18th Century ruins in Oranmore to be one of the highlights of auction

The historic Ardfry House in Oranmore is set to be one of the main attractions at a two-day auction to be held in Dublin later this month.

A total of more than 330 lots nationwide – with a combined value of more than €72 million – will go under the hammer on April 21 (residential) and April 23 (commercial) at the Allsop Space auctions in the RDS in Dublin.

Robert Hoban, Director of Auctions, said: “This significant offering presents a range of opportunities to Ireland’s hard pressed buyers, faced with a low level of supply.

“With background commentary centred on increasing levels of bank lending and pressure on interest rates, we expect this substantial collection of commercial and residential properties will be welcomed by those keen to invest in Ireland’s property market and trading economy.”

There are a total of 17 Galway properties on offer at the auctions, ten of which are residential.

A highlight will be the ruins Ardfry House in Oranmore – located on a peninsula directly across the bay from Galway Bay Golf Resort – which was built in 1770 by Joseph Blake, who later became Lord Wallscourt.

The sale comprises the detached period house, stone cottages, outbuildings and an orchard on 28.8 acres. The house itself extends to 16,700 square feet, while the walled orchard spans more than three acres.

There are also the remains of a moated castle from the 9th Century on the land, which also boasts 750 metres of sea frontage. The reserve price is between €1.8m and €2m.

In Corofin, in the Cloch Chara estate, 19 development sites will go under the hammer as one lot (within a development of 30 detached houses). The total site extends to just over five acres, and planning permission is valid until November 2015. The reserve price is €775,000 to €825,000.

In Ros Caoin, Roscam on the eastern side of the city, a three-bed semi-detached home has a reserve price of €190,000. Number 216 is a two-storey house measuring 1,044 sq ft.

A detached five-bed house will also go under the hammer at Raha in Rosscahill. It extends to a huge 4,380 sq ft and has large front gardens to the front and rear. The reserve price is €175,000.

In Barnaderg, a detached four-bed house completed to builder’s finish and set on 2.73 acres is also for sale. The house is 2,152 sq ft and the site also includes planning permission for a second property of similar size. The reserve is €80,000.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.