FIRST BUILT IN 1588, Gregan Castle is unlike anything else on the market.
The show-stopping property stands tall on a wooded site of 20 acres filled with beautiful walks and trails in the heart of The Burren in Co Clare.
The residence oozes history from the outset, with parts of the walls surrounding the property having been damaged by Cromwellian soldiers in the second half of the 17th century. They remained unrepaired for more than 300 years, until the current owners undertook the task of restoring them.
The property is hidden from the main road, with Gregan’s Castle Hotel located on the opposite side, while Ballyvaughan village on Galway Bay is just a five-minute drive away. Fans of The Lord of the Rings will be pleased to know that JRR Tolkien was hosted by the castle’s former owners at their home nearby, and is said to have been inspired by her surroundings.
In recent years, the castle has been further enhanced by the addition of a cottage, with an entryway joining the two. The castle features a unique layout, with a trap door in the hallway opening to a private staircase which leads to a bedroom (currently used as an office) with vaulted ceilings.
One staircase leads to another bedroom on the first level, while another staircase leads to the spacious great hall on the second level. In here, exposed stonework and wood furnishings complement the property’s history, while cleverly-placed windows and a high, vaulted ceiling allow in plenty of natural light.
Taking on a different role to what it would have been used for in the 16th century, the great hall is used as a lounge and dining area, with a modern stove providing warmth. A library at mezzanine level overlooks the space, while the kitchen is located to the side.
A spiral staircase gives access to the third bedroom, with access to the battlements from here. While this area would have once been used to defend the castle and its inhabitants, today it serves to provide views of the beautiful countryside. There are two bathrooms in the property; one on the ground floor and one on the second floor.
Moving to the cottage, the accommodation comprises a character-filled open-plan kitchen and dining area, with a cosy sleeping area on the mezzanine floor above. There’s a separate living room off the kitchen, while the master bedroom and en suite bathroom are on the first floor.
It goes without saying that Gregan Castle isn’t for the average buyer, but it certainly is a home fit for a king or queen.
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