Photograph 1 of 15 of Rath, Ashbourne, County Meath
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Rath, Ashbourne, County MeathA84V021

€250,000

3 Bed~1 Bath~76 m²~BER D

What you'll like:

  • Generous site size: The property sits on approximately 0.67 of an acre, offering substantial outdoor space and excellent long-term expansion potential for buyers seeking room to grow.
  • Strategic border location: Positioned close to the Meath and Dublin border just north of Ashbourne, providing convenient commuter access for professionals working in the capital.
  • Proximity to motorway: Located just 500 metres from the roundabout at the Pillo Hotel and the M2 motorway, ensuring rapid vehicular transit toward major national routes.
  • Residential zoning status: The land carries an A1 Existing Residential zoning designation, which may offer interesting future development scopes or flexibility for ambitious homeowners.
  • Vacant and chain-free: Being sold completely vacant allows the buyer to proceed with a straightforward purchase process without waiting on upstream property chains.
  • Countryside meets town: Enjoy the best of both worlds with a peaceful rural setting right on the fringe of a vibrant, fast-growing commuter town.
  • Substantial site frontage: The generous plot features extensive frontage onto the N2 corridor, enhancing overall accessibility and visibility for potential future planning applications.
  • Commuter bus links: Regular scheduled Bus Eireann services, including the 103 route, operate nearby to transport residents directly into Dublin city centre.
  • Close to airport: Dublin Airport is situated approximately 21 kilometres away, making international travel exceptionally convenient for frequent flyers.
  • Ample local shopping: Ashbourne boasts multiple major retail options including Dunnes Stores, Tesco Extra, Lidl, and Aldi within a very short driving distance.
  • Educational infrastructure: A wide selection of primary and secondary schools, including Gaelscoil na Mi and Ashbourne Community School, serve the surrounding local area.
  • Extensive sports culture: Local facilities include active GAA, rugby, soccer, and golf clubs, catering comprehensively to families and fitness enthusiasts of all ages.
  • Leisure amenities nearby: Residents can easily access multi-purpose community sports halls, a local cinema, and the Pillo Hotel leisure club with a pool and gym.
  • Family attractions close by: Popular regional attractions such as Emerald Park are located just four kilometres away, offering fantastic weekend entertainment options for children.
  • Compact initial footprint: The 76 square metre single-storey cottage layout provides an affordable entry point for first-time buyers looking to step onto the property ladder.
  • Live-in renovation potential: The layout accommodates living quarters so buyers can potentially occupy the residence while concurrently working on phased internal enhancements.
  • Oil fired heating: Features an established central heating system already installed, though buyers will likely want to upgrade it as part of deeper retrofitting.
  • Double glazed windows: Fitted with PVC double glazed windows which offer a baseline level of thermal insulation and noise reduction from the exterior.
  • Mains water supply: Connected to a mains water infrastructure, ensuring reliable daily water delivery without reliance on a local well system.
  • Affordable asking price: Listed at €250,000, presenting a rare and accessible pricing bracket for detached rural living with close proximity to urban conveniences.

But keep in mind:

