Photograph 1 of 43 of The Arches, Birr Road, Shinrone, Birr, Co. Offaly
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The Arches, Birr Road, Shinrone, Birr, Co. OffalyR42DW66

€375,000

4 Bed~3 Bath~177 m²~BER D

What you'll like:

  • Generous floor area: Measuring approximately 177 square meters, this detached bungalow provides spacious single-story living that comfortably accommodates families seeking ample room without internal stairs.
  • Substantial site size: Set on a sprawling 0.84-acre plot, the property grants extensive outdoor grounds and lawns surrounding the entire home for private outdoor activities.
  • Private un-overlooked gardens: The outdoor spaces benefit from not being overlooked by neighboring properties from either the front or rear aspects, ensuring enhanced seclusion.
  • Distinctive architectural character: Easily distinguished by its unique three arches along the front facade, the bungalow delivers memorable curb appeal and individual aesthetic charm.
  • Convenient village proximity: Adjoining the edge of Shinrone Village, residents enjoy effortless walking access to local conveniences like the primary school and modern supermarket.
  • Accessible regional transport: Positioned almost equi-distant from Roscrea and Birr, the location offers seamless connectivity to major motorways and primary regional arterial routes.
  • Solid construction standards: Built in 1984 utilizing traditional solid block cavity wall methods, the structural framework provides robust long-term durability and dependable thermal mass.
  • Well-maintained condition: Having been very carefully maintained over the years, the house presents a neatly painted interior featuring a clean, muted modern color palette.
  • Generous room proportions: Reflecting the architectural standards of its construction era, individual living spaces and bedrooms are exceptionally large compared to modern standard builds.
  • Multiple reception spaces: Featuring both a spacious living room and a separate sitting room, the layout provides exceptional flexibility for family entertainment and quiet relaxation.
  • Convenient en-suite facility: The inclusion of an en-suite bathroom attached to one of the four bedrooms adds privacy and daily convenience for the primary occupants.
  • Functional utility infrastructure: A dedicated utility room measuring over five meters provides vital space for laundry appliances, reducing clutter in the main kitchen areas.
  • Integrated boiler room: A separate boiler room helps isolate heating equipment noise and provides dedicated space for routine maintenance of the central heating system.
  • Extensive storage garage: A very large detached garage situated on the grounds offers exceptional capacity for vehicle parking, hobby work, or secure seasonal storage.
  • Secure property setting: Positioned in a secure setting with a solid tarmacadamed driveway, the layout allows safe parking and controlled vehicle access around the perimeter.
  • Established municipal supply: Connection to the main water network ensures a reliable daily water supply compared to relying entirely on private local wells.
  • Upgradable energy potential: The existing D energy rating provides a clear baseline for future retrofitting grants and energy efficiency improvements to lower utility costs.
  • Dual-town convenience: Being just a 7 to 8 kilometer drive from both Birr and Roscrea gives residents broad access to secondary schools, supermarkets, and hospital services.
  • Family-friendly layout: Four proper bedrooms combined with three bathrooms minimize morning congestion and easily accommodate growing families or visiting guests.
  • Peaceful rural atmosphere: The edge-of-village setting combines quiet countryside lifestyle benefits with the safety and community engagement of an established local settlement.

But keep in mind:

  • Suboptimal energy rating: Carrying a D BER rating with a high energy performance indicator, the property will likely require substantial insulation and heating upgrades to achieve modern efficiency standards.
  • Septic tank management: Drainage relies on a septic tank rather than mains sewage, requiring the buyer to inspect its condition, capacity, and compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Aging structural vintage: Constructed in 1984, components such as plumbing, electrical circuits, and roof timbers may approach the end of their lifespan and warrant a thorough independent survey.
  • Potential oil heating costs: Relying on an oil-fired central heating system exposes the homeowner to volatile fossil fuel pricing and demands regular maintenance of the external oil storage tank.
  • Single-pane thermal risks: Buyers should thoroughly verify whether all double-glazed windows feature modern thermal breaks or if older seals have failed, causing drafts or internal condensation.
  • Roof insulation compliance: The attic space should be closely inspected to confirm that insulation depths meet contemporary building regulations to curb significant heat loss.
  • Wastewater registration checks: The buyer's solicitor must verify if the on-site septic tank system is properly registered with local authorities and complies with current statutory maintenance rules.
  • Surface water drainage: Given the large tarmac driveway and extensive lawns, the buyer should check for proper surface water run-off management to prevent pooling near foundations.
  • Boundary fence clarity: The expansive 0.84-acre plot requires careful legal verification of all boundary lines, hedges, and fencing to prevent potential future disputes with adjoining landowners.
  • Garage structural condition: The large double garage should be inspected for dampness, roof integrity, and electrical safety, particularly if it lacks active heating or insulation.
  • Retrofit capital outlay: Bringing the building energy rating up to a modern A or B standard will likely require significant capital investment in heat pumps, solar panels, or external wrapping.
  • Hard water prevalence: Depending on the local main water supply characteristics in County Offaly, scaling buildup in appliances and hot water systems should be anticipated and tested.
  • Radon gas mitigation: Given the regional geology of the midlands, the buyer should verify radon gas concentration levels and check if a preventative barrier or sump is installed.
  • Plumbing pressure checks: The older internal plumbing network should be pressure-tested to ensure that hidden pipework joints can handle modern water pressure without leakage risks.
  • Electrical compliance verification: The fuse board and wiring installation from 1984 may lack modern trip switches or residual current devices, requiring an electrical safety certification check.
  • Venting and condensation: Large bungalows built in the 1980s can suffer from inadequate sub-floor or wall ventilation, making checks for hidden mold or timber rot essential.
  • Appliance lifespan uncertainty: Built-in or freestanding kitchen and utility appliances included in the sale may be near replacement age, requiring budgeting for near-future equipment upgrades.
  • Local traffic proximity: Situated directly on the Birr Road near the edge of the village, the property may experience periodic traffic noise during peak commuting hours.
  • rainwater guttering checks: PVC fascia, soffits, and rainwater guttering should be examined for cracking, blockages, or leaks that could compromise exterior walls over time.
  • Resale market positioning: Piced at the upper end of local bungalow sales, the property requires careful valuation due-diligence to ensure future capital growth aligns with purchase investment.

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.
  • Recent transaction records for comparable detached rural houses in the wider Shinrone and Birr hinterland show transacted values spanning a broad bracket that supports upper-tier property pricing for substantial floor areas.
  • The asking price of three hundred seventy-five thousand euros reflects a sizeable scale of one hundred seventy-seven square meters set on a generous zero point eighty-four acre site with extensive internal accommodation.
  • Prospective purchasers should investigate potential retrofit costs associated with the current D energy rating to determine future capital outlays required to enhance overall thermal efficiency and modern standards.
  • Comparison against local market evidence indicates that the asking figure is positioned toward the upper end of regional valuations, matching the premium commanded by larger footprints and mature plot sizes.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a detached bungalow built in 1984, featuring traditional solid block cavity wall construction and double-glazed windows.
  • Drainage relies on a septic tank, meaning a buyer should investigate its condition, maintenance history, and compliance with current environmental standards.
  • The heating system is oil-fired with an independent boiler room, which a prospective buyer should inspect for age, efficiency, and servicing records.
  • Given the 1984 build date and a D BER rating, a buyer should verify the levels of roof and wall insulation to identify potential thermal bridging or drafts.
  • The presence of a large detached garage and generous grounds provides excellent storage and potential workspace, though any modifications or structural additions over time should be checked for planning compliance.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • A deep retrofit for a 177 m² detached bungalow with a D BER rating typically ranges from €30,000 to €55,000 in Ireland, depending on the extent of works required.
  • Key measures to achieve a higher energy rating would likely include upgrading attic and wall insulation, replacing the older oil-fired boiler with a renewable heating system such as a heat pump, and potentially upgrading external doors and windows.
  • Grant supports from SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) can substantially offset these capital outlays, though a detailed technical assessment by an energy advisor is recommended to determine the exact costs and most cost-effective pathway.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • €3,000 to €4,200 per year.
  • The property has a relatively large floor area of 177 m² and a D BER rating (energy performance indicator of 261.59 kWh/m²/yr). Given that it uses oil-fired central heating and features traditional 1984 cavity wall construction, space heating and hot water demands will be substantial under current home heating oil and fuel price conditions. Actual costs will vary depending on household occupancy, thermostat settings, and winter weather severity.

