Forth Village, Kinaffe, Swinford, Co. MayoF12W2T8
€159,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~70 m²~BER F
What you'll like:
- Affordable Entry Price: The asking price of €159,000 provides an accessible entry point for first-time buyers or those seeking a manageable renovation project in rural County Mayo.
- Charming Stone Exterior: The traditional stone cottage aesthetic offers high visual appeal and authentic character that many modern suburban builds simply cannot replicate.
- Ready For Occupation: The listing indicates the home is in good condition and ready for immediate occupation, reducing the initial timeline and stress of moving.
- Convenient Airport Access: Located less than twenty minutes from Ireland West Airport Knock, this property is exceptionally well-positioned for frequent flyers and international visitors.
- Main N5 Proximity: Being within a short drive of the N5 national road grants efficient commuter access to larger hubs like Castlebar, Westport, and Charlestown.
- Dual Town Proximity: Situated just six kilometres from both Swinford and Kiltimagh towns, residents enjoy convenient access to local schools, shops, and community amenities.
- Large Block Garage: The expansive block-built garage with a galvanised roof provides superb secure storage or a dedicated workshop space for various hobbies.
- Additional Outbuildings: Several extra stone outbuildings on the expansive site offer exciting potential for future conversion, livestock housing, or extensive garden storage.
- Generous Site Area: The property sits on a large mature site surrounded by scenic countryside views, ensuring plenty of outdoor space and privacy.
- Refurbished Wetroom Bathroom: The newly refurbished bathroom features modern fully-tiled finishes and a practical wetroom style shower, enhancing daily convenience.
- Three Bedroom Layout: Providing three bedrooms across seventy square metres, the home accommodates small families or visiting guests far better than a standard two-room cottage.
- Block Extension Added: The rear block extension successfully expands the original footprint to comfortably house the kitchen, an extra bedroom, and the modern bathroom.
- Off-Street Parking: Dedicated off-street parking to the front of the dwelling ensures convenient and safe vehicle storage right outside your front door.
- Quiet Rural Setting: Positioned in a peaceful townland, buyers seeking tranquility will appreciate the low traffic and serene surrounding rural landscape.
- Stable Asking Price: The tracked asking price history shows no recorded reductions, suggesting consistent seller confidence and a stable local market valuation.
- Natural Open Fireplace: The central living room features a traditional open fireplace, providing a cozy focal point and authentic heating during chilly winter evenings.
- Built-In Wardrobes: Bedroom one includes functional built-in wardrobes, saving floor space and offering ready-made storage solutions for the new occupant.
- Natural Light Potential: Front-facing double rooms benefit from good window proportions that capture pleasant countryside views and bright morning sunlight.
- No Upward Chain: Properties marketed as ready for immediate occupation often involve fewer complicated seller chains, potentially streamlining the final purchase process.
- Manageable Floor Area: At seventy square metres, the compact footprint ensures lower property tax brackets, easier cleaning routines, and more affordable heating bills.
But keep in mind:
- Poor Energy Rating: Holding an F building energy rating, the property suffers from severe thermal inefficiency and requires substantial insulation upgrades to reduce heating costs.
- High Retrofit Expenses: Bringing an F-rated stone cottage up to modern comfort standards will demand significant capital investment in external wall insulation and windows.
- Compact Kitchen Space: Measuring just 2.4m by 2.4m, the kitchen offers very limited floor and counter space, which may challenge enthusiastic home cooks or large families.
- Lino Flooring Present: The kitchen features basic lino flooring that may be prone to lifting or moisture wear, signaling a need for eventual durable surface replacement.
- Solid Fuel Reliance: The primary living room relies on an open fireplace rather than a high-efficiency stove, leading to significant heat loss up the chimney.
- Potential Damp Issues: Traditional stone cottages without modern damp-proof membranes frequently suffer from rising moisture, requiring careful inspection by a qualified surveyor.
- Septic Tank Unknowns: Buyers must verify the location, condition, and registration compliance of the private wastewater treatment system to avoid costly environmental penalties.
- Private Water Supply Risk: Rural properties often depend on local wells or group water schemes, necessitating rigorous testing for water quality and consistent flow rates.
- Narrow Expansion Limits: The total floor area of seventy square metres is relatively small, meaning major spatial expansions would require planning permission and high construction costs.
- Electrical System Age: Older rural cottages often feature dated electrical wiring that may fail modern safety standards and require a complete, disruptive rewiring project.
- Roof Structure Check: The combination of original stone sections and newer block extensions necessitates a thorough structural check of the roof junctions for leaks or sagging.
- Heating System Clarity: The listing does not detail a central heating system, raising questions about whether radiators or modern boilers are installed and operational.
- Remote Location Isolation: While peaceful, the rural setting means complete reliance on private vehicles for daily errands, school runs, and social activities.
- Limited Public Transport: Proximity to major roads does not guarantee bus links, meaning non-drivers could experience extreme social isolation in this specific townland.
- Broadband Speed Variability: Rural Mayo can experience patchy broadband infrastructure, so buyers working from home must independently verify high-speed fiber availability.