  • Heavy retrofitting required: The single-storey cottage is compact and currently in need of extensive modernization, meaning buyers must budget significantly for structural upgrades.
  • Poor energy rating: The dwelling carries a D energy rating with a high performance indicator of 264.9 kWh/m2/yr, indicating substantial heat loss and high utility bills.
  • Private sewerage system: The property relies on a private sewerage arrangement, which requires careful inspection by a specialist to verify current compliance and capacity.
  • Untested services: Selling agents explicitly note that all apparatus, fixtures, fittings, and services remain untested, demanding thorough professional surveys prior to closing.
  • Limited existing space: With a floor area of only 76 square metres, the current accommodation is relatively small and will likely necessitate an extension for modern family living.
  • Single bathroom setup: The dwelling includes just one bathroom to service all three bedrooms, which may create morning bottlenecks for a larger family household.
  • Proximity to major road: Immediate closeness to the busy N2 and M2 junction may introduce noticeable traffic noise and air quality considerations for outdoor living areas.
  • Significant capital outlay: Beyond the initial purchase price, buyers face heavy capital expenditure to bring the dated structure up to contemporary comfort and insulation standards.
  • Planning permission hurdles: Any major extension or commercial development ambition on the A1 zoned site will require navigating rigorous local authority planning guidelines.
  • Construction project stress: Undertaking a comprehensive home renovation while managing daily life can be intensely stressful and prone to unexpected building delays and cost overruns.
  • Potential structural defects: Older cottages of this type often conceal dampness, poor foundations, or outdated wiring that will only surface during a detailed structural survey.
  • Restricted local transport walking: While driving links are superb, walking to the nearest town amenities may be impractical given the high-speed nature of the adjacent roadways.
  • Uncertain septic tank standards: If the private sewerage system fails modern environmental regulations, upgrading to a compliant treatment plant could add substantial unexpected costs.
  • Roof and insulation check: Older roof timbers and minimal attic insulation likely require complete overhaul to meet current building regulations and energy efficiency targets.
  • Heating system replacement: The existing oil-fired boiler and radiators may be obsolete or inefficient, necessitating a complete refit of the home heating infrastructure.
  • Ventilation improvements needed: Modernizing a compact cottage often triggers condensation issues unless proper mechanical or passive ventilation systems are retrofitted throughout.
  • Boundary and title verification: Buyers must instruct their solicitor to meticulously verify all site boundaries and rights of way along the extensive N2 road frontage.
  • Local development pressure: Being on the urban fringe of a fast-growing commuter town means surrounding lands may experience future construction activity and changing neighbourhood dynamics.
  • Lighting and electrical upgrade: Older residential properties frequently feature outdated fuse boards and inadequate socket placement, requiring a complete rewiring by a certified electrician.
  • Limited storage capacity: The compact 76 square metre footprint lacks substantial built-in storage, forcing buyers to plan clever storage solutions or outdoor garden sheds.

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 moderately undervalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price appears attractively positioned below standard market averages due to the compact 76 square metre floor area, the D energy rating, and the requirement for substantial retrofitting and modernising works throughout the dwelling.
  • Valuation signals are heavily influenced by the generous 0.67-acre site size, residential zoning, and strategic fringe location near the M2 corridor, which introduces considerable development and expansion potential beyond a standard home purchase.
  • Such a price point could be supported by strong demand from first-time buyers seeking affordability and developers targeting site potential, though it might be undermined by high anticipated renovation costs and the private sewerage system.
  • Additional factors include the property's vacant, chain-free status offering immediate occupancy potential, contrasting against surrounding suburban housing values that typically command significantly higher figures across the wider Ashbourne area.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a compact single-storey cottage or bungalow spanning approximately 76 square metres, featuring three bedrooms, one bathroom, PVC double-glazed windows, and oil-fired heating.
  • It sits on a generous site of approximately 0.67 acres with extensive frontage to the N2 and features residential zoning, offering substantial potential for future extension, redevelopment, or a significant project.
  • Services include mains water and private sewerage, which a buyer should investigate for capacity, condition, and compliance with current environmental regulations.
  • Given the D BER rating and description as requiring retrofitting, a buyer should investigate the overall structural integrity of the cottage, roof condition, dampness, and the age of the heating system.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • A deep retrofit for a 76 square metre D-rated cottage typically ranges from €40,000 to €70,000 depending on the extent of works required.
  • This estimated cost accounts for upgrading external wall insulation, roof insulation, replacing or upgrading the oil heating system to a renewable alternative like a heat pump, installing high-performance windows and doors if needed, and addressing airtightness to achieve a modern B2 or A BER rating.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: €1,800 to €2,400
  • Explanation: Given the 76 m2 floor area, a D BER rating indicating lower energy efficiency, and oil-fired heating mentioned in the property facts, heating and energy consumption are expected to be relatively high and should be investigated by the buyer.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is situated in a semi-rural fringe location near Ashbourne, appearing well-removed from major heavy industrial plants or active large-scale incinerators.
  • Buyers should verify local records for any historical localized waste disposal or legacy agricultural chemical storage associated with rural plots in the vicinity.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The site sits on an elevated or well-drained transitional zone between town and countryside, generally showing a lower risk of widespread fluvial flooding.
  • Buyers should undertake standard environmental and structural due diligence regarding surface water management and local drainage capacity.

