Photograph 1 of 11 of 'The Forge' on c. 1.3 Acres With Development Potential, Main Street, Donard, Wicklow
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'The Forge' on c. 1.3 Acres With Development Potential, Main Street, Donard, WicklowW91W2P6

€395,000

2 Bed~1 Bath~51 m²~BER G

What you'll like:

  • Substantial land holding: The property sits on a generous site of approximately 1.3 acres right in the village centre, offering exceptional space and privacy that is rarely found in such central locations.
  • Development potential: The generous site area is situated within the primary development zone under local authority guidelines, providing exciting opportunities for future residential expansion subject to securing the necessary planning permissions.
  • Traditional charm: The residence is a historic period cottage brimming with authentic character and rustic features like vaulted ceilings that appeal strongly to buyers seeking unique aesthetic properties.
  • Village convenience: Located directly on the main street of a quaint and scenic community, allowing residents to enjoy easy walking access to local amenities and community facilities without needing a car.
  • Scenic surroundings: Positioned amidst the beautiful countryside renowned for outdoor pursuits like hill walking and horse riding, making it an idyllic haven for nature lovers and active lifestyle seekers.
  • Commuter accessibility: Dublin is reachable within a convenient 45-minute drive, enabling professionals to enjoy a tranquil rural lifestyle while maintaining practical connectivity to major employment hubs.
  • Close to towns: Nearby larger towns like Blessington and Baltinglass are a short drive away, providing comprehensive shopping, dining, and professional services to supplement local village offerings.
  • Educational options: The area is well-served by reputable primary schools in the immediate vicinity and established secondary schools a short drive away, catering effectively to family needs.
  • Cosy living space: The main living room features an attractive vaulted ceiling and a fitted stove, creating a wonderfully warm and inviting focal point for relaxing winter evenings.
  • Existing outbuildings: Includes a dedicated garden shed and outdoor store, supplying immediate functional storage space for gardening equipment, bicycles, or outdoor gear.
  • Generous primary bedroom: Bedroom one offers a spacious footprint complemented by a striking vaulted ceiling, enhancing the overall sense of volume and light within the sleeping quarters.
  • Outdoor paddock area: The inclusion of a large paddock space opens up versatile possibilities for hobby farming, keeping small animals, or cultivating extensive landscaped gardens.
  • Recreational proximity: The famous Wicklow Gap is located just a short drive away, offering world-class scenic landscapes and recreational weekend destinations right on your doorstep.
  • Escape urban stress: Provides the ultimate countryside retreat to escape the relentless hustle and bustle of city living while remaining within a realistic daily commuting radius.
  • Close to arterial routes: The N81 is conveniently situated only two and a half kilometres away, ensuring smooth vehicular transitions toward major regional transport corridors.
  • Character features: Retains a traditional cottage layout that can be sensitively modernised or extended by a discerning buyer to create a bespoke dream countryside home.
  • Tranquil atmosphere: The surrounding area is exceptionally serene and quiet, promoting high levels of mental wellbeing and peace for residents seeking a slower pace of life.
  • Established community: Donard is a charming and tight-knit village community, offering a welcoming social environment for newcomers looking to integrate into rural Irish life.
  • Flexible second bedroom: The second bedroom or study provides a versatile secondary space ideal for a home office, guest accommodation, or a creative studio.
  • Direct street access: Fronting directly onto the main thoroughfare ensures excellent vehicular and pedestrian accessibility as well as easy maintenance of the property boundaries.