- Boundary Clarity Needed: Large mature sites in rural areas often feature historical boundary discrepancies that require a solicitor to carefully cross-reference with Land Registry maps.
- Maintenance Demands: Maintaining multiple stone outbuildings, extensive gardens, and a large garage requires ongoing physical labor and continuous financial upkeep.
- Limited Resale Demand: Rural cottages of this size appeal to a niche market of holiday home seekers or downsizers, which could impact future liquidity and resale timelines.
- Single Bathroom Constraint: Having only one bathroom serving a three-bedroom layout can create morning congestion for families or households with multiple occupants.
- Planning Permission History: Any historical alterations or the addition of the rear block extension should be checked against local council records to ensure full compliance.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of €159,000 for this three-bedroom stone cottage appears moderately undervalued relative to general rural housing market standards, primarily because the property offers substantial square footage, outbuildings, and a large site area at a very accessible entry-level price point.
- Valuation signals supporting potential underpricing include the inclusion of a large block-built garage, multiple stone outbuildings, and immediate readiness for occupation, which collectively provide significant physical utility that often commands a higher premium in rural settings.
- Factors that could potentially undermine or justify a lower valuation include the weak BER rating of F, indicating that a new owner will likely need to invest significant capital into energy efficiency upgrades to meet modern comfort and standard requirements.
- The stable asking-price history without any recorded reductions since initial listing suggests a confident seller or a marketing strategy aimed at generating competitive interest, though remote rural locations can experience slower absorption rates despite attractive headline figures.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a traditional stone cottage featuring a block-built extension to the rear, which houses an additional bedroom, kitchen, and a newly refurbished wetroom-style bathroom.
- Buyers should investigate the structural integrity of the original stone walls, damp-proofing measures, and the standard of insulation in both the older structure and the newer extension.
- The presence of external stone outbuildings and a large block-built garage with a galvanised roof requires verification regarding their structural condition and any planning or boundary compliance.
- Given the rural location on a large site, the buyer should verify the private water and sewage arrangements, such as the septic tank and its compliance with current environmental standards.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a poor BER rating of F, indicating a high level of energy inefficiency and significant heat loss.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit for a 70 square metre cottage of this type typically costs between 40,000 and 60,000 euros, depending on the extent of works required.
- Key interventions would likely include external wall insulation or internal dry-lining for the stone walls, roof insulation upgrades, window and door replacements with high-performance double or triple glazing, and the installation of a renewable heating system such as a heat pump.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost is approximately 2,200 to 2,800 euro.
- This higher estimate reflects the 70 square meter floor area and the inefficient BER F rating, which indicates poor thermal performance and higher energy consumption to maintain adequate warmth.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in a quiet rural townland far removed from major industrial zones, heavy manufacturing facilities, or large-scale waste incinerators.
- There are no known prominent legacy industrial pollution sites or active major landfills in the immediate vicinity of Kinaffe, though local agricultural runoff should be considered as a standard rural factor.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The cottage is situated in an elevated countryside setting relative to major river networks, suggesting a generally low likelihood of structural river or coastal flooding.
- Buyers should verify local drainage conditions and check specific local authority flood maps regarding potential surface water accumulation on low-lying parts of the large site during periods of intense rainfall.
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 Swinford area
MILL STREET, SWINFORD, CO MAYO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €169,000.00
2 DUBLIN RD, SWINFORD, MAYO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €111,000.00
3A DUN NA RI, RATHSCANLAN, SWINFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €305,000.00
13 GLEANN DARACH, RATHSCANLON, SWINFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €265,000.00
1 BACK LANE, SWINFORD, MAYO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €125,000.00
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
- Estimated stamp duty: €1,590 — 1% of €159,000.
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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 to 3,000 euro plus VAT and outlays.
- Land registration fees: approximately 400 to 800 euro depending on the property value and mapping requirements.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 300 euro for a mortgage valuation report.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 400 to 900 euro for a structural pre-purchase survey given the age and stone cottage construction.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 350 to 650 euro depending on the level of cover and rural location.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Swinford and Kiltimagh areas frequently discuss the peaceful rural atmosphere and scenic countryside views characteristic of rural County Mayo.
- Community discussions often highlight the convenience of living within a short drive of the N5 route, facilitating commutes to Castlebar and Westport.
- Residents note that proximity to Ireland West Airport Knock, under 20 minutes away, is a significant advantage for those who travel frequently.
- Rural property buyers in the region often exchange tips on upgrading traditional stone cottages and improving BER ratings from lower brackets like F.
- Community forums occasionally touch upon the benefits of having local amenities and schools in nearby Swinford while maintaining a private countryside setting.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children5/10
The large garden areas offer plenty of outdoor space for young children to play safely in a quiet rural setting. However, the compact 70 square meter interior and three-bedroom layout may feel tight as children grow, and parents should verify the safety of local rural roads for young pedestrians.
- Teenagers4/10
While the large site and garage workshop could appeal to teenagers with hobbies, the remote rural location means limited local entertainment or independent transport options. The smaller floor area also provides less privacy for teenagers.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
With only one bathroom and a total floor area of 70 square meters, multi-generational living would be extremely challenging. The single living space and lack of separate zones limit privacy for multiple generations.
