Cork's historic Ballinacurra House sold for close to €2.8m guide price after lengthy sales process
Ballinacurra House
Kinsale's Ballinacurra House estate will become a private residence with the sale of the historic manor and grounds now completed after a lengthy process dating back to 2021.
The 18th-century waterside estate, comprising 14 ensuite bedrooms and three lodges across 23 acres, is understood to have been sold for close to its guide price of €2.8m, marking another significant price drop since last year, when the final stage of its sale for €4m fell through.
The reported in January last year that sales terms for the private estate had been agreed, but it was put back on the market two months later when the sale did not close out. It was relisted in March last year for €3.75m.
Now, the changing of hands of the luxury property marks the end of a tumultuous sales process, with the popular hospitality venue initially listed for €6.35m in early 2021. It was subsequently reduced to €5m, and then to lower amounts.
Famously reported as the Irish retreat for Michael Jackson, who stayed on the estate for three weeks in 2007 with his children, Ballinacurra House includes a library in the left wing of the 18,000 sq ft property, with the right wing boasting a bar, a ballroom, themed bedrooms and a conservatory.
The property has been used for events and weddings, and has been rented to various celebrities, including European royalty and A-list actors, having famously rejected a request to host Kim Kardashian and Kanye West when they honeymooned in Ireland in 2014 due to a full house.
The estate was also selected as Ireland's wedding venue of the year in 2017.
Following its initial sale listing in 2021, the property was the subject of a legal battle with financial provider Mars Capital, which acquired a loan from Pepper Finance.
The previous long-time owner of Ballinacurra House, Desmond McGahan, who bought the property in 2000 with his wife Lisa, brought proceedings against Mars Capital, seeking an injunction restraining the company and the receiver, Rory Cotter of Crowe Ireland, from interfering with the sale of the estate.
In July 2024, the High Court heard that the row was settled through mediation, the terms of which were confidential. However, it was understood at the time that Mr McGahan was to proceed with his plans to sell the property.
However, the property was ultimately sold under the direction of receivers, with Colliers appointed as selling agents.
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