Key Features

Restored late 15th Century fortified Tower House
Turn-key Castle residence following extensive restoration & recent improvements
Approx. 2,443 Sq.Ft. accommodation over five levels
Detached 1-Bed Mews providing additional accommodation
Overall holding extending to c.18 acres
Castle set amid c.2.75 acres of manicured gardens & grounds
Stunning panoramic views across rolling Tipperary countryside towards the Rock of Cashel
Historic features incl. 15th Century fireplace, Great Hall, Garderobes & Dungeon
Approx. 10 mins from Cashel & Thurles with convenient M8 access
Planning Permission granted to extend the Castle - details available on request

Property Description

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Sherry FitzGerald Gleeson are privileged to present Ballytarsna Castle to the market; an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a restored late 15th Century Irish fortified Tower House, together with a detached 1-Bed Mews, all set on an impressive holding extending to approximately 18 acres amid the rolling countryside of Co. Tipperary.

Ballytarsna Castle is a property quite unlike almost anything ordinarily offered to the residential market. Dating from the late 1400s and standing over this landscape for more than five centuries, the Castle has survived a remarkable passage through Irish history – from its origins as the home of the Hackett family, through the upheavals of the 17th Century and subsequent centuries of dereliction, to an extensive modern restoration which has returned this important historic structure to residential use.

Today, the result is something particularly special: not simply the romantic prospect of owning an Irish Castle, but a beautifully presented, turn-key Castle dwelling which has already undergone the enormous undertaking of restoration, together with significant further improvements in more recent years.

Complemented by a detached 1-Bed Mews, manicured gardens and grounds and an overall landholding of approximately 18 acres, Ballytarsna Castle represents an exceptionally rare opportunity to become the next custodian of a remarkable piece of Ireland's architectural heritage.

THE STORY OF BALLYTARSNA CASTLE

Historically known as Ballytarsna-Hackett Castle, Ballytarsna Castle was constructed during the late 15th Century by Sir William Hackett as a home for his family.

For generations the Castle remained occupied until 1655, when the Hackett family were ousted by Parliamentarian forces during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. It was during this turbulent period that the Castle fell into disrepair, subsequently remaining derelict for centuries.

That might easily have been the final chapter in Ballytarsna's story. Instead, centuries later, an extraordinary undertaking began to bring the Castle back to life.

Commencing in the late 1990s, the previous owner embarked upon an extensive restoration programme which continued over an eleven-year period, with the principal works undertaken between 1999 and 2009.

Considerable skill, knowledge and craftsmanship went into returning the building to residential use while respecting the historic architecture which had survived through the centuries. The resulting works were carried out to an extremely high standard, with particular attention given to the preservation of the Castle's architectural character.

Further significant improvements have followed in more recent years. These have included external rendering using a sand and lime compound, resulting in improved insulation, heating and damp control, together with substantial landscaping and enhancement of the surrounding grounds.

An impressive stone and ironwork gated entrance has also been constructed from the public road, complemented by planting along the frontage and the careful presentation of the immediate gardens.

The result is the Ballytarsna Castle of today – an imposing medieval Tower House which retains the atmosphere, character and architectural presence accumulated over more than 500 years, yet which now presents as a turn-key residential dwelling.

The Castle is recorded as a National Monument on the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR), reflecting the historical significance of this remarkable property.

WITHIN THE CASTLE

Extending to approximately 2,443 Sq.Ft., Ballytarsna's accommodation is arranged vertically over five fascinating levels, with each floor revealing another element of the building's character and history.

At Ground Floor level, the Entrance leads to the Kitchen / Dining Room, forming the everyday heart of the Castle.

Ascending to the First Floor, there is a large Double Bedroom together with a Garderobe / W.C. and Shower Room.

The Second Floor reveals one of Ballytarsna's defining spaces – the Great Hall. Here, a substantial 15th Century fireplace provides a remarkable tangible connection with the Castle's earliest period of occupation. A side chamber and Garderobe / W.C. complete this level.

The Third Floor comprises a large Family Bedroom Suite, again incorporating a fireplace.

At Fourth Floor level lies the extensive Master Bedroom / Living Suite, incorporating a freestanding bath and Garderobe / W.C. This lofty upper room provides a particularly dramatic conclusion to the principal accommodation, with spectacular views extending across the surrounding Tipperary countryside towards the Rock of Cashel.

And, in a detail which could belong only to a property such as this, at the end of a narrow passage lies the Castle's dungeon.

Moving vertically through Ballytarsna is therefore about considerably more than passing from one room to another. The substantial walls, historic fireplaces, garderobes, chambers and changing perspectives from each level are constant reminders of the building's original purpose and its extraordinary longevity.

From the upper reaches of the Castle, the relationship between Ballytarsna and its surrounding landscape becomes particularly apparent. The elevated position affords magnificent panoramic views across the rolling Tipperary countryside, with the unmistakable Rock of Cashel rising in the distance.

It is a perspective that could scarcely be recreated: looking out across the modern Tipperary landscape from a vantage point first occupied more than five centuries ago.

THE MEWS, GARDENS & WIDER HOLDING

Alongside the Castle stands a detached 1-Bed Mews, providing valuable additional residential accommodation and considerably enhancing the versatility of the overall property.

