Photograph 1 of 18 of Main Street, Dunkineely, Co. Donegal
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Main Street, Dunkineely, Co. DonegalF94K5Y6

€200,000

5 Bed~2 Bath~230 m²~BER D

What you'll like:

  • Central Village Location: Positioned right in the heart of Dunkineely village, this property ensures convenient walking access to local amenities and community facilities for future occupants.
  • Substantial Floor Area: Providing approximately 230 square metres of total space across the main house and rear store, the footprint offers ample room for creative reconfiguration.
  • Generous Room Count: Featuring five bedrooms and two bathrooms, the layout provides exceptional accommodation scale suitable for large families, multi-generational living, or rental income generation.
  • Renovation Potential: Requiring complete modernisation throughout, the house offers buyers a blank canvas to upgrade finishes, layout, and energy performance to their personal tastes.
  • Redevelopment Opportunities: The generous proportions and configuration create strong potential for conversion into multiple residential units, subject to obtaining all necessary planning permissions and local consents.
  • Large Rear Store: A substantial detached store extending to approximately 86 square metres sits at the rear, presenting a valuable structure for workshops, storage, or secondary development.
  • Scenic Garden Views: The large rear garden boasts lovely views towards St. John's Point, creating an attractive outdoor amenity space with picturesque coastal glimpses.
  • Vacant Property Grants: The structure may qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant up to 50000 euros, plus a potential 20000 euro derelict top-up, pending local authority approval.
  • Stable Asking Price: The recorded asking price has remained stable at 200000 euros since tracking began, suggesting a fixed vendor expectation without volatile mid-campaign price inflations.
  • UPVC Window Installation: The inclusion of uPVC woodgrain windows throughout provides a durable baseline aesthetic, saving the buyer immediate expenditure on basic weatherproofing and exterior joinery.
  • Multi-Storey Layout: Extending over three and a half storeys, the property offers unique architectural character and clearly separated vertical zones for versatile interior design layouts.
  • External Rear Access: Access to the rear of the property over a shared right of way facilitates independent entry for construction contractors, deliveries, or future tenants.
  • Village Lifestyle Appeal: Dunkineely provides a charming coastal community atmosphere in County Donegal, appealing strongly to buyers seeking a quieter pace of life near the sea.
  • Investment Upside: Purchasing at 200000 euros leaves substantial margin for value creation through professional refurbishment, potentially yielding strong capital appreciation upon project completion.
  • Commercial Multi-Use Scope: The prominent main street placement could theoretically support mixed-use schemes combining ground-floor commercial functions with upper residential apartments, subject to planning rules.
  • Flexible Staging Options: The scale of the building allows developers to phase refurbishment works floor by floor, helping manage cash flow during extensive renovation timelines.
  • Outdoor Space Scale: The generous size of the rear plot offers significant gardening, landscaping, or parking potential that is rarely found attached to traditional village townhouses.
  • Established Neighborhood: Being embedded in an established streetscape ensures connection to existing utility infrastructure corridors, simplifying service reconnection during heavy remodeling works.
  • Project Feasibility: With defined structural footprints and clear renovation needs, builders and experienced renovators can accurately forecast material requirements and structural scope of works.
  • Local Agency Support: Listed via an established regional negotiator, buyers can benefit from direct local insights and transparent communication channels throughout the acquisition process.

But keep in mind:

  • Extensive Modernisation Required: The property requires comprehensive modernisation throughout, meaning buyers must budget significantly above the purchase price for structural and cosmetic overhauls.
  • D-Rating Energy Performance: Holding a D BER rating, the building will require substantial insulation, heating system upgrades, and glazing improvements to achieve modern energy efficiency standards.
  • Planning Permission Uncertainty: Any conversion of the main house or rear store into multiple units is entirely subject to securing complex planning permissions from the local authority.
  • Grant Eligibility Risks: Qualification for the vacant property refurbishment grants is not guaranteed and depends strictly on strict scheme criteria, property age verification, and council sign-off.
  • Shared Right of Way: Rear access relies on a shared right of way, which could introduce legal maintenance disputes, boundary confusions, or logistical hurdles during construction phases.
  • Substantial Structural Age: As an older multi-storey townhouse, hidden defects such as dampness, timber rot, or outdated wiring may emerge once invasive stripping works commence.
  • Discrepancy in Floor Area: The listing notes conflicting floor area figures between the description and features, requiring buyers to independently measure and verify the exact internal square footage.
  • Semi-Detached Party Walls: Being a semi-detached building, any heavy structural renovation or demolition work at the rear will require careful party wall management with neighboring occupants.
  • Renovation Cost Inflation: Construction materials, skilled labor shortages, and unexpected infrastructural challenges could easily push total project expenditure far beyond initial renovation budget forecasts.
  • Lack of Fitted Finishes: The listing indicates raw structural potential but no functional kitchens or modern bathrooms, meaning the house is entirely uninhabitable in its current state.
  • Shared Access Congestion: Relying on a shared right of way for heavy contractor vehicles might cause friction with neighbors and complicate waste removal or material delivery logistics.
  • Uncertainty of Store Condition: The 86 square metre rear store requires thorough professional inspection to ensure its structural integrity supports any expensive redevelopment plans.
  • Local Market Liquidity: Dunkineely is a small rural village, which may present lower resale liquidity and slower appreciation timelines compared to larger nearby urban centers like Donegal Town.
  • Wastewater and Services: Buyers should thoroughly inspect existing connections to public mains water and sewage to ensure they meet modern capacity standards for multi-unit use.
  • Roof and Chimney Integrity: Multi-storey older buildings often suffer from weathering on roofs and chimneys, demanding an immediate specialist roofing survey before committing funds.
  • Parking Availability Constraints: The listing does not guarantee dedicated off-street private parking, meaning future residents may need to rely on on-street main street parking arrangements.
  • Managing Contractor Oversight: Undertaking a three-and-a-half-storey renovation project demands rigorous project management skills to oversee builders, architects, and engineering compliance effectively.
  • No Completed Sales Transparency: The absence of verified local transaction comparables makes it harder to objectively validate whether the asking price accurately reflects true market value.
  • Extended Timeline Costs: Comprehensive refurbishment projects often take many months or years, resulting in holding costs, council tax, and potential temporary rental expenses during works.
  • Financing Complexities: Securing a standard residential mortgage on a derelict or heavily distressed property can be extremely difficult, often forcing buyers to rely on cash or specialist renovation loans.

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 slightly overvalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price appears somewhat overvalued relative to historical local property transactions on the same street, as surrounding traditional houses have historically traded at significantly lower price points requiring similar extensive modernisation work.
  • Upward valuation signals stem from the substantial combined footprint of the main three-and-a-half-storey building and a large rear store, alongside potential eligibility for substantial state refurbishment grants that could offset initial heavy capital expenditure.
  • Factors that could support this price include successful planning permissions for multiple residential units or high demand for coastal-view properties, whereas heavy renovation costs and structural uncertainties could heavily undermine the current valuation.
  • Additional relevant considerations involve the D energy rating and the necessity for a complete overhaul, meaning total acquisition plus refurbishment outlays must be carefully weighed against eventual resale or rental yields in this rural village.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a substantial three-and-half-storey semi-detached townhouse extending to approximately 144 sq.m, accompanied by a rear store of approximately 86 sq.m.
  • The listing indicates the property requires modernization throughout, and buyers should investigate the structural integrity, damp levels, and overall condition of both the main dwelling and the rear store.
  • Access to the rear is provided over a shared right of way, which should be verified legally by a solicitor.
  • Any potential plans for conversion into multiple residential units or redevelopment of the rear store are subject to obtaining planning permission and all necessary consents from the local authority.
  • Buyers should investigate potential eligibility for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and derelict property top-up, noting that approval is subject to meeting specific scheme requirements.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • The property currently holds a D BER rating, placing it in the D-G bracket which indicates poor energy efficiency and high heat loss.
  • A deep retrofit for a property of this size (approximately 144 sq.m) typically ranges from 50,000 to 75,000+ depending on the extent of insulation upgrades, heating system replacement (such as installing a heat pump), window and door improvements, and airtightness measures required to achieve a B2 rating or higher.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: approximately 2,000 to 2,800 euro.
  • Explanation: Given the D energy rating and the substantial 230 square meter floor area including the main house and associated structures, energy efficiency is likely low, resulting in higher-than-average heating requirements during colder months.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is located in a rural village setting with minimal heavy industrial presence nearby.
  • There are no major known commercial landfills or active industrial incinerators in immediate proximity that would present elevated pollution concerns.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The property is situated within Dunkineely village on elevated inland terrain relative to nearby coastal inlets, reducing immediate flood exposure.
  • Buyers should independently verify local drainage and coastal weather impacts with local authorities as part of their standard due diligence.

