Historic Estate For Sale in Co. Galway

Special Features
– Historical estate extending to approx. 45.75 hectares (113.05 acres) of woodland and parkland
– Palladian style mansion extending to approx. 30,000 sq.ft in need of full restoration
– Complemented by a red brick walled garden, multiple courtyards, gate lodge, stewards lodge and glasshouses also in need of full restoration