Photograph 1 of 3 of Middletown/ Cloughboley, Manulla , Castlebar, Mayo
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Middletown/ Cloughboley, Manulla , Castlebar, Mayo

€75,000

BER E1

What you'll like:

  • Generous site size: The property includes approximately 1.61 acres of land, providing ample space for a substantial family home, gardens, and outdoor amenities.
  • Dual road frontage: The plot features direct access onto both the main L1706 Ballyvary-Manulla road and an adjoining country lane, enhancing convenience and layout options.
  • Derelict dwelling presence: Existing structures on the site may offer potential advantages for local planning policy regarding rural housing replacement guidelines.
  • Stone outbuildings included: Traditional stone structures present on the land could potentially be restored or repurposed, adding character and storage capacity.
  • Competitive asking price: Priced at €75,000, the property represents an accessible entry point for self-builders looking to establish a foothold in County Mayo.
  • Stable asking price: Recorded listing data shows the price has remained steady at €75,000, indicating a firm vendor position without erratic fluctuations.
  • Proximity to Castlebar: Situated just 8 kilometres from the county town, future residents will enjoy easy access to major retail, employment, and hospital facilities.
  • Nearby Ballyvary access: Located only 4.7 kilometres from Ballyvary village, providing convenient access to local conveniences, community facilities, and everyday services.
  • Close to Balla: The town of Balla is approximately 7.7 kilometres away, offering additional schools, sports clubs, and local amenities for growing families.
  • Rural lifestyle appeal: Enjoys a peaceful countryside setting in Middletown and Cloughboley, ideal for buyers seeking quiet surroundings and scenic views.
  • Development potential: Offers an exciting opportunity to design and construct a bespoke home tailored precisely to the buyer's aesthetic and functional preferences.
  • Established boundaries: The plot benefits from mature features and existing definition, helping to clarify property extents and assist initial landscaping efforts.
  • Commuter accessibility: The regional road network provides straightforward connectivity to surrounding hubs, making it practical for commuters working across central Mayo.
  • Independent project scope: Allows self-builders complete autonomy over contractors, timelines, and building materials without being tied to a developer's specification.
  • Traditional charm: The combination of overgrown vegetation and stone ruins provides a rustic canvas for imaginative landscaping and architectural integration.
  • No upward chain: As a vacant plot with derelict structures, the purchase is uncomplicated by an upward chain, potentially streamlining the acquisition process.
  • Local amenity distribution: Being positioned between multiple towns ensures residents are never far from essential services while retaining rural privacy.
  • Investment potential: Successfully securing planning permission and constructing a modern home could significantly enhance the capital value of the underlying asset.
  • Agricultural surroundings: Bounded by the tranquil Mayo countryside, the location guarantees a low-density environment with minimal urban congestion.
  • Flexible layout options: The generous acreage allows for creative positioning of the dwelling, septic tank systems, and private driveway access.

But keep in mind:

  • Planning permission uncertainty: The listing explicitly states the site is sold subject to planning permission, meaning buyers face the risk of local authority refusal.
  • Local housing needs: Planning guidelines in rural Mayo often require applicants to demonstrate a genuine local housing need to secure permission.
  • Heavy scrub overgrowth: The lands are currently overgrown with scrub and bushes, requiring significant clearance investment before any development can properly begin.
  • Derelict building condition: Existing structures are described as derelict and will likely require substantial demolition work or costly structural remediation.
  • Unverified utility access: Buyers must thoroughly investigate the proximity and connection costs for essential services like electricity, water, and telecommunications.
  • Wastewater treatment requirements: A new private effluent treatment system will need to be designed, tested for percolation, and installed to current environmental standards.
  • Demolition and clearance costs: Clearing thick vegetation and unsafe derelict ruins will add unexpected financial burdens to the overall self-build budget.
  • Percolation test risks: Soil conditions must be rigorously tested for a septic tank or wastewater treatment plant, as poor percolation could halt building plans.
  • Traffic safety considerations: Dual road frontage onto a local regional route requires careful design of safe vehicular entrance and sightlines.
  • Hidden structural defects: Stone outbuildings may possess hidden structural compromises that prevent safe integration into modern architectural renovation plans.
  • Lack of property specifics: Essential baseline metrics such as exact boundary demarcations and exact usable land contours are not provided in initial particulars.
  • Potential boundary disputes: Overgrown scrub can obscure historical fences and ditches, making professional land survey verification absolutely essential prior to purchase.
  • Site development levies: Local authorities typically charge development contributions upon the grant of planning permission, increasing the total capital outlay required.
  • Architectural fees required: Buyers will need to budget for professional architects, engineers, and environmental consultants to navigate the complex planning application process.
  • Time delay risks: The planning and appeal process can introduce lengthy delays, meaning construction may not commence for many months after purchase completion.
  • Financing complexities: Securing a mortgage on a derelict site subject to planning permission can be challenging and often requires specialist lending products.
  • Environmental designations: Buyers should verify whether the property is affected by any local environmental constraints, protected habitats, or drainage board requirements.
  • Road frontage restrictions: Local council road departments may enforce strict conditions regarding access points, speed limits, and set-back distances from the L1706.
  • Construction inflation risk: Building material and labour costs remain volatile, potentially stretching the total budget required to complete a new home from scratch.
  • Thorough due diligence needed: The disclaimer explicitly warns that all particulars are for illustration only, placing the full burden of verification on the buyer.

Price positioning

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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 overvalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price appears somewhat elevated relative to local rural land benchmarks given the presence of a derelict dwelling requiring extensive demolition or complete renovation work alongside significant site clearance expenses before any new development can realistically commence.
  • Valuation signals present a mixed picture where dual road frontage and generous acreage enhance long-term potential, yet the severe overgrown scrub condition and poor energy rating create substantial hidden capital expenditure risks for prospective buyers undertaking construction.
  • Support for this price point relies heavily on securing favorable local planning permission for a replacement dwelling, while major risks include stringent regional housing guidelines or unexpected site development hurdles that could severely undermine overall financial viability.
  • Historical tracking indicates a stable listing strategy with no price adjustments recorded to date, reflecting firm vendor expectations and leaving limited room for immediate negotiation unless extended market exposure forces a more flexible pricing approach.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property consists of a site with an existing derelict dwelling and stone outbuildings, which means any future habitable structure will require significant reconstruction, substantial renovation, or a complete new build.
  • The site extends to approximately 1.61 acres and features dual road frontage, offering good access potential.
  • Any development or rebuilding of the derelict structure is subject to acquiring the necessary planning permission from the local authority.
  • A buyer should investigate local planning policies regarding rural housing restrictions in County Mayo, particularly whether local needs criteria apply to rebuilding or developing on the site.
  • The presence of overgrowth, scrub, and bush indicates that site clearance will be required prior to any construction or detailed structural assessment.
  • A structural survey of the existing stone outbuildings and derelict dwelling should be conducted to determine if any elements can be salvaged or incorporated into a new design.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • The property currently holds an E1 BER rating, indicating poor energy efficiency and placing it within the D-G range requiring deep-retrofit analysis.
  • Given that the structure is described as a derelict dwelling, standard deep-retrofit measures alone may be insufficient; a comprehensive rebuild or major capital investment is likely required to bring the property to modern building regulations and a high BER standard.
  • A preliminary cost estimate for bringing a derelict rural property of this nature up to modern standards through extensive renovation and energy upgrades typically ranges from 70,000 to 120,000 euros or more, depending on the scale of the works, materials used, and contractor pricing.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • 0 euro.
  • The property currently consists of a derelict dwelling on a site with no active heating system, so there are no current annual heating costs.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The site is located in a predominantly rural agricultural setting in County Mayo, appearing well removed from major industrial facilities, heavy manufacturing, or large-scale waste management sites.
  • Any historical land use on or near the plot appears limited to traditional agricultural activities or the presence of the existing derelict dwelling, meaning any potential contamination risks should be verified through standard environmental due diligence.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The property is situated in an inland rural location without prominent major river networks immediately intersecting the plot, suggesting a generally low baseline risk of fluvial flooding.
  • As part of standard pre-purchase investigations, buyers should verify local drainage patterns and check whether surface water accumulation occurs on lower-lying parts of the 1.61-acre site during prolonged heavy rainfall.