But keep in mind:

  • Very poor energy rating: The dwelling holds a baseline G energy rating, which indicates severe thermal inefficiencies and necessitates immediate, costly insulation upgrades for comfortable living.
  • Extremely compact footprint: With a total floor area of only 51 square meters, the accommodation is very small and will likely feel cramped for modern family living without substantial extensions.
  • Narrow second bedroom: The second bedroom measures just over one metre in width, severely limiting its usability as a functional sleeping space and restricting it primarily to a narrow study or storage room.
  • Uncertain planning consent: While the site sits within a development zone, buyers must independently verify whether local planning authorities will actually grant permission for any new residential units.
  • High renovation costs: Bringing a period structure with a G energy rating up to modern building and comfort standards will require a substantial financial investment beyond the initial purchase price.
  • Single bathroom configuration: The property features only one bathroom servicing the entire dwelling, which may create morning bottlenecks and lacks the convenience of a modern ensuite.
  • Compact kitchen area: The kitchen measures under five square metres, offering very limited counter space and storage capacity for food preparation and culinary appliances.
  • Potential structural works: Traditional period cottages frequently conceal hidden issues such as dampness, timber rot, or outdated wiring that demand thorough specialist surveying prior to purchase.
  • Village centre traffic: Being located on the main street may expose the cottage to passing vehicular noise, agricultural machinery, and street activity during peak daytime hours.
  • Lack of central heating details: Prospective purchasers need to carefully investigate the current heating system and fuel type to determine if costly upgrades or replacements are required.
  • Wastewater treatment unknown: Buyers must investigate the existing sewage and wastewater arrangements to ensure compliance with modern environmental regulations and avoid unexpected replacement costs.
  • Water supply verification: It is essential to check whether the property relies on mains water or a private source, and whether the flow rate and water quality are fully adequate.
  • Restricted expansion constraints: Any physical extensions to the existing historic cottage must respect conservation sensitivities and local planning guidelines, potentially restricting architectural ambitions.
  • Boundary clarification required: The exact boundaries encompassing the 1.3-acre site should be meticulously checked against Land Registry maps to prevent future boundary disputes with neighbours.
  • Commercial or agricultural proximity: Buyers should investigate surrounding land uses to ensure that nearby agricultural or commercial activities will not create unexpected noise, odours, or disruption.
  • Future development disruption: If the large site is eventually developed, residents could face prolonged construction activity, dust, and altered neighbourhood aesthetics right next door.
  • Limited local employment: The immediate village offers minimal local job opportunities, meaning most residents will be entirely reliant on commuting to distant towns or cities for work.
  • Public transport limitations: Rural transport links can be infrequent, meaning daily reliance on private cars is almost certainly required for shopping, schools, and social appointments.
  • Historic damp issues: Older cottages built with traditional solid walls often suffer from rising or penetrating damp, requiring ongoing vigilance and specialized remedial damp-proofing treatments.
  • Insurance premiums: Insuring a very old property with a low energy rating and non-standard construction features can sometimes attract higher premiums or require specialist insurance policies.

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 slightly overvalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price appears somewhat overvalued because the existing two bedroom cottage is quite small at 51 square meters and carries a very poor energy rating that will demand substantial financial investment to upgrade.
  • The primary overvaluation signal stems from pricing the cottage significantly above baseline residential values for tiny dwellings, relying almost entirely on the extensive land holding and potential development land value rather than habitable space.
  • Such a pricing strategy is supported by the generous 1.3 acre site located within a primary development zone, whereas it could be undermined by the complexities and strict planning conditions of obtaining future residential consent.
  • Additional relevance is found in the rural commuter belt location offering a desirable lifestyle combined with proximity to Dublin, making it attractive to niche buyers seeking development projects despite the high initial outlay.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a traditional period cottage spanning approximately 51 square metres, featuring a vaulted ceiling in the living room and main bedroom.
  • Given the G energy rating and traditional period construction, a buyer should investigate potential issues related to dampness, insulation levels, ventilation, and the condition of the roof and walls.
  • The listing highlights a large site of c. 1.3 acres with development potential within the primary development area under Wicklow County Council zoning, which a buyer should verify with independent planning and legal professionals regarding feasibility and constraints (Subject to Planning Permission).