Its separation from the principal Castle residence makes it particularly suited to guest or extended-family accommodation, while providing an important additional dimension to Ballytarsna as a residential offering.

The Castle and its immediate surroundings occupy approximately 2.75 acres of beautifully maintained, manicured gardens and grounds.

This is the heart of the property: an established and carefully presented private setting around the Castle and Mews, where lawns, landscaping and planting provide an attractive contrast to the imposing historic architecture.

The approach through the substantial stone and ironwork entrance sets the tone on arrival, opening into the beautifully presented grounds with the Castle rising dramatically beyond.

Beyond these principal gardens lies the balance of the overall c.18-acre holding.

These adjoining lands were acquired separately by the current owner, both to enlarge and consolidate the property and to provide greater control over Ballytarsna's surrounding boundaries, helping to preserve the privacy and integrity of its setting from potential adjoining development.

The wider lands therefore perform an important role beyond simply adding acreage. They create additional space and separation around the historic core of the property and contribute significantly to the sense that Ballytarsna sits protected within its own landscape.

The holding also benefits from extensive public-road frontage, with fencing and clearly defined visible boundaries.

The relationship between Castle and countryside is central to Ballytarsna's appeal. At ground level, the manicured gardens provide an intimate and beautifully maintained setting; climb through the Castle and the perspective changes dramatically as the surrounding rolling countryside unfolds into the distance.

Most striking of all is the outlook towards the Rock of Cashel – creating an extraordinary visual connection across the landscape between Ballytarsna and one of Ireland's most celebrated historic landmarks.

CASHEL, THURLES & THE HEART OF TIPPERARY

For all the atmosphere, privacy and tranquillity of its rural setting, Ballytarsna Castle is remarkably accessible, lying approximately 10 minutes' drive from both Cashel and Thurles.

Cashel is one of Ireland's best-known historic towns and an internationally recognised heritage destination, dominated by the magnificent Rock of Cashel.

Rising dramatically above the town, the Rock and its extraordinary collection of medieval buildings have become synonymous with Cashel and form one of Ireland's most recognisable historic sites. The town itself offers an excellent selection of restaurants, cafés, hotels, shops and everyday services, while also enjoying convenient access to the M8 Dublin–Cork Motorway.

There is something particularly fitting about Ballytarsna's relationship with Cashel. From the upper levels of this late 15th Century Tower House, the Rock of Cashel can be seen rising above the surrounding countryside – one historic Tipperary landmark viewed from another.

Thurles is similarly within easy reach, providing an extensive range of shopping, educational, sporting, leisure and recreational amenities.

Thurles Railway Station offers regular services on the main Dublin–Cork railway line, while the town is also home to third-level education at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) and the Technological University of the Shannon (TÚS).

The nearby M8 Motorway provides excellent connectivity north towards Dublin and south towards Cork, making Ballytarsna remarkably accessible for a property enjoying such an atmospheric countryside setting.

It is this balance which adds considerably to the proposition: the privacy, acreage and magnificent rural outlook associated with a centuries-old Castle standing amid its own lands, without the isolation that might ordinarily accompany such a property.

A CASTLE RESTORED – A REMARKABLE LEGACY

Few properties can genuinely lay claim to being unique. Ballytarsna Castle can.

Constructed as the Hackett family home in the late 15th Century, occupied through generations, caught up in the political and military upheavals of 17th Century Ireland and subsequently left derelict for centuries, Ballytarsna has travelled an extraordinary journey to arrive at what stands here today.

Perhaps the most important chapter for its next owner, however, is the most recent one.

The enormous undertaking of returning a centuries-old fortified Tower House to residential use has already been carried out. An eleven-year restoration, followed by further significant investment and improvement, has transformed Ballytarsna from an historic ruin into a beautifully presented, turn-key Castle dwelling while preserving the character and architectural presence which make the building so special.

For the next owner, this is therefore not simply the acquisition of an ambitious restoration project or a romantic piece of Irish history.

It is the opportunity to actually live within and enjoy that history.

Together with the detached 1-Bed Mews, approximately 2.75 acres of manicured gardens and grounds, the wider c.18-acre holding and magnificent views across the rolling Tipperary landscape towards the Rock of Cashel, the overall offering is exceptionally difficult to replicate.

Planning Permission has also been granted by Tipperary County Council to extend the Castle, providing further potential for the property, with full details available on request.

Ballytarsna Castle offers the opportunity to become the next custodian of a remarkable piece of Irish heritage – a home whose story began more than five centuries ago and which, following its extraordinary restoration, now stands ready to begin its next chapter.

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VIEWINGS

Strictly by appointment with Joint Agents Sherry FitzGerald Gleeson in Thurles or Helen Cassidy Auctioneer.
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These particulars are issued by Sherry FitzGerald Gleeson on the strict understanding that they do not form part of any contract and are provided for guidance purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no liability is accepted for any errors or omissions. Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the correctness of the information provided, through inspection or other means. The vendor does not make or give, and neither Sherry FitzGerald Gleeson nor any of its employees has authority to make or give, any representation or warranty in respect of this property. Sherry FitzGerald Gleeson is marketing this property on the basis that all relevant title and certification documents are in place or will be provided by the vendor prior to sale.
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BER Details

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