Main Street, Hacketstown, CarlowR93DK73
€195,000
2 Bed~1 Bath~55 m²~BER D
What you'll like:
- Historic period property: This unique 19th-century building formerly served as a local courthouse and credit union, offering exceptional character and a fascinating local history for buyers who appreciate heritage architecture.
- Prominent main street position: Occupying a central location in Hacketstown, the property places essential local shops, schools, and amenities directly on your doorstep for maximum daily convenience.
- Private rear garden: The property boasts a generously proportioned outdoor sanctuary nestled away from bustling village life, providing a tranquil setting for relaxation, gardening, or outdoor entertaining.
- Blank canvas potential: The layout offers a completely open slate, allowing discerning buyers to reconfigure and redesign the interior spaces into a customized, contemporary two-storey residence tailored to their exact tastes.
- Proximity to mountain trails: Situated at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, the location grants easy access to scenic walking paths and outdoor recreation for nature enthusiasts.
- Coastal drive accessibility: The property is positioned within a convenient thirty-minute drive from the coast, allowing for effortless weekend beach trips and seaside outings.
- Local school infrastructure: Families will appreciate the close proximity of both St. Josephs National School and Coláiste Eoin Secondary School, simplifying the daily school run for children.
- Convenient village amenities: Daily essentials are exceptionally easy to access with Supervalu, Londis, Kennedy's Pharmacy, and the popular Brew Stop Café located right nearby.
- Established mains services: The property benefits from connections to mains water and mains sewerage, avoiding the complexities and maintenance costs associated with private septic systems.
- Oil-fired central heating: Equipped with an OFCH system, the building provides a traditional and reliable method for heating the interior spaces during cooler months.
- Wheelchair accessible entrance: The front of the building features accessible entry provisions, enhancing inclusivity and ease of movement for visitors with mobility considerations.
- Generous attic space: Offering substantial overhead dimensions with angled ceilings, the upper level provides extensive potential for future storage or creative spatial integration.
- Dual aspect meeting room: The back office space features dual aspect windows overlooking both the street and rear garden, flooding the room with natural light from multiple directions.
- Existing sanitary facilities: The layout includes a ground floor guest WC featuring a toilet and ceramic wash hand basin, providing immediate practical convenience during renovations.
- Unique cultural heritage: Genealogy enthusiasts will love owning a piece of local history in the very village linked to the ancestral roots of Elvis Presley's great-great-great-great-grandfather.
- Manageable floor area: At approximately 55 square metres, the compact footprint ensures lower overall heating costs and a simpler, more manageable renovation project for single buyers or couples.
- Ceramic tiled flooring: Durable ceramic tiles are installed throughout many of the ground floor zones, offering a hard-wearing and easy-to-clean surface for high-traffic areas.
- Secure vault infrastructure: The inclusion of a dedicated safe room leftover from its banking days offers unique secure storage capabilities or a conversation-starting architectural feature.
- Direct garden access: The rear hallway provides straightforward passage directly out to the back garden area, facilitating seamless indoor-outdoor living once the property is converted.
- Direct agent availability: Viewing arrangements and inquiries can be coordinated directly with an experienced local principal auctioneer who knows the history and specifics of the building.
But keep in mind:
- Pending planning permission: The property is currently only seeking planning permission for change of use from commercial to residential, meaning buyers face the risk of planning delays or refusal.
- Strict commercial classification: Operating presently as a commercial office and former credit union, you cannot legally occupy or renovate the building as a home until change of use is fully approved.
- Substantial renovation required: Transforming a former bank and courthouse into a liveable home will demand significant capital expenditure, professional design, and extensive construction work.
- Modest floor area constraints: Measuring roughly 55 square metres, the compact footprint offers limited interior volume, which may feel restrictive for growing families or those requiring extensive storage.
- Mediocre BER rating: The property carries a D energy rating, indicating poor thermal efficiency that will likely require major insulation upgrades to achieve comfortable modern living standards.
- Uninsulated attic spaces: The large attic area with angled ceilings will likely need substantial insulation retrofits to prevent significant heat loss and manage future energy bills effectively.
- Commercial lighting fixtures: The current interior features fluorescent and strobe lighting suited for commercial offices rather than residential comfort, necessitating a complete electrical overhaul.
- Limited kitchen facilities: The existing built-in kitchenette consists only of a small sink unit, meaning a brand new, fully equipped residential kitchen must be designed and installed from scratch.
- Main street traffic noise: Positioned directly on the main thoroughfare, the property may experience noticeable street noise, passing traffic, and pedestrian bustle during peak daytime hours.
- Lack of private parking: The listing makes no mention of dedicated off-street parking, meaning residents must rely on public on-street spaces along the main street.
- Uncertain exact energy metrics: Specific BER numbers and energy performance indicator figures are marked as to be confirmed, requiring formal verification before final purchase commitments.
