County council snaps up castle for just €1.7m

CORK County Council has purchased the historic Mallow Castle and its 30 acres of grounds for a knockdown price of €1.7 million.

County manager Martin Riordan said the castle would be used for tourism and heritage purposes.

The castle, which was owned by the family of the late American Michael McGinn, was originally put up for sale in early 2005 with a guide price of €7m-€8m.

“The transfer of ownership of Mallow Castle to Cork County Council is the culmination of a lot of effort and vision at both local and county level. It represents a hugely significant tourism and heritage opportunity for both Mallow and Co Cork,” Mr Riordan said.

He said the castle’s location in the heart of the town provided an opportunity to develop it as an amenity.

“It will also present opportunities for development of educational, community and enterprise services and supports.”

Meanwhile, Cork county mayor Jim Daly said: “This is a very significant development in unlocking the future potential of Mallow Castle as a tourism and heritage resource for all the people of Cork.”

Mr Riordan said the county council will work closely with Mallow Town Council and the local community, particularly the Mallow Partnership, in “unlocking the great opportunity that this investment will provide in the future”.

Town councillor Jerry Mullally said apart from a heritage centre the castle would be an ideal location for a tourist office.

The €1.7m price will be paid with the county council’s capital funds and the proceeds of land sales.