Photograph 1 of 3 of Gortnagrace, Castlefin, Co. Donegal
1 / 3

Gortnagrace, Castlefin, Co. Donegal

€45,000

What you'll like:

  • Generous Acreage Size: The property spans an approximate one-acre plot, offering ample space for a substantial detached residence, extensive gardens, and outdoor amenities without feeling cramped.
  • Competitive Asking Price: Listed at an attractive €45,000, this parcel presents a highly affordable entry point for self-builders or investors seeking land in a scenic rural location.
  • Extensive Road Frontage: The site benefits from substantial frontage onto a minor public road, potentially simplifying access design and reducing long-term private driveway construction and maintenance costs.
  • Quality Grassland Field: The land is presently laid out as a productive, rectangular-shaped grassland field, which minimizes initial heavy clearing and landscaping expenses prior to any future development.
  • Gentle Sloping Topography: The gently sloping terrain of the plot can assist with natural surface water drainage planning and may offer advantageous positioning for architectural foundation designs.
  • Desirable West Aspect: Featuring a west-facing orientation, future homeowners can enjoy optimal afternoon sunlight exposure and bright evening views over the surrounding countryside.
  • Commanding Rural Views: Elevated perspectives provide picturesque panoramas across the Finn Valley, significantly enhancing the aesthetic appeal and long-term lifestyle value of any constructed dwelling.
  • Nearby Utility Connections: Mains electricity and mains water services are reported directly beside the site, which should streamline the connection process and reduce infrastructure setup expenses.
  • Convenient Town Proximity: Situated almost midway between Castlefin and Castlederg, residents will enjoy easy access to local shops, schools, and everyday community services within minutes.
  • Quiet Countryside Setting: Positioned along a peaceful minor public road, the location offers a tranquil rural environment away from heavy traffic while maintaining accessible connectivity.
  • Rectangular Plot Shape: The regular rectangular boundary configuration allows for straightforward architectural layouts, efficient space utilization, and easier fencing installation during the development phase.
  • Flexible Development Potential: Without an existing structure on site, buyers have a blank canvas to design a bespoke home tailored entirely to their specific lifestyle and energy efficiency preferences.
  • Established Local Agent: Represented by an established regional auctioneer, buyers can benefit from straightforward communication and local expertise regarding the immediate rural land market conditions.
  • Outdoor Space for Hobbies: The one-acre footprint provides sufficient room for polytunnels, hobby farming, or keeping small animals, appealing directly to buyers seeking a self-sufficient rural lifestyle.
  • Privacy and Space: Rural positioning ensures generous spacing from immediate neighbors, offering a strong sense of personal privacy and quietude compared to suburban housing developments.
  • Investment Potential: Raw land in scenic valley locations can serve as a solid long-term asset store, with potential value appreciation contingent on future planning permissions and regional growth.
  • Accessible Local Roads: The minor public road servicing the property is typically quieter, making ingress and egress safer and more pleasant for daily vehicle movements.
  • Natural Drainage Potential: The sloping configuration of the grassland helps prevent severe water pooling, keeping the site drier and more manageable during heavy seasonal rainfall events.
  • Clear Boundaries: The existing field layout provides distinct physical boundaries, making it easier for surveyors and fencing contractors to identify the exact plot limits accurately.
  • Direct Viewing Access: Viewing is facilitated directly through a local negotiator, allowing interested buyers to easily walk the land and assess its physical characteristics firsthand.

But keep in mind:

  • Uncertain Planning Permission: Buyers must verify whether local planning guidelines permit a new dwelling on this rural site, as obtaining local needs housing approval can be challenging.
  • Missing BER Rating: Because no building exists on the plot, a Building Energy Rating certificate is not applicable, but future construction will need to meet strict modern energy standards.
  • Unknown Soil Conditions: Prospective purchasers should commission a ground site suitability test and percolation assay to ensure the soil can support a private wastewater treatment system.
  • Undefined Property Boundaries: The exact legal boundaries should be carefully checked against the Land Registry folio maps by a qualified solicitor to prevent any future boundary disputes.
  • No Existing Accommodation: The complete absence of current residential structures means buyers must budget for lengthy construction timelines and temporary housing during the building process.
  • Potential Connection Charges: Although utilities are reported nearby, buyers should investigate the exact connection fees and potential wayleave agreements required to bring water and electricity onto the plot.
  • Local Housing Restrictions: Donegal County Council enforce strict rural housing policies, meaning buyers may need to prove local ties to qualify for planning permission on unzoned land.
  • Private Wastewater Requirement: Since mains sewerage is unavailable, the buyer will need to install and maintain a costly proprietary septic tank or effluent treatment system.
  • Unverified Site Area: The stated one-acre size is approximate, so purchasers must have their architect or engineer confirm the precise acreage via official mapping documents prior to purchase.
  • Road Frontage Restrictions: Local authorities may impose specific sightline and entrance setback requirements onto the public road, potentially consuming a portion of the usable frontage.
  • Surface Water Management: The slope of the land requires careful civil engineering design to manage runoff effectively and protect any future foundations from subsurface water accumulation.
  • Agricultural Access History: Buyers should check if neighboring farmers hold any rights of way or historical access across the field for seasonal livestock movement or crop harvesting.
  • Lack of Amenities on Site: The raw nature of the land means zero current infrastructure, requiring comprehensive investment in driveways, boundaries, landscaping, and site clearance.
  • Construction Cost Inflation: Building a bespoke home independently exposes the buyer to fluctuating material and labor costs in the current construction market without fixed-price guarantees.
  • Development Levies: Donegal County Council charges various development and connection levies upon the grant of planning permission, which must be factored into the overall acquisition budget.
  • Potential Archaeological Constraints: Given the rural Irish setting, buyers should investigate whether any local archaeological restrictions or monuments might impact the positioning of a new home.
  • Evolving Local Policies: County development plans change periodically, meaning buyers must act promptly or consult a planning consultant to understand current restrictions affecting rural sites.
  • Distance to Major Hubs: While close to smaller towns, commuting to larger employment cities requires significant daily travel time along secondary rural road networks.
  • Broadband Infrastructure Limits: Buyers must verify the availability and speed of high-speed fiber broadband at this specific rural address if remote working is a primary requirement.
  • Fencing and Hedging Costs: The property will require substantial investment in new perimeter fencing, gates, and boundary hedging to secure the one-acre plot for private residential use.

Price positioning

?
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 looks mildly undervalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price for this one-acre site appears modestly positioned when evaluated against broader regional land and rural property values across the local area, suggesting a relatively accessible entry point for prospective buyers seeking a rural plot.
  • Valuation signals are influenced by the presence of extensive road frontage and convenient proximity to essential utility services like mains electricity and water, which typically reduce future site development preparation costs for any potential construction project.
  • This pricing level could be supported by strong demand for rural residential opportunities offering scenic views over the Finn Valley, though values might be undermined by potential planning permission restrictions often encountered on unserviced rural land.
  • Additional considerations include the plot's advantageous gently sloping topography with a favorable west-facing aspect, enhancing its overall appeal for a bespoke self-build housing project situated between neighboring rural towns.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is described as a one-acre site rather than a completed house build, featuring a rectangular grassland field with extensive road frontage.
  • A buyer should investigate local planning policies and connection requirements for rural housing in Co. Donegal, as obtaining planning permission is typically required for development.
  • Mains electricity and mains water are noted as being beside the site, but a buyer should verify the capacity, connection costs, and feasibility of tapping into these utilities.
  • Given the sloping nature of the west-facing plot with views over the Finn Valley, a site suitability assessment and percolation test should be conducted to determine the feasibility of a private wastewater treatment system.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • EUR 0
  • No heating cost is applicable because the property is a vacant one-acre site with no built structure.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The site is located in a peaceful rural setting in Gortnagrace, surrounded by agricultural land and remote from major industrial centers, large-scale incinerators, or known active landfills.
  • Any historical agricultural practices in the vicinity are typical of rural County Donegal, but prospective buyers should verify local records for any minor legacy concerns.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The property description notes the site is gently sloping with a west-facing aspect, which generally promotes natural surface water drainage away from the plot.
  • While elevated above the main river valley floor, buyers should consult local flood risk maps and make standard inquiries regarding localized surface water run-off during heavy 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 Castlefin area

  • 2 ALT CRESCENT, ALT UPPER, CASTLEFIN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €107,500.00
  • GRAHAMSLAND, CASTLEFIN, DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €110,000.00
  • 10 DONEYLOOP, CASTLEFIN, DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €65,000.00
  • DRUMDOIT, CASTLEFIN, CO DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €375,000.00
  • 340 GRAHAMSLAND, CASTLEFIN, LIFFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €100,000.00

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% to 2% of the purchase price depending on whether the site is subject to VAT or residential rates.
  • Solicitor legal fees: Estimated between EUR 1,500 and EUR 3,000 plus VAT and outlays.
  • Land registration fees: Typically around EUR 170 to EUR 400 depending on the value of the property.
  • Valuation fees: Generally between EUR 150 and EUR 250 if required by a mortgage lender.
  • Surveyor fees: Estimated between EUR 500 and EUR 1,000 for a site and boundary inspection.
  • Annual home insurance: Not applicable as this is a vacant plot of land without a residential building structure.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Locals in the Castlefin and Castlederg areas frequently discuss rural development, highlighting the scenic nature and community spirit of the Finn Valley region.
  • Residents on local forums often share updates on rural road maintenance, minor infrastructure improvements, and community events.
  • Community discussions often touch upon the availability of sites for self-build homes and the process of securing local planning permission in County Donegal.
  • Local social media pages occasionally feature notices regarding agricultural activities and utility connections for rural properties.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    Being a vacant one-acre rural plot with no immediate dwelling, it offers plenty of outdoor space if a home is built, but lacks indoor living safety and features for young children currently.