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estate

  • STORMHILL, MAIN STREET, DUNKINEELY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €180,000.00
  • MAIN STREET, DUNKINEELY, COUNTY DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €80,000.00
  • MAIN STREET, DUNKINEELY, CO. DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €161,000.00
  • MAIN ST, DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €70,000.00
  • MAIN ST, DUNKINEELY, DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €170,000.00

Recent sales in the wider Dunkineely area

  • BALLYSAGGART, DUNKINEELY, CO DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €435,000.00
  • MEENABROCK, DUNKINEELY, CO DONEGAL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €325,000.00
  • BALLYSAGGART, ST JOHNS POINT, DUNKINEELY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €425,000.00
  • KILLULTAN, ST JOHN'S POINT, DUNKINEELY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €300,000.00
  • THE HOUSE, MEENABROOK, DUNKINEELY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €35,000.00

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: €2,000 — 1% of €200,000.
    ?
    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.
  • Land registration fees: approximately 400 to 800 euro depending on the property value and registration type.
  • Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 300 euro.
  • Surveyor fees: approximately 500 to 1,200 euro depending on the depth of inspection required for a property requiring refurbishment.
  • Annual home insurance: approximately 400 to 800 euro depending on the level of cover chosen.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Locals in Dunkineely frequently discuss village vibrancy and the ongoing need for rural housing revitalization and modernization of older buildings.
  • Community forums often highlight the scenic appeal of nearby St. John's Point and the coastal amenities available in South Donegal.
  • Discussions regarding the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant are common among residents considering rural renovation projects in County Donegal.
  • Traffic management and village parking along the main thoroughfare are occasional topics of interest for local residents and commuters.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property requires substantial modernisation throughout and is a renovation project, which may pose health and safety challenges for families with very young children while works are carried out.

    4/10
  • Teenagers

    With five bedrooms and a generous layout, there is ample space for growing teenagers, though the need for total internal refurbishment means living conditions may be disruptive initially.

    6/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The substantial size and potential for conversion into multiple residential units, subject to planning permission, could suit multi-generational living arrangements after extensive reconfiguration.

    5/10
  • Single Buyers

    Affordable at an asking price of €200,000, but a single buyer would need significant capital and project management expertise to tackle the required modernisation and potential grants.

    5/10
  • Couples

    A great project for couples willing to take on a significant renovation, though the scale of the works required across the 144 sq.m townhouse demands a shared vision and budget.

    5/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Empty nesters looking for a low-maintenance home will find this property unsuitable in its current condition, requiring extensive repairs and ongoing maintenance.

    4/10
  • Retirees

    Given the heavy renovation demands, multiple storeys, and need for modernization, this property is poorly suited for retirees unless extensive accessibility adaptations are planned.

    3/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    The property offers plenty of space to set up a home office, though remote workers should verify local broadband speeds and reliability in the area.

    6/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Dunkineely's remote location in southwest Donegal makes regular commuting to major employment hubs like Dublin or Belfast impractical.

    3/10
  • Retired

    While peaceful for retirees, the heavy renovation workload makes it less than ideal unless the buyer intends to hire contractors for all works.