Pollution Safe

8/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is located in a predominantly rural, agricultural setting away from major heavy industrial zones or large waste incinerators.
  • As the home relies on a septic tank drainage system, prospective buyers should verify its current compliance status and maintenance history.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The surrounding inland rural area generally exhibits a low apparent susceptibility to widespread river or coastal flooding.
  • Buyers should check local topographical maps and official flood risk indicators to confirm the specific vulnerability of the site and access routes.

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estate

  • PRIMROSE GLADE, BIRR RD, SHINRONE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €299,000.00

Recent sales in the wider Shinrone area

  • 11 NEW RD, BIRR, OFFALY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €180,000.00
  • ELM PARK, BIRR, OFFALY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €445,000.00
  • Mill House, Belmont, Birr

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €727,500.00
  • 12 THE CRESCENT, BIRR, CO OFFALY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €247,000.00
  • BURKES HILL, BIRR, OFFALY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €347,500.00

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: €3,750 (calculated at 1% on the first €1,000,000 of residential property value).
  • Solicitor legal fees: €1,500 to €3,000 (excluding 23% VAT and outlays like closing searches and land registry filings).
  • Land registration fees: €700 (standard administrative fee for properties valued between €200,001 and €400,000, plus €175 if registering a mortgage).
  • Property valuation fees: €150 to €300 (typically required by mortgage lenders prior to loan approval).
  • Surveyor fees: €500 to €1,200+ (depending on the scope of the pre-purchase structural inspection for a large detached bungalow).
  • Annual home insurance: €300 to €800 (varies based on the property's size, replacement value, and policy coverage).

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Shinrone is noted locally as a tight-knit and convenient village community offering a peaceful rural lifestyle.
  • Residents frequently highlight the advantage of being equidistant between Birr and Roscrea for secondary services and shopping.
  • Local discussions often center around community amenities, including the modern Gala supermarket and active local community centre.
  • Property searches and neighborhood talks emphasize the appeal of detached bungalow living with generous private gardens in the area.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property features generous, private lawns all around and four bedrooms, providing plenty of safe outdoor and indoor play space close to Shinrone village amenities like the local primary school.

    8/10
  • Teenagers

    With four bedrooms and two separate living spaces, there is ample room for growing teenagers to have their own space, though public transport options from a rural village setting may be limited.

    7/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    As a single-level detached bungalow with 177 square metres, it avoids stairs, but the layout is traditional rather than specifically adapted for independent multi-generational wings.

    6/10
  • Single Buyers

    A 177-square-metre detached home on a 0.84-acre site may require significant maintenance and upkeep for a single occupant, and the price point reflects a substantial rural property.

    5/10
  • Couples

    Offers generous accommodation with dual living rooms, a large kitchen-dining area, and extensive outdoor space, ideal for couples looking for room to grow or work from home.

    8/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Single-level bungalow living removes the burden of stairs, making it very appealing for empty nesters, though the large 0.84-acre garden entails ongoing gardening or maintenance work.

    8/10
  • Retirees

    The single-storey configuration is excellent for retirement longevity, and it is located within walking distance of Shinrone village conveniences, though buyers should verify local healthcare access.

    8/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    The spacious four-bedroom layout provides multiple options to set up dedicated home offices, though buyers should verify local broadband speeds.

    8/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Positioned near primary roads providing access to the Dublin to Limerick/Cork motorways and Birr-Tullamore routes, making occasional commuting manageable.

    7/10
  • Retired

    A comfortable single-level detached home that is ideal for retirement, combining manageable village proximity with private rural space.

    9/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    Being a detached bungalow with zero internal stairs, it is exceptionally well-suited for ageing in place comfortably.

    9/10
  • Low Maintenance

    While the interior is neatly painted, the 0.84-acre garden, 1984 build era, septic tank drainage, and a D BER rating mean ongoing upkeep and potential energy upgrades will be required.

    5/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    Described as a very secure setting with a tarmacadamed driveway, though buyers should verify the exact status of gates or fencing.

    6/10
  • Minimalist Design

    Features a traditional 1980s layout with generous separate rooms, dual living spaces, and a distinct architectural facade with three arches rather than open-plan minimalism.

    4/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    Comprises four bedrooms, a living room, a sitting room, and a large kitchen/dining area, offering good flexibility for family living or home working configurations.

    7/10
  • Heritage Home

    Built in 1984, the property is a mature detached bungalow rather than a historic period or heritage home.

    3/10
  • Ecological Setup

    Currently utilizes oil-fired central heating and has a D BER rating, meaning its energy efficiency and ecological footprint would benefit from modern green upgrades.

    4/10
  • Outdoor areas

    Boasts a large 0.84-acre site with extensive private lawns all round that are completely not overlooked, complemented by a large double garage.

    9/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    Features an expansive 0.84-acre site with extensive lawns all around and plenty of scope for passionate gardeners to develop planting schemes.

    9/10
  • Walking

    The location allows for immediate walking access to Shinrone village and rural country roads right outside the doorstep.

    8/10
  • Gym

    There are no commercial gym facilities directly within walking village limits, requiring travel to nearby larger towns for specialized fitness centres.

    3/10
  • Cycling

    Quiet surrounding local roads offer pleasant cycling conditions, though regional infrastructure lacks dedicated urban-style cycle lanes.

    7/10
  • Golf

    Proximity to Birr and Roscrea provides access to regional golf courses within a short drive, but nothing is immediately adjacent.

    5/10
  • Fishing

    The midlands location in County Offaly offers access to various regional rivers and fishing spots within a reasonable driving radius.

    6/10
  • Horse Riding

    The rural setting and large plot size offer a country atmosphere suitable for equestrian enthusiasts, though local stable integration should be verified.

    6/10
  • Water Sports

    Inland location far from major marine water sports hubs, though local lakes or rivers might offer minor recreational opportunities.

    2/10
  • Entertaining

    Features a large kitchen with dining area, two separate reception rooms, and extensive private outdoor grounds that are not overlooked for hosting guests.

    8/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Situated on the edge of a quiet village with a large private site and gardens that are not overlooked, offering a peaceful and private living environment.

    9/10
  • Rural Living

    Set on a 0.84-acre plot surrounded by lawns and mature features in County Offaly, providing a true countryside feel while remaining right next to a village.

    8/10
  • Village Living

    Directly adjoins Shinrone village, placing a local primary school, community centre, and modern supermarket within easy walking distance.

    9/10
  • Coastal Living

    The property is located inland in County Offaly, far away from any coastal areas.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    Located in a small rural village setting rather than an urban center, with major towns like Roscrea and Birr located 7 to 8 kilometres away.

    3/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Proximity to the local community centre, primary school, and village core fosters active participation in local rural community life.

    8/10
  • Café Culture

    Shinrone is a small village with essential amenities like a supermarket, meaning extensive café culture is more likely found in nearby Birr or Roscrea.

    4/10
  • Nightlife

    Rural village setting with very limited nightlife options, which are restricted to local pubs or nearby towns.

    3/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    The local community centre may host periodic wellness activities, but a wider variety of specialized classes would require travel to larger neighboring towns.

    5/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Professional networking is sparse in a rural village context, requiring connection to larger commercial hubs or cities.

    3/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    Located in a rural inland village rather than an established technology or corporate business hub.

    3/10

Listing information

Agent
Agent details not available.
Published on HouseDelve
2 September 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-99BC42HouseDelve · 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.