Turning stone castles into fairytale homes proving a popular option in Galway.
West of the Shannon, stone keeps or castles have dominated the skyline since Norman times. There are at least 100 that are in good structural condition. Increasingly, such castles
Are being snapped up and turned into magnificent fairytale homes.
One such restored castle home is Cloghan Castle near Loughrea in County Galway.
An estate agent explains that when a castle comes on the market there is considerable interest from clients in Ireland and abroad.
I don't know really what the great interest is but apparently some people would love to do them up and live in them.
Castleboy Tower, County Galway was once owned by a branch of the Persse family, who also lived at the adjacent estate at Roxborough, the birthplace of Isabella Augusta Persse (Lady Gregory). This structure could be an attractive purchase for somebody with an interest in the Irish Literary Revival.
A keep in Galway with a quarter of an acre of land will generally sell for around £10,000. On top of that renovation will cost from £30,000 - £50,000 depending on the repair work required.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 30 January 1979. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
