Living8/10
Located right in the heart of Carracastle village, residents can enjoy a tight-knit community feel while remaining close to the larger town of Charlestown.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is located inland in County Mayo and is entirely unsuited for coastal living.
- Urban Living2/10
Located in a small rural village far from major urban centers, offering virtually none of the characteristics of city living.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Small rural village settings typically foster strong community ties and local engagement opportunities.
- Café Culture2/10
Carracastle is a small rural village with very limited local commercial amenities, meaning residents must travel to larger nearby towns for a café scene.
- Nightlife1/10
There is virtually no nightlife in the immediate village, requiring trips to larger towns for pubs, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- Health/Wellness groups4/10
Local wellness activities such as pilates & stretching would likely need to be organised independently or accessed in nearby Charlestown.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
The rural location offers minimal local professional networking opportunities.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity2/10
Located in a rural area far from any established technology hubs.
Listing information
- Agent
- Sherry FitzGerald Hanley
- Phone
- 094 9371479
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 10 November 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-D540DEHouseDelve · 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.