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • The property has a G BER rating, indicating that the building fabric is likely uninsulated and requires a comprehensive deep retrofit to achieve modern energy efficiency standards.
  • A full deep retrofit for a detached or semi-detached cottage of approximately 51 m², including external wall insulation, upgraded windows and doors, attic insulation, and a renewable heating system such as a heat pump, is estimated to cost between EUR 40,000 and EUR 60,000 before accounting for available SEAI grants.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: €2,500 to €3,500
  • Explanation: Given the very poor G BER rating, small floor area of 51 m², and older traditional cottage construction, energy efficiency is likely low, resulting in significantly higher heating and energy consumption compared to modern homes.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is located in a rural village setting in County Wicklow, appearing well removed from major heavy industrial zones, large-scale incinerators, or prominent modern landfills.
  • Any potential presence of legacy agricultural or localized fuel storage concerns should be verified as part of standard property due diligence.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The setting within the Wicklow countryside generally suggests a lower baseline risk of widespread urban tidal or coastal flooding.
  • Buyers should consult local catchment flood risk assessment maps to verify whether nearby streams or localized surface water runoff could affect the site during periods of intense rainfall.

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estate

  • MAIN ST, DONARD, CO. WICKLOW

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €358,000.00

Recent sales in the wider Donard area

  • KNOCKANARRIGAN, DONARD, WICKLOW

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €750,000.00
  • KILBAYLET, DONARD, CO WICKLOW

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €420,000.00
  • IRISHTOWN PARK, DONARD, WICKLOW

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €30,000.00
  • VALDON, DONAGHMORE, DONARD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €383,000.00
  • CUCKOOS COTTAGE, DONARD UPPER, DONARD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €295,000.00

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: €3,950 based on 1% of the asking price of €395,000 for properties under €1 million
  • Solicitor legal fees: Approximately €1,500 to €3,000 excluding outlays and VAT
  • Land registration fees: Approximately €175 to €700 depending on the application type and property value
  • Property valuation fees: Approximately €150 to €300
  • Surveyor fees: Approximately €500 to €1,200 depending on the level of detail required for the traditional period cottage
  • Annual home insurance: Approximately €400 to €800 depending on the policy and coverage level

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Residents in Donard frequently highlight the quiet, picturesque rural lifestyle and strong community atmosphere in the village.
  • Locals often discuss the appeal of the scenic Wicklow countryside, noting its popularity for hill walking, horse riding, and proximity to the Wicklow Gap.
  • Community conversations often center around local amenities, highlighting the convenience of the village primary school and nearby secondary schooling options in Dunlavin and Blessington.
  • Commuters in the area frequently share travel updates regarding access to the N81 and the approximately 45-minute drive to Dublin.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The large 1.3-acre site offers plenty of outdoor space for young children to play safely in a rural village setting, though the small 51 m² interior may feel cramped as they grow.

    6/10
  • Teenagers

    With only 51 m² of living space and two bedrooms, privacy for teenagers is extremely limited. The rural village location also lacks independent public transport options for older kids.

    4/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The tiny 51 m² footprint and single bathroom make multi-generational living impractical within the main dwelling, though the large site offers potential future development space subject to planning.

    3/10
  • Single Buyers

    An affordable entry point into the countryside with a large plot of land, though the G-rated BER and small size mean a single buyer will need a budget for substantial renovations.

    6/10
  • Couples

    A charming traditional period cottage offering a cozy layout for a couple seeking a quiet village lifestyle with a massive garden, provided they are comfortable with compact living.

    7/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Single-level cottage living on a manageable scale for empty nesters, though the extensive 1.3-acre grounds and older property maintenance requirements should be considered.

    7/10
  • Retirees

    The single-storey layout suits aging in place well from a stairs perspective, but the G-energy rating, potential damp, and upkeep of a 1.3-acre plot may pose challenges in later years.

    6/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    The second bedroom doubles as a study, making remote work possible, though buyers should verify local broadband speeds and reliability in this rural area.

    6/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Dublin is noted as a 45-minute drive away under optimal conditions, making occasional commuting feasible, though traffic during peak hours should be factored in.

    6/10
  • Retired

    An idyllic, quiet place to enjoy retirement in a scenic village, provided the physical demands of maintaining an older cottage and large plot are manageable.