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estate

  • DRIMASLOYAN, MANULLA, CASTLEBAR

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €80,000.00
  • LOWER LAKELAND, MANULLA, CASTLEBAR

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €65,000.00
  • CLOUGHBOLEY, MANULLA, CASTLEBAR

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €160,000.00
  • CURRYEALLUAN, MANULLA, CASTLEBAR

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €425,000.00
  • ROSLAHAN, MANULLA, CASTLEBAR

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €360,000.00

Recent sales in the wider Castlebar area

  • CURRATAN VALLY, BREAFFY, CASTLEBAR

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €445,000.00
  • 60 THE OAKS, TURLOUGH RD, CASTLEBAR

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €450,000.00
  • 10 CASTLEGROVE, CASTLEBAR, CO MAYO

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €245,000.00
  • 49 ROWAN DR, CASTLEBAR, MAYO

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €270,000.00
  • 83 MANOR VILLAGE, WESTPORT RD, CASTLEBAR

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €320,000.00

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: €750 — 1% of €75,000.
    ?
    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: 1,500 to 3,000 euro plus VAT and outlays.
  • Land registration fees: 400 to 800 euro depending on the property value and registration type.
  • Property valuation fees: 150 to 250 euro for a standard mortgage valuation.
  • Surveyor fees: 500 to 1,200 euro depending on the depth of the building inspection required for the derelict dwelling.
  • Annual home insurance: Not applicable until a habitable structure is built on the site, but estimated at 400 to 800 euro annually once developed.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Locals in the Castlebar and Manulla areas frequently discuss the demand for rural housing sites with existing derelict structures, noting that such properties can sometimes benefit from vacant property refurbishment grants.
  • Community discussions often highlight the convenience of the Manulla and Ballyvary areas for commuters working in Castlebar, while emphasizing the peaceful, rural character of the surroundings.
  • Residents in rural Mayo communities frequently advise prospective self-builders to thoroughly check local planning guidelines regarding ribbon development and local needs criteria before purchasing sites.
  • Local forums note that rural roads in the wider Castlebar municipal district generally receive steady maintenance, though minor country lanes can experience winter weather impacts.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property is a rural site with an overgrown condition and a derelict dwelling, which presents significant safety hazards for young children unless fully cleared and developed.

    3/10
  • Teenagers

    Located in a rural setting away from urban amenities, teenagers would likely find the location isolated and lacking in local entertainment or public transport links.

    3/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    While the 1.61-acre site offers plenty of space for a large custom build or multiple units subject to planning permission, the existing structures are derelict and require total redevelopment.

    4/10
  • Single Buyers

    Single buyers looking for a ready-to-move-in home will not find it here; this offering is strictly a land and derelict building purchase requiring substantial capital and project management.

    2/10
  • Couples

    A self-build project could appeal to couples looking to design their own home, though the need to secure planning permission on a rural site adds complexity.

    4/10
  • Empty Nesters

    The rural location provides peace and quiet for empty nesters, but managing a greenfield or derelict-site construction project may be daunting.

    4/10
  • Retirees

    The peaceful rural environment suits retirement living, but buyers should consider proximity to healthcare facilities and the effort required to build a new home.

    4/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    Remote working is viable from a rural retreat once a home is built, but buyers should investigate local broadband availability and connection speeds.

    5/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Castlebar is about 8 km away, offering regional employment and transport links, but commuting further afield would require significant travel.

    4/10
  • Retired

    Suits retirees who want a custom-built home in a tranquil countryside setting, provided they are prepared to manage a construction project.

