
Mullaghcrone Lodge, Donore, Drogheda, MeathA92EC1P
€595,000
3 Bed~2 Bath~172 m²~BER D
What you'll like:
- Centenary historic character: Built circa 1925, this charming property preserves authentic architectural features that provide a unique aesthetic not found in modern builds.
- Substantial floor area: Spanning approximately 172 square meters, the home offers generous family living space across all three well-proportioned bedrooms and multiple reception rooms.
- Generous site acreage: Situated on a mature plot of approximately one acre, residents enjoy exceptional outdoor space, privacy, and extensive landscaped grounds.
- Thoughtful historical expansion: Carefully extended around 2008, the footprint successfully blends traditional cottage aesthetics with practical modern spatial requirements.
- Extensive prior refurbishment: Fully renovated roughly 22 years ago, the dwelling underwent major modernization to bring structural and interior elements up to contemporary standards.
- Secure gated entrance: Equipped with electric front gates, the perimeter enhances privacy and provides controlled access for greater household safety.
- Advanced security installation: A comprehensive alarm and camera system is already fully operational, offering immediate peace of mind for future occupants.
- Private countryside setting: Nestled in the scenic Donore countryside near Drogheda, the location delivers a tranquil rural lifestyle without feeling isolated.
- Proximity to M1 motorway: Located within a five-minute drive of the M1 junction, the commute to Dublin or Belfast is exceptionally convenient for working professionals.
- Reliable public transport: Daily bus services operating to and from nearby Drogheda Town Centre ensure accessible travel options for non-drivers.
- Spacious primary bedroom: Measuring an impressive 5 by 5 meters, the main suite provides a luxurious personal retreat complete with a dedicated en suite bathroom.
- Character sash windows: Retained sash windows on the original cottage section preserve historical integrity while maintaining proper exterior proportions and style.
- Modern double glazing: Fitted with double glazing throughout to enhance thermal insulation and reduce external noise pollution across all living spaces.
- Efficient oil heating: Powered by an oil-fired central heating system featuring a high-efficiency boiler to optimize winter warmth and manage energy costs.
- Cozy open fireplace: Features a charming cast iron fireplace in the living spaces, adding traditional focal points and cozy ambiance for colder evenings.
- Convenient utility room: A separate utility room measuring 3.7 by 1.7 meters keeps laundry appliances organized and out of the main kitchen areas.
- Reliable municipal utilities: Connected directly to mains water supply and mains waste infrastructure, avoiding the maintenance issues associated with private wells or septic tanks.
- Ample off-street parking: The stone and tarmac driveway provides generous parking space for multiple vehicles, easily accommodating visiting family and guests.
- Practical outdoor storage: Includes a dedicated wooden garden shed for securely storing lawnmowers, bicycles, and seasonal outdoor maintenance equipment.
- Mature landscaped gardens: Beautifully established grounds feature mature plantings and green spaces that create an established, private oasis immediately upon moving in.
But keep in mind:
- Sub-optimal energy rating: Holding a D energy rating, the building is less efficient and may incur higher heating bills until deep energy retrofits are completed.
- Aging structural core: Originally constructed around 1925, buyers should commission a thorough structural survey to check for hidden timber rot, damp, or subsidence.
- Renovated decades ago: The major refurbishment took place approximately 22 years ago, meaning interior finishes, kitchens, and bathrooms may soon require updating.
- Potential window maintenance: Traditional sash windows on the original structure can be prone to drafts, sticking, or wood decay requiring specialized ongoing upkeep.
- Oil heating dependency: Reliance on oil-fired central heating exposes occupants to fluctuating fossil fuel prices and requires regular manual tank refilling.
- Upgrading thermal insulation: Achieving a higher energy rating than D will likely demand significant investment in wall, roof, or window insulation upgrades.
- Historic extension joints: The 2008 extension should be closely inspected by a surveyor to ensure movement joints and damp-proofing between old and new sections remain sound.
- Rural drainage verification: Although listed with mains connections, buyers must verify with legal counsel that all water and waste pipe boundaries and wayleaves are clear.
- Boundary fence upkeep: Maintaining a fully fenced boundary across a one-acre plot will involve regular ongoing labor and material costs for fence repairs.
- Automated gate maintenance: Electric security gates require routine mechanical servicing and can pose inconvenient entry hurdles during sudden power outages.
- Camera system obsolescence: Integrated security cameras and alarm hardware may rely on aging technology that requires software updates or hardware replacement.
- Shed structural condition: The wooden garden shed should be inspected for wood rot, damp infiltration, and general weathering before storing valuable items inside.
- Driveway surface wear: Tarmac and stone driveways can develop cracks or weed growth over time, necessitating periodic sealing, resurfacing, or weed control.
- Rural pest management: Countryside locations inherently experience higher exposure to rural pests like mice, insects, or birds, requiring proactive home defense measures.
- Local traffic corridors: Proximity to the M1 motorway, while convenient, should be checked for potential distant traffic noise hum during peak wind conditions.
- Bathroom layout updates: Certain bathrooms, such as the main ground-floor facility, measure 3.7 by 2.6 meters and might benefit from re-configuration for modern tastes.