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estateExtra effort was used to find nearby sales here

  • 193 RATH LODGE, ASHBOURNE, MEATH

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €525,000.00
  • 83 RATH LODGE, ASHBOURNE, MEATH

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €340,000.00
  • 94 RATH LODGE, ASHBOURNE, MEATH

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €405,000.00
  • 75 RATH LODGE, ASHBOURNE, MEATH

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €186,666.00
  • 95 RATH LODGE, ASHBOURNE, MEATH

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €325,000.00

Recent sales in the wider Ashbourne area

  • 41 THE CRESCENT, KILLEGLAND ST, ASHBOURNE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €250,000.00
  • 42. CHURCHFIELDS WAY, CHURCFIELDS, ASHBOURNE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €500,000.00
  • 16 CHURCHFIELDS PARK, CHURCHFIELDS, ASHBOURNE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €650,000.00
  • 26 TUDOR CLOSE, ASHBOURNE, MEATH

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €495,000.00
  • 16 ASHEWOOD GREEN, ASHEWOOD, ASHBOURNE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €475,000.00

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: €2,500 based on 1% of the €250,000 asking price up to €1 million
  • Solicitor legal fees: approximately €1,500 to €3,000 plus outlays and VAT
  • Land registration fees: approximately €600 to €800 depending on the property value and registration type
  • Property valuation fees: approximately €150 to €300
  • Surveyor fees: approximately €500 to €1,000 depending on the depth of the survey required for a 76 m2 home
  • Annual home insurance: approximately €400 to €800 depending on the level of cover

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Residents frequently discuss the rapid growth of Ashbourne and its evolving role as a key commuter hub for Dublin.
  • Local forums highlight excellent transport links via the M2 corridor and regular bus services to the capital.
  • Community discussions often center around the balance between rural Meath charm and expanding suburban amenities.
  • There is ongoing local interest in the development of retail parks, schools, and sporting infrastructure in the surrounding area.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The generous 0.67-acre site provides ample outdoor space for children to play, though the compact 3-bedroom cottage requires significant retrofitting and renovation before it is comfortably habitable for a young family.

    6/10
  • Teenagers

    Proximity to Ashbourne offers good local amenities and schools, but the single-storey 76 m² layout lacks separate living zones or distinct spaces that growing teenagers typically require.

    5/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    With a floor area of only 76 m², a single bathroom, and three compact bedrooms, the existing dwelling is far too small for multi-generational living without major structural extensions.

    2/10
  • Single Buyers

    An affordable asking price and vacant, chain-free status make this an appealing entry-level option or project for a first-time or single buyer willing to take on renovations.

    7/10
  • Couples

    Offers an affordable opportunity for couples looking to create their own dream home on a substantial plot, provided they have the budget and time for a substantial retrofit project.

    7/10
  • Empty Nesters

    The single-storey bungalow format suits downsizers avoiding stairs, but the requirement for extensive retrofitting and the large 0.67-acre garden may demand more maintenance than desired.

    5/10
  • Retirees

    Single-floor living is ideal for aging in place, but the property's current dated condition and need for modern services and upgrades mean significant initial work is required.

    5/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    The detached, private setting suits home working, but buyers should investigate and verify the local broadband speeds available on site.

    6/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Strategically positioned just 500 metres from the M2 motorway and Pillo Hotel roundabout, with regular bus services to Dublin, making hybrid commuting very viable.

    8/10
  • Retired

    Single-storey living is beneficial for retirees, though managing a large 0.67-acre site and undertaking a major home renovation project can be demanding.

    6/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    The single-storey bungalow structure avoids stairs entirely, though considerable adaptation and barrier-free modifications would be needed during the retrofit.

