Convent ‘jewel in crown’

CARRYING 160 years of Queenstown/Cobh history, the Convent of Mercy property in one of the very best viewing perches in Cork harbour has been put up publicly for sale.

Facing south out over the harbour town’s serried hills and terraces, as well as having views to the ocean beyond Roches Point, the complex of buildings is pitch-perfect for quality hotel occupation above all other new uses, and is on the market as Cobh commemorates the 100th anniversary of the visit of the Titanic, with a surge in its tourism numbers.

On two acres, the convent has 25,000 sq ft of buildings in all, with dual access, and is within a few minutes’ walk from the waterfront — uphill. Among the Sister of Mercy order’s past pupils is top athlete Olympian and World Champion runner Sonia O’Sullivan, who attended their St Mary’s NS.