- Ceiling height variations: Historic cottages often feature lower ceiling heights in original rooms, which could feel restrictive for taller individuals or modern furniture.
- Insurance cost factors: Older homes constructed in 1925 can sometimes attract higher property insurance premiums due to historical construction methods and materials.
- Future proofing costs: Buyers should budget for potential roof tile checks, chimney repointing, and exterior rendering maintenance typical of century-old dwellings.
- Resale energy expectations: A D BER rating might limit future buyer pools or affect resale negotiations in a market increasingly prioritizing high energy efficiency.
Price positioning
?
- Recent closed sales for comparable detached countryside properties and rural housing within the surrounding locality suggest that the asking price sits towards the upper boundary of typical achieved transaction levels for the immediate area.
- The expansive floor area of approximately 172 square meters combined with a substantial one-acre site provides considerable physical scale that supports a higher baseline value relative to standard suburban family homes.
- The property features a D energy rating which falls below modern standards, meaning prospective purchasers should investigate potential upgrade costs required to improve thermal efficiency and overall comfort levels.
- Buyers evaluating the asking price should carefully review local market competition and verify comparable transaction records to ensure the valuation properly accounts for ongoing maintenance and modernization expenses.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a roughly 100-year-old original cottage (built c. 1925) that was fully refurbished around 22 years ago and further extended in 2008, bringing the total floor area to approximately 172 square metres.
- A buyer should investigate the structural interface and insulation continuity between the original c. 1925 masonry structure, the c. 2002 refurbishment areas, and the 2008 extension.
- Given the age of the original structure and its subsequent extension history, a thorough structural survey should verify the condition of original timber elements, damp-proofing in the older section, and the functioning of the original sash windows alongside modern double glazing.
- As a rural property relying on mains water and mains connections, a buyer should verify the capacity, condition, and compliance of the waste/drainage infrastructure and any associated service records.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property holds a D Building Energy Rating (BER), which indicates that thermal performance falls below modern standards and significant energy upgrades are required to optimize efficiency.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit to elevate the dwelling to a high BER standard (such as an A or B rating) would likely involve external wall insulation for the older sections, upgrading roof and floor insulation where necessary, replacing or fine-tuning the heating system, and installing renewable technologies like solar panels or a heat pump.
- Estimated costs for a deep retrofit on a property of approximately 172 square metres starting from a D rating generally range between €25,000 and €45,000, depending on the extent of fabric upgrades and mechanical system overhauls, though this can be offset in part by available SEAI grants.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €2,000 to €3,200
- Short explanation: The property has a floor area of 172 m² and a D energy rating, indicating moderate-to-high energy consumption. Heating relies on oil-fired central heating (O-F-C-H) via a high-efficiency boiler alongside an open fire. Costs will depend heavily on individual usage patterns and prevailing home heating oil prices.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
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
STALEEN, DONORE, DROGHEDA
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €350,000.00
STALEEN, DONORE, DROGHEDA
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €250,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Drogheda area
21 PARK CLOSE, GRANGERATH, DROGHEDA
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €365,000.00
22 THE LAWN, HIGHLANDS, DROGHEDA
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €406,000.00
10 PARK GRANGE, GRANGERATH, DROGHEDA
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €265,000.00
32 PARK COURT, GRANGE RATH, DROGHEDA
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €326,500.00
6 HAZEL LANE, BRYANSTOWN, DROGHEDA
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €410,000.00
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: €5,950 (calculated at 1% of the asking price up to €1 million for residential property)
- Solicitor legal fees: €1,500 to €3,000 (plus outlay and VAT)
- Land registration fees: €400 to €800 (depending on property mapping and registry filings)
- Property valuation fees: €150 to €300
- Surveyor fees: €500 to €1,200 (depending on the scope of the structural survey for an older cottage)
- Annual home insurance: €500 to €1,000 (varies based on cover level, rebuilding cost, and rural location)
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local discussions highlight Donore as a highly sought-after historic area near the Boyne Valley with a strong community feel.
- Residents frequently note the convenience of being just a short drive from the M1 motorway, making commuting to Dublin or Belfast very manageable.
- There is ongoing local commentary regarding the balance of rural peace and proximity to Drogheda town amenities.
- Property observers mention that homes with mature gardens and historic character in this region tend to attract strong interest from families looking to relocate from cities.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children8/10
The property features an expansive one-acre landscaped garden and a secure fenced boundary behind electric gates, providing a safe outdoor environment for young children to play.
- Teenagers7/10
With 172 square metres of floor space and three generous bedrooms, there is ample personal space for teenagers, though the rural location means they will rely on transport to access town amenities.
- Multi-generational Living6/10
The 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom layout offers single-level or flexible spaces within a historic cottage footprint, though buyers should verify if the configuration supports multi-generational privacy.
- Single Buyers5/10
At €595,000 for a 3-bedroom detached home on an acre with a D BER rating, single buyers might face higher maintenance overheads and heating costs compared to modern apartments.