    7/10
  • Low Maintenance

    With a D BER rating, an older single-storey cottage needing retrofitting, and a 0.67-acre plot, property maintenance demands will initially be quite high.

    3/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    The property currently features an open or standard roadside setup with extensive frontage, meaning any secure gated entry would need to be installed by the buyer.

    3/10
  • Minimalist Design

    The compact 76 m² footprint offers a blank canvas for minimalist ideas, but current partitioning reflects a traditional older cottage layout.

    4/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    The current layout is somewhat rigid and dated, though the generous site size allows ample scope for future extensions and reconfigurations.

    4/10
  • Heritage Home

    Described as a single-storey cottage or bungalow with character, though buyers should verify its historical status and any local planning restrictions.

    5/10
  • Ecological Setup

    Currently features an oil-fired heating system, a D BER energy rating, and private sewerage, indicating significant eco-upgrades and retrofitting are necessary.

    2/10
  • Outdoor areas

    A major selling point is the expansive 0.67-acre site with extensive frontage, providing exceptional outdoor space and development potential.

    9/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    A standout feature for gardening enthusiasts is the exceptionally generous site area extending to approximately 0.67 of an acre, offering vast potential for landscaping and cultivation.

    9/10
  • Walking

    Nearby access to local spots like Balrath Woods provides walking opportunities, though the immediate roadside setting lacks dedicated pedestrian footpaths.

    6/10
  • Gym

    Conveniently located near the Pillo Hotel, which provides full leisure club facilities including a gym, swimming pool, and spa.

    7/10
  • Cycling

    While the area offers rural roads to explore, cycling directly from the property requires caution due to proximity to busy commuter junctions like the M2/N2.

    5/10
  • Golf

    Ashbourne Golf Club is located nearby, making this a very convenient spot for golf enthusiasts.

    8/10
  • Fishing

    The general region offers inland waterways, but specific angling amenities require travel and further local verification.

    4/10
  • Horse Riding

    Proximity to equestrian hubs such as Tattersalls and Fairyhouse Racecourse (8.5 km away) makes this location highly practical for horse riding fans.

    8/10
  • Water Sports

    Inland County Meath location offers very limited immediate access to serious water sports facilities.

    2/10
  • Entertaining

    The massive 0.67-acre plot offers fantastic outdoor entertaining potential once landscaped, but the current indoor living space is compact and requires updating.

    6/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Positioned where town meets country with a generous plot, though the proximity to the N2 and M2 junction introduces potential background traffic noise to verify.

    6/10
  • Rural Living

    Set on a large 0.67-acre site on the fringe of the countryside, giving a distinct rural feel while remaining close to major transport links.

    7/10
  • Village Living

    Ashbourne is just 2.5 km away, offering local village-style community conveniences, retail parks, and schools within a short drive.

    6/10
  • Coastal Living

    The inland location in County Meath provides zero proximity or access to coastal amenities.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    Located on the fringe of a growing commuter town with good access to Dublin, but the immediate surroundings are decidedly semi-rural rather than urban.

    4/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Ashbourne is a thriving, fast-growing commuter town with active local sports clubs, community centres, and a strong community spirit.

    7/10
  • Café Culture

    A short drive into Ashbourne town reveals various retail parks, cafes, and restaurants along Main Street and High Street.

    6/10
  • Nightlife

    Local pubs and a multi-screen cinema are available in Ashbourne, but for extensive nightlife, residents typically travel further toward Dublin.

    5/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Access to hotel spa and leisure facilities, local sports clubs, and community wellness initiatives nearby supports an active lifestyle.

    7/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Primarily a commuter residential area, meaning local business networking is limited compared to central Dublin.

    5/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    Good road access to Dublin tech hubs via the M2, though digital connectivity speeds at the specific property address must be verified independently.

    6/10

Listing information

Agent
Quillsen (Navan)
Phone
046 902 2100
Published on HouseDelve
30 September 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-416A40HouseDelve · 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.