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.