    4/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    The three-and-a-half-storey layout and current dilapidated condition make aging in place difficult without major structural adaptations and installation of modern conveniences.

    3/10
  • Low Maintenance

    Requiring complete modernisation, handling a BER D rating, and managing a major refurbishment project means this is currently the opposite of low maintenance.

    1/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    The property features an open position on Main Street with rear access via a shared right of way, lacking a gated perimeter.

    2/10
  • Minimalist Design

    This is a substantial traditional townhouse with period proportions and multi-storey layouts rather than a sleek, minimalist build.

    2/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    With 144 sq.m in the main house, an 86 sq.m rear store, and redevelopment potential into multiple units subject to planning permission, the layout offers immense flexibility.

    9/10
  • Heritage Home

    The multi-storey semi-detached townhouse style carries traditional village character, though buyers should verify any specific conservation or local heritage restrictions.

    7/10
  • Ecological Setup

    With a BER rating of D and a requirement for complete modernisation, the property currently lacks modern energy-efficient ecological systems, though grants may help fund upgrades.

    3/10
  • Outdoor areas

    Features a large rear garden with views towards St. John's Point, complemented by a substantial rear store offering outdoor storage and redevelopment potential.

    7/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    The property includes a large rear garden, providing an excellent blank canvas for keen gardeners to design and cultivate outdoor spaces.

    7/10
  • Walking

    The scenic local geography around Dunkineely and nearby St. John's Point offers fantastic opportunities for walking and exploring the coastline.

    8/10
  • Gym

    Dedicated fitness and gym facilities are likely sparse directly in the village, requiring travel to larger nearby towns for commercial fitness centers.

    3/10
  • Cycling

    The surrounding regional roads offer scenic cycling routes, though narrow rural stretches require caution.

    7/10
  • Golf

    While local courses exist in the broader Co. Donegal region, players will likely need to commute to nearby towns for full 18-hole facilities.

    5/10
  • Fishing

    The coastal proximity near St. John's Point and local marine environments make this an appealing spot for fishing enthusiasts.

    8/10
  • Horse Riding

    Rural Co. Donegal generally supports equestrian pursuits, though buyers should verify the nearest livery yards and riding trails.

    6/10
  • Water Sports

    Proximity to the coast and scenic peninsulas like St. John's Point provides strong access to marine and water sports activities.

    8/10
  • Entertaining

    The large rear garden and generous footprint offer great potential for entertaining once the internal and external spaces are fully renovated.

    5/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Located in Dunkineely Village, it offers a slower pace of life, though being right on Main Street introduces occasional village traffic noise.

    6/10
  • Rural Living

    Co. Donegal offers a distinctly rural feel, combined here with a village centre location and views towards St. John's Point from the rear garden.

    6/10
  • Village Living

    Positioned right in the centre of Dunkineely Village, this property places everyday village amenities and community life directly on the doorstep.

    9/10
  • Coastal Living

    The large rear garden features scenic views towards St. John's Point, offering a strong connection to Donegal's coastal environment.

    8/10
  • Urban Living

    Dunkineely is a small village rather than an urban center, offering very limited big-city amenities or fast-paced urban conveniences.

    2/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    A central village location naturally fosters tight-knit community involvement, local events, and participation in village life.

    8/10
  • Café Culture

    Village living provides a modest local social scene, but extensive cafe culture and diverse dining will require trips to nearby larger towns.

    5/10
  • Nightlife

    Nightlife options are limited to local village pubs, lacking the diverse entertainment venues found in larger urban centers.

    3/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Local community halls may host basic wellness or fitness classes, but specialized health groups will likely be found in larger neighboring towns.

    5/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Professional networking opportunities are minimal in a rural village setting, making it better suited for retirees, remote workers, or local trades.

    3/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    The property is located far from major metropolitan tech hubs, relying entirely on independent remote connectivity solutions.

    2/10

Listing information

Agent
DNG Dorrian
Phone
074 973 1291
Current status
active
Published on HouseDelve
1 November 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-DA1A78HouseDelve · 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.