- Couples8/10
An exceptional choice for couples seeking a character-filled countryside retreat with plenty of indoor living space, mature gardens, and privacy while remaining close to Drogheda.
- Empty Nesters8/10
Offers single-level elements and wonderful peace and quiet with mature landscaped gardens, making it ideal for empty nesters looking to downsize to a scenic rural setting without sacrificing comfort.
- Retirees7/10
The tranquil countryside setting and secure electric gated entry appeal to retirees, though the extensive one-acre garden may require ongoing maintenance or gardening help.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working8/10
The generous 172 sq.m. floor plan provides multiple reception and bedroom spaces that can easily be adapted into home offices, though buyers should verify local broadband speeds.
- Hybrid Commuting8/10
Conveniently located within a 5-minute drive of the M1 motorway junction, facilitating easy commuting along the Dublin-Belfast corridor alongside a daily local bus service.
- Retired9/10
An idyllic retreat for retirees looking for privacy, single-level character comfort, and a secure gated environment away from city bustle.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place7/10
Offers ground-floor living accommodation and single-level accessibility potential, though buyers should check bathroom and doorway dimensions for long-term accessibility.
- Low Maintenance5/10
While the house has been fully refurbished and extended over the years, maintaining a 100-year-old cottage with sash windows and a one-acre mature garden requires ongoing upkeep.
- Secure Gated Entry10/10
Features secure electric front gates, a fully fenced boundary, and a comprehensive alarm and camera system for high security.
- Minimalist Design4/10
The property celebrates historic 100-year-old character, original sash windows, and traditional cottage warmth rather than sleek minimalist architecture.
- Flexible Floor Plans7/10
Extending to 172 sq.m. with multiple reception areas and a large kitchen and living/dining space, the layout offers good versatility for family living.
- Heritage Home9/10
Originally built around 1925, this charming 100-year-old cottage retains original features like sash windows and cast-iron fireplaces blended with modern extensions.
- Ecological Setup5/10
Equipped with oil-fired central heating and a high-efficiency boiler, though the property carries a D BER rating which indicates room for energy-efficiency improvements.
- Outdoor areas10/10
Boasts a c. 1-acre site with matured landscaped gardens, stone and tarmac driveway, ample parking, and a wooden garden shed.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening10/10
The property sits on approximately one acre of mature, landscaped gardens, complete with a wooden garden shed, offering a dream setup for gardening enthusiasts.
- Walking7/10
The scenic countryside setting around Donore provides pleasant local walking routes, though access to designated pedestrian trails requires navigating rural roads.
- Gym4/10
There is no dedicated home gym structure built-in, and residents will need to travel toward Drogheda for commercial gym facilities.
- Cycling6/10
The surrounding country roads offer routes for cycling enthusiasts, though the lack of dedicated cycle lanes means cyclists must share space with local traffic.
- Golf6/10
The general Drogheda area hosts notable golf courses, making it reasonably convenient for players to access a game within a short drive.
- Fishing5/10
Proximity to the Boyne valley region offers potential local angling opportunities, though buyers should verify specific nearby river access and permits.
- Horse Riding7/10
The rural Meath setting features local country lanes and potential livery options nearby, making it well-suited for equestrian interests.
- Water Sports3/10
Inland location with no immediate access to major water sports facilities, aside from potential river activities further down toward the estuary.
- Entertaining9/10
Features spacious interior reception rooms, including a drawing/sitting room and open plan living/dining area, combined with expansive landscaped grounds ideal for hosting guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Set in the beautiful countryside of Donore surrounded by mature, landscaped gardens, the property offers an exceptional level of privacy and tranquillity.
- Rural Living9/10
Located in a wonderful countryside setting on an approximate 1-acre site, perfectly suited for those seeking an authentic rural lifestyle.
- Village Living7/10
Situated near Donore, providing a charming village-adjacent community feel while maintaining a distinct countryside isolation.
- Coastal Living3/10
The location is inland in County Meath near Drogheda, offering no direct proximity to the coast or beach activities.
- Urban Living3/10
This is strictly a countryside property, though it benefits from being just a short drive from Drogheda Town Centre for urban conveniences.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Donore and the surrounding Drogheda hinterland offer a welcoming community spirit with local clubs, organizations, and events.
- Café Culture5/10
While local rural spots are quiet, a short drive into Drogheda Town Centre unlocks a wide array of local cafés and social spots.
- Nightlife4/10
The immediate countryside location is tranquil and devoid of nightlife, requiring a trip into Drogheda for pubs, bars, and evening entertainment.
- Health/Wellness groups6/10
Access to health and wellness classes is readily available in nearby Drogheda, though rural options are limited.
- Networking Opportunities4/10
Professional networking is sparse locally, requiring travel toward major economic hubs like Dublin or Drogheda's commercial centers.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity4/10
Being a 100-year-old cottage updated over the years, buyers should investigate the exact fiber broadband capabilities available for high-tech professional requirements.
Listing information
- Agent
- Shane Black Property Advisors and Agents Ltd
- Phone
- 041 981 0848 / 041 98 04493
- Published on HouseDelve
- 4 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-389FF8HouseDelve · Republic of Ireland* Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.