- Single Buyers6/10
An asking price of €159,000 makes this a relatively affordable option for single buyers looking to get on the property ladder or seeking a countryside project, provided they are comfortable with rural isolation and potential renovation work to improve the BER rating.
- Couples7/10
The property offers a cozy layout with three bedrooms and a lovely quiet setting for couples seeking a rural lifestyle. The stable asking price history indicates a straightforward purchase opportunity.
- Empty Nesters7/10
Single-level traditional cottage living with all three bedrooms on the ground floor suits empty nesters looking to downsize to a manageable footprint with a large garden and garage workshop.
- Retirees7/10
The single-storey nature of the cottage and the newly refurbished wetroom-style shower facilitate easier daily living. Buyers should verify if any further adaptations are needed for long-term comfort given the rural location.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working6/10
The quiet rural setting is ideal for home working focus, but buyers should investigate local broadband speeds and reliability before committing.
- Hybrid Commuting5/10
Proximity to the N5 offers reasonable driving access toward Castlebar, Westport, and Knock Airport, but commuting to major employment cities would be impractical.
- Retired9/10
An affordable, peaceful single-storey home with a manageable footprint and garden makes this an attractive option for retirees seeking a quieter pace of life.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place8/10
The single-level layout and newly refurbished wetroom-style shower make daily living accessible, though rural isolation in later years should be considered.
- Low Maintenance6/10
The cottage footprint is small and manageable, but the large mature site, traditional structure, and outbuildings will require ongoing garden and property upkeep.
- Secure Gated Entry4/10
The property features off-street parking to the front, but buyers wishing for a secure gated entrance would need to install fencing and gates themselves.
- Minimalist Design4/10
This is a traditional stone cottage with a block extension rather than a minimalist architectural build, featuring distinct rooms and period character.
- Flexible Floor Plans4/10
The traditional layout with a central living room and bedrooms branching off limits major layout flexibility without structural alterations.
- Heritage Home8/10
Featuring an original traditional stone cottage structure, this property retains charming heritage character while incorporating modern necessities like a refurbished bathroom.
- Ecological Setup3/10
The property carries a low BER rating of F, indicating that energy efficiency and insulation upgrades would be necessary to achieve an eco-friendly setup.
- Outdoor areas9/10
The large mature site, block-built garage with galvanised roof, additional stone outbuildings, and expansive garden areas provide exceptional outdoor utility.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
The large mature site and existing outbuildings provide an exceptional canvas for keen gardeners, vegetable growing, or landscaping projects.
- Walking8/10
The surrounding quiet rural roads and countryside setting offer peaceful local walking routes directly from the doorstep.
- Gym3/10
There are no commercial gym facilities within immediate walking distance, requiring a drive into nearby towns like Swinford or Castlebar.
- Cycling7/10
Low-traffic rural roads provide pleasant cycling conditions, though cyclists should be mindful of rural road speeds and weather conditions.
- Golf5/10
The location provides reasonable driving access to regional towns where local golf clubs are typically situated, though none are right on the doorstep.
- Fishing7/10
Co. Mayo is renowned for its angling rivers and lakes, and the general region offers good access to fishing spots for enthusiasts willing to travel short distances.
- Horse Riding7/10
The large site, rural tracks, and outbuildings could potentially accommodate equestrian interests, though buyers should verify local stabling or hacking routes.
- Water Sports2/10
Inland Co. Mayo has lakes, but coastal or dedicated water sports facilities are not in immediate proximity.
- Entertaining6/10
The large garden and outdoor areas are fantastic for summer entertaining, though the indoor living room and kitchen spaces are compact for hosting large groups.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Located in a quiet rural townland with surrounding countryside views and minimal immediate density, this property excels for buyers seeking peace and seclusion.
- Rural Living10/10
Situated in Forth Village on a large mature site with stone outbuildings and agricultural surrounds, this is a quintessential rural Irish cottage experience.
- Village Living5/10
While located in a named townland, the property is actually about 6km from the nearest towns of Swinford and Kiltimagh, offering distance from immediate village amenities rather than an integrated village hub.
- Coastal Living1/10
Co. Mayo has extensive coastlines, but this inland rural location offers no proximity to the sea or marine activities.
- Urban Living1/10
The property is entirely rural, far removed from city centers or dense urban environments.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Rural townlands often feature tight-knit local communities, with broader social and volunteer opportunities accessible in nearby Swinford and Kiltimagh.
- Café Culture3/10
There are no cafes within immediate walking distance; residents must travel into local towns for coffee shops and social gathering spots.
- Nightlife2/10
Nightlife options are virtually non-existent in the immediate rural townland and require traveling into nearby towns.
- Health/Wellness groups4/10
Local wellness classes or groups would typically be found in larger surrounding towns rather than the immediate rural area.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
The remote rural location offers very few local professional networking opportunities.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity2/10
There are no local tech hubs, meaning remote workers must rely entirely on home internet connections.
Listing information
- Agent
- Sherry FitzGerald Hanley
- Phone
- 094 9371479
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 11 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-0A25E5HouseDelve · 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.