IN what is believed to be one of the biggest sales outside of Dublin for over a year, the magnificent Kilfinnan Castle in Glandore has been purchased.
IN what is believed to be one of the biggest sales outside of Dublin for over a year, the magnificent Kilfinnan Castle in Glandore has been purchased.
The castle, previously home to the late Bernard McNicholas of London-based company McNicholas Engineering, is believed to have commanded in the region of €6m in a sale to a family with local links.
After spending some years visiting his holiday home at Drombridge House in Leap, Bernard McNicholas purchased Kilfinnan Castle and turned what, at that time, was a dilapidated ruin, into a beautiful landmark, following a major restoration project.
Mr McNicholas’ first wife, Patricia, sadly passed away after an illness, but originally came from Clounties in Leap, so, like the new owners, the McNicholas family had relations living in the area.
Agent for the sale, Skibbereen auctioneer Charlie McCarthy, was a close friend of Mr McNicholas, and gave the eulogy at his funeral in 2015.
‘He loved the place. He got great enjoyment out of it, as did his family – his son Séan and his daughters Siobhan, Fiona and Lucy,’ said Mr McCarthy at the time of his death. ‘In later years, his loving wife Pauline – who comes from Hospital in Co Limerick and was a great source of strength to Bernard – shared his passion for West Cork,’ said Charlie.
Bernard McNicholas was highly regarded in the community and, as a mark of respect, was invited to become a patron for life of Skibbereen and West Carbery Golf Club.
Mr McCarthy would not confirm the rumoured price of the property this week.
The new owners will be taking charge of one of most magnificent properties in West Cork, as the period home is perched on a small peninsula commanding spectacular views of Glandore and the Atlantic.
The large castellated property has views of the sea from three sides and sits atop beautifully manicured split-level gardens with access to the rocky shore from the lower level.
Kilfinnan Castle is on the Drombeg side of the village and is accessed via a spectacular driveway from the main road, set behind pillared metal gates bearing its initials – KC.
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