    6/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    The property currently features a derelict dwelling and overgrown land, making it unsuitable for ageing in place without major development designed with accessibility in mind.

    3/10
  • Low Maintenance

    The 1.61-acre site is overgrown with scrub and bush and contains a derelict dwelling, representing the highest possible level of initial maintenance and site clearance work.

    1/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    Any security infrastructure, such as gates or fencing, would need to be installed entirely from scratch by the new owner.

    3/10
  • Minimalist Design

    A clean-slate site allows a buyer to design a minimalist new build, subject to securing planning permission.

    5/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    Because the site is sold with a derelict structure and land, buyers have total freedom to plan a flexible layout for a brand-new home.

    6/10
  • Heritage Home

    The presence of a derelict dwelling and stone outbuildings offers potential heritage character, though buyers should verify the structural integrity and feasibility of restoration versus rebuilding.

    4/10
  • Ecological Setup

    The rural acreage offers strong potential for eco-friendly building practices, renewable energy integration, and natural re-wilding or landscaping.

    6/10
  • Outdoor areas

    An approximately 1.61-acre plot provides substantial outdoor space, though currently choked with scrub, offering great long-term potential once cleared.

    8/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    With roughly 1.61 acres of land, there is immense potential for extensive landscaping, gardening, and outdoor cultivation once cleared.

    8/10
  • Walking

    The surrounding country roads offer quiet routes for walking, though the lack of dedicated pedestrian footpaths requires caution.

    6/10
  • Gym

    There are no fitness facilities within immediate walking distance, requiring a trip into nearby Castlebar for gym access.

    2/10
  • Cycling

    Quiet country roads can be appealing for cycling enthusiasts, though rural road conditions and traffic speeds should be factored in.

    5/10
  • Golf

    Proximity to larger towns like Castlebar provides access to regional golf facilities, but nothing is directly adjacent.

    4/10
  • Fishing

    County Mayo features numerous angling rivers and lakes, though buyers should verify the proximity of specific fishing spots to this townland.

    5/10
  • Horse Riding

    The rural acreage and surrounding country lanes could potentially suit equestrian interests, subject to setting up appropriate stables and paddock fencing.

    6/10
  • Water Sports

    The inland rural location offers no immediate access to water sports infrastructure.

    2/10
  • Entertaining

    As the property currently consists of an overgrown site and a derelict dwelling, entertaining guests is not possible until a new home is built.

    3/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Situated in a rural townland setting outside Castlebar, the location offers a very peaceful and low-noise environment.

    9/10
  • Rural Living

    The property consists of an approximately 1.61-acre site with overgrown scrub, bush, and a derelict dwelling, making it a quintessential rural project.

    10/10
  • Village Living

    While rural, the site is within driving distance of smaller settlements like Ballyvary and Balla, though not directly within a village core.

    5/10
  • Coastal Living

    The location in County Mayo is inland, far from coastal areas and marine amenities.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    The setting is distinctly rural with agricultural surroundings, though Castlebar is approximately 8 km away for urban conveniences.

    2/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Rural townland living typically involves community ties centered around nearby villages and parish churches, though integration takes time.

    5/10
  • Café Culture

    There are no cafés within immediate walking distance; residents must travel to Castlebar or neighboring towns for social dining.

    2/10
  • Nightlife

    The immediate area is purely rural with no nightlife options, requiring a trip into Castlebar for pubs and entertainment.

    1/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Local health and wellness classes are absent from the immediate rural surrounds, necessitating travel to larger populated centers.

    2/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Professional networking opportunities are virtually non-existent in this rural townland setting.

    1/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    There are no local tech hubs or shared workspaces nearby; remote tech workers would rely entirely on a home office setup.

    1/10

Listing information

Agent
Moran Auctioneers & Estate Agents
Phone
094 902 1796
Current status
active
Published on HouseDelve
13 October 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-EE7611HouseDelve · 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.