- Complex internal reconfiguration: Moving plumbing, creating bedrooms, and installing residential stair configurations within a historic commercial layout will require specialized architectural engineering input.
- Historic building restrictions: Due to its 19th-century period courthouse origins, local conservation guidelines might impose strict limitations on exterior alterations or facade changes.
- Restricted bathroom facilities: With only a basic guest WC currently installed, a complete bathroom including a shower or bathtub facility must be planned and plumbed into the layout.
- Potential structural quirks: Older period buildings frequently conceal hidden damp, outdated wiring, or structural settling issues that could inflate initial renovation budgets unexpectedly.
- Heating system updates: The existing oil-fired central heating system should be professionally inspected to determine its age, efficiency, and suitability for a newly configured residential layout.
- Commercial security remnants: The presence of banking counters, sliding windows, and a heavy safe room will require careful demolition and removal to open up the interior for domestic use.
- No established garden landscaping: While well-proportioned, the private rear garden area appears to require complete clearance and landscaping to transform it into a functional usable outdoor space.
- Reliance on local council decisions: The ultimate timeline of your home purchase or move-in date is entirely dependent on the speed and outcome of the local planning authority's review process.
- Strict appointment-only logistics: Organizing specialist builders, architects, or surveyors to inspect the property requires coordination through specific auctioneer viewing slots, adding time to due diligence.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears somewhat overvalued because the property currently holds commercial status and requires significant capital investment to secure residential planning permission and complete extensive interior refurbishment works.
- Valuation upward signals include a central village location with historical character, a well-proportioned private rear garden, and a compact footprint that could appeal to buyers seeking a manageable renovation project.
- Factors that could undermine this price include uncertain renovation costs, the current D energy rating, and the risk that change of use planning conditions may impose unexpected restrictions on the redesign.
- Overall, while historic townhouses in this rural village setting attract niche interest, the asking price sits slightly above typical local benchmarks given the immediate outlay required for habitability.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a historical 19th-century period townhouse formerly serving as a courthouse and later as a credit union, which means a buyer should investigate structural integrity, damp, insulation, and the condition of original features.
- The listing notes that the property is currently seeking planning permission for a change of use from a commercial office into a residential home under planning reference 26/60284, so buyers must verify the status and successful grant of this planning permission before proceeding.
- With a floor area of approximately 55 square metres and an attic storage area with angled ceilings, a buyer should check compliance, head height, and fire safety regulations regarding any potential conversion or use of the attic space.
- As a commercial-to-residential conversion project, a surveyor should inspect the electrical systems, plumbing, heating (Oil Fired Central Heating), and general fabric to ensure they meet modern residential building standards.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a BER rating of D, indicating that energy efficiency is below modern standards and a deep retrofit is advisable.
- For a small property of approximately 55 square metres, a comprehensive deep retrofit to bring it to a high BER rating (such as A or B) would typically involve external or internal wall insulation, upgraded windows and doors, roof insulation, and a renewable heating system replacement.
- Estimated deep retrofit costs for a property of this size generally range from €30,000 to €50,000, depending on the extent of structural work required for the change of use and the presence of any protected structure constraints.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: approximately 1,200 to 1,500 euro.
- Explanation: Given the floor area of 55 square metres and a BER rating of D, the property is likely to have moderate energy efficiency, resulting in typical heating expenses for an oil-fired central heating system.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The area is situated in a rural village setting at the foothills of the mountains, appearing generally free from heavy industrial pollution or major landfills.
- Any historical or localized concerns are minimal, but prospective buyers should verify local environmental reports during their standard due diligence.
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
GET LOCKED, MAIN STREET, HACKETSTOWN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €55,000.00
MAIN ST, HACKETSTOWN, CARLOW
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €180,000.00
MAIN STREET, HACKETSTOWN, COUNTY CARLOW
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €182,000.00
EAGLE HOUSE, MAIN ST, HACKETSTOWN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €100,000.00
8 THE ORCHARD, MAIN ST, HACKETSTOWN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €140,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Hacketstown area
ARDNABOY HACKETSTOWN, HACKETSTOWN, CARLOW
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €460,000.00
BELLSHILL, CLONMORE, HACKETSTOWN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €500,000.00
THE BUNGALOW, THE CURRAGH, HACKETSTOWN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €205,000.00
BALLINAGILKY, HACKETSTOWN, CARLOW
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €275,000.00
CONSTABLE HILL, HACKETSTOWN, CARLOW
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €400,000.00
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 around 1,950 euro.
- Solicitor legal fees: approximately 1,500 to 2,500 euro plus outlay.
- Land registration fees: approximately 600 to 800 euro.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 250 euro.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 to 1,000 euro depending on the level of detail required.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 400 to 700 euro per year.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals often highlight Hacketstown's peaceful village atmosphere nestled near the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains.