    3/10
  • Teenagers

    The remote rural location offers independence in the countryside, but teenagers would require transport due to the distance from nearby towns and amenities.

    3/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The one-acre site provides ample space to design and build a substantial multi-generational home, subject to planning permissions.

    4/10
  • Single Buyers

    Purchasing a raw plot of land requires undertaking a major self-build project, which can be challenging and costly for a single buyer without support.

    2/10
  • Couples

    An ideal blank canvas for couples looking to build their dream home together, though navigating the planning and construction process requires significant time and financial investment.

    3/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Provides an opportunity to downsize to a custom-built home tailored to later life, though managing a rural construction project can be demanding.

    3/10
  • Retirees

    The peaceful rural setting appeals to retirees, but buyers should investigate local healthcare access and the practicalities of managing a rural build.

    3/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    Offers a quiet environment conducive to home working, though buyers should verify local broadband availability and speeds.

    6/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    The rural location between Castlefin and Castlederg means commuting options to major economic hubs are limited and require driving.

    3/10
  • Retired

    Well-suited for retirement if buyers are prepared to manage a construction project or purchase an already established modular/prefab structure.

    5/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    While a single-story home could theoretically be built here, the remote location away from healthcare and services makes long-term ageing in place challenging without transport.

    4/10
  • Low Maintenance

    A one-acre grassland plot requires ongoing groundskeeping, boundary maintenance, and potentially agricultural management if left unbuilt.

    3/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    Currently an open-frontage plot onto a public road; any security gates would need to be installed by the buyer.

    2/10
  • Minimalist Design

    As an empty site, a buyer has complete freedom to design a minimalist architectural home, subject to planning approval.

    5/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    Total flexibility to design a custom floor plan from scratch, though restricted by local planning guidelines.

    6/10
  • Heritage Home

    This is a vacant plot of land, not a historic or heritage structure.

    1/10
  • Ecological Setup

    Good quality grassland with a west-facing slope offers solid potential for eco-friendly building designs, solar orientation, and sustainable landscaping.

    7/10
  • Outdoor areas

    Features a full one-acre rectangular plot with extensive road frontage and a west-facing aspect providing commanding rural views.

    10/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    A full one-acre rectangular plot of good quality grassland provides an exceptional canvas for extensive gardening, landscaping, or growing produce.

    9/10
  • Walking

    The peaceful minor public road and surrounding countryside offer pleasant routes for rural walks and hiking.

    7/10
  • Gym

    There are no commercial gym facilities nearby; buyers would need to set up a home gym or travel to nearby towns.

    1/10
  • Cycling

    The surrounding minor roads are quiet enough for rural cycling, though undulating terrain and local traffic speeds should be considered.

    6/10
  • Golf

    Rural location means golf courses will require a drive, though regional courses are accessible by car.

    3/10
  • Fishing

    Proximity to the Finn Valley region offers potential access to local rivers and angling opportunities, subject to local permits.

    6/10
  • Horse Riding

    The one-acre site size and rural roads may suit equestrian enthusiasts looking to stable a horse or access local hacking routes, subject to building facilities.

    7/10
  • Water Sports

    Inland rural location with limited immediate access to major water sports facilities.

    2/10
  • Entertaining

    Currently undeveloped, though a future self-build project could be designed with extensive outdoor and indoor entertainment spaces.

    3/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Situated on a peaceful, minor public road in a tranquil rural townland, offering exceptional peace and quiet.

    9/10
  • Rural Living

    A quintessential rural setting featuring a one-acre grassland plot with commanding views over the Finn Valley.

    10/10
  • Village Living

    Located almost midway between Castlefin and Castlederg, providing a balance of countryside isolation with nearby village amenities a short drive away.

    5/10
  • Coastal Living

    The property is located inland in County Donegal and has no proximity to the coast.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    This is a strictly rural location far removed from city centers or urban environments.

    1/10

Social

6 areas
  • Nightlife

    There is virtually no nightlife in the immediate rural vicinity.

    1/10
  • Community Involvement

    Rural townland living typically involves tight-knit local communities in nearby Castlefin and Castlederg.

    5/10
  • Café Culture

    Cafés and social hubs are sparse immediately around the site and will require traveling into nearby towns.

    2/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Local wellness classes or groups would require traveling into neighboring settlements.

    2/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    The remote rural setting offers very little in terms of professional networking.

    1/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    Completely disconnected from urban tech hubs, relying entirely on remote telecommunications.

    1/10

Listing information

Agent
Henry Kee & Son
Phone
074 9131050
Published on HouseDelve
4 October 2026
Correction
Report an issue
Property reference: HD-F2E77EHouseDelve · 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.