    8/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    The property is single-storey, avoiding internal stairs, but the G-rated energy efficiency and potential need for modern retrofitting should be carefully evaluated.

    7/10
  • Low Maintenance

    As a traditional period cottage with a G energy rating and 1.3 acres of land, ongoing maintenance and thermal upgrades will be required.

    3/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    The property sits directly on Main Street with a traditional roadside presence; security gates would need to be installed by the buyer.

    3/10
  • Minimalist Design

    The compact 51 m² footprint naturally leans toward minimalist living due to limited storage space.

    6/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    With only 51 m² divided into a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and two small bedrooms, layout flexibility is inherently restricted without extension.

    4/10
  • Heritage Home

    A classic traditional period cottage that oozes authentic charm and character, appealing strongly to lovers of historic vernacular architecture.

    9/10
  • Ecological Setup

    The current BER rating is G, indicating very poor energy efficiency; however, the large site offers immense potential for eco-retrofitting and renewable installations.

    3/10
  • Outdoor areas

    An impressive c. 1.3-acre site featuring a garden shed, store, and a large paddock, offering incredible scope for outdoor use and potential future development.

    10/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    Featuring a c. 1.3-acre site including a large garden shed, store, and paddock, this property is a dream for keen gardeners and growers.

    10/10
  • Walking

    The area is renowned for scenic hill walking, with the Wicklow Gap only a short drive away for avid hikers.

    9/10
  • Gym

    There are no commercial gym facilities within the immediate rural village, requiring travel to larger surrounding towns.

    2/10
  • Cycling

    Scenic country roads provide great routes for enthusiastic cyclists, though the lack of dedicated cycle lanes and hilly terrain require caution.

    7/10
  • Golf

    While the rural location is peaceful, golf enthusiasts will need to travel a moderate distance to reach the nearest courses in West Wicklow.

    5/10
  • Fishing

    Proximity to the Wicklow countryside and local rivers offers reasonable access to rural angling spots.

    6/10
  • Horse Riding

    The area is explicitly renowned for horse riding, making it a fantastic location for equestrian enthusiasts with potential paddock space on-site.

    9/10
  • Water Sports

    Inland location with limited immediate access to water sports, though Blessington Lakes are within driving distance for certain activities.

    3/10
  • Entertaining

    The massive outdoor space and large paddock are fantastic for summer BBQs and hosting, though the internal living area and kitchen are quite small for indoor gatherings.

    6/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Located in a serene and quaint Wicklow village surrounded by beautiful countryside, offering an exceptionally peaceful environment away from the city hustle.

    9/10
  • Rural Living

    Positioned right in the scenic Wicklow countryside with mountains, hill walking, and local wildlife on the doorstep, combined with a generous 1.3-acre paddock.

    9/10
  • Village Living

    Set directly in the centre of Donard Village, allowing residents to enjoy a tight-knit community feel with local primary schooling and amenities nearby.

    10/10
  • Coastal Living

    The property is located inland in County Wicklow, far from the coast and marine amenities.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    This is a rural village setting with very limited urban amenities, relying on nearby towns like Blessington for broader services.

    2/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Small village living naturally fosters strong community ties, supported by local primary schools and village life in Donard.

    8/10
  • Café Culture

    Café options directly in Donard village are minimal, requiring a drive to Blessington or Baltinglass for a wider café scene.

    3/10
  • Nightlife

    Very limited nightlife options in this quiet rural village setting; city-level entertainment requires a significant trip to Dublin.

    1/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Local wellness groups would likely be informal or based in nearby larger towns rather than directly in the village.

    4/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Professional networking locally is virtually non-existent; remote workers or commuters will need to rely on digital networks or travel.

    2/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    Located in a rural countryside setting far from established urban tech hubs, making local tech networking impractical.

    2/10

Listing information

Agent
J P & M Doyle Ltd
Phone
045 865 568
Published on HouseDelve
30 September 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-0C1AA4HouseDelve · 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.