- Community discussions frequently mention local amenities such as Supervalu, Londis, and popular spots like the Brew Stop Café.
- Genealogy circles occasionally discuss the village's unique historical link to Elvis Presley's ancestry.
- Residents value the proximity to local schools including St. Josephs National School and Coláiste Eoin Secondary School.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children4/10
With a floor area of 55 m² and currently seeking planning permission for residential use, the space requires significant reconfiguration before it is suitable for young children.
- Teenagers4/10
The 2-bedroom, 55 m² layout offers limited private space for teenagers, though local secondary schooling is nearby.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
The compact 55 m² size and single bathroom make multi-generational living extremely impractical.
- Single Buyers8/10
This historic 19th-century townhouse presents an exciting blank canvas for a single buyer looking to design a bespoke home.
- Couples7/10
A great project for couples wanting to craft a unique residence in a vibrant village center, though extensive renovation is required.
- Empty Nesters6/10
The manageable scale could appeal to empty nesters wanting a central village lifestyle, provided they are comfortable managing a major renovation project.
- Retirees5/10
While village amenities are right on the doorstep, the property requires substantial conversion and updating to comfortably accommodate retirement needs.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The building offers a blank canvas to design a dedicated home office space, though buyers should verify local broadband connectivity.
- Hybrid Commuting4/10
Hacketstown is relatively rural, making regular commuting to major employment hubs quite demanding.
- Retired6/10
Convenient village amenities suit retirement living, provided the renovation phase is handled by contractors.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
Features wheelchair access into the property, but the two-storey layout and small footprint present long-term mobility challenges.
- Low Maintenance5/10
A historical 19th-century property requiring extensive current and future maintenance once converted into a residence.
- Secure Gated Entry2/10
Directly opens onto the main street with no secure gated entry system.
- Minimalist Design7/10
The current blank canvas state provides an ideal starting point for a minimalist interior redesign.
- Flexible Floor Plans8/10
As a former commercial building currently seeking change of use, the interior layout is completely open to custom reconfiguration.
- Heritage Home10/10
A truly unique 19th-century period townhouse that formerly served as a courthouse and local credit union.
- Ecological Setup3/10
Currently features an oil-fired central heating system (OFCH) and a D BER rating, offering ample room for green energy upgrades.
- Outdoor areas7/10
Includes a well-proportioned private rear garden that provides a tranquil outdoor escape from the street.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening6/10
The property boasts a well-proportioned private rear garden offering a tranquil setting for enthusiastic gardeners.
- Walking9/10
Excellent location at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, featuring numerous walking trails nearby.
- Gym3/10
Dedicated gym facilities are limited locally, requiring travel to larger neighboring towns.
- Cycling7/10
Scenic foothill roads provide good cycling routes, though rural main roads should be navigated with care.
- Golf4/10
Golf enthusiasts will need to travel as there are no courses directly within the immediate village.
- Fishing5/10
Proximity to regional rivers offers standard angling opportunities typical of the Carlow and Wicklow border regions.
- Horse Riding6/10
The rural foothill setting is generally conducive to equestrian interests with local countryside access.
- Water Sports3/10
Limited inland water sports options locally, though the coast is within a 30-minute drive.
- Entertaining5/10
Once renovated, the private rear garden will offer a lovely entertaining space, though current indoor areas are restricted by the 55 m² footprint.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living4/10
Situated directly on the main street of Hacketstown, expect regular village activity and street noise rather than isolated quiet.
- Rural Living6/10
Located in a village at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, offering proximity to rural landscapes while being centrally positioned.
- Village Living10/10
Positioned right on the main street with shops, Supervalu, a pharmacy, and cafes directly on your doorstep.
- Coastal Living3/10
While within a 30-minute drive from the coast, this is fundamentally an inland village property.
- Urban Living3/10
Hacketstown offers a rural village atmosphere rather than urban conveniences.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement8/10
A prominent main street location places you right at the heart of the local community.
- Café Culture7/10
Highlighted by local spots like the 'Brew Stop Café' right on your doorstep.
- Nightlife3/10
Nightlife options are modest, consisting mainly of local village pubs rather than extensive entertainment venues.
- Health/Wellness groups5/10
Basic local wellness offerings exist, but specialized pilates & stretching classes may require travel to larger centers.
- Networking Opportunities3/10
Professional networking is minimal in this rural village setting.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity3/10
Not near any established tech hubs; buyers should verify broadband speeds for remote tech roles.
Listing information
- Agent
- Dooley Poynton Auctioneers
- Phone
- 0404 62292 / 087 2053633 / Eugene Dooley MIPAV MMCEPI REV
- Published on HouseDelve
- 3 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-ECA22AHouseDelve · 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.