Going for a prayer, €395,000 former Lixnaw Convent

Lisnaw Convent, Co Kerry

Going for a prayer, Lixnaw Presentation Convent, a substantial property on just under 10 acres, has come to market with an asking price of just €395,000.

At the heart of the village community for almost 150 years, the last sisters vacated the premises about a year ago, leaving behind a rich educational legacy and a landmark property built out of striking cut limestone, on good quality land, comprising a traditional farmyard, outbuildings and an orchard.

The sale of the property, which extends to 990 sq m (10,656 sq ft) and includes a three-storey convent with 20 bedrooms over two floors, as well as a flat roof extension to the rear and a single storey self-contained space that housed a former secondary school, is not being sold subject to planning permission.

“It will be a matter for the new owners to decide what they want to do with it and to seek whatever planning permission is needed or to seek re-zoning, if that is what is required,” said selling agent Tom Dillon of Dillon Prendiville auctioneers.

Lisnaw Convent, Co Kerry

The building of the convent followed the arrival to Lixnaw in 1877 of the Presentation Sisters who quickly established primary and secondary schools in the village. While the secondary school merged to form part of Causeway Comprehensive School in 1973, the primary school tradition endured until a much later date. However like other religious communities in Ireland, the nuns’ numbers declined and in recent years just six sisters were living at Lixnaw. Their sister convent in Killarney closed in 2021 due to dwindling numbers.

The former Lixnaw convent is structurally sound, but in need of upgrades to the basics, according to the agent.

“Plumbing, electrics, insulation, windows – all of those will need to be redone, but it’s not bad for a building of its age,” Mr Dillon said.

The agent said interest was immediate when the property was put up for sale last Wednesday, with enquiries made locally and from further afield.

“I would imagine we’ll be looking at the likes of investors or potential developers. It could be a boutique hotel or guesthouse or a wedding venue, given all the land that comes with it (9.50a/3.88ha) and the substantial street frontage,” Mr Dillon said.

The building has many of its original features and is a “blank canvas for a restoration project”, the agent said. The surrounding land is set out in one parcel with independent access onto the public road, and is currently zoned open land/agricultural use.

Located in the village of Lixnaw, it’s within the scenic North Kerry region with proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way and many Blue Flag beaches. The towns of Tralee and Listowel are a about a 15-20 minute drive away. The village is on the proposed greenway route linking the two towns.

DETAILS: Dillion Prendiville auctioneers. Email: [e-mail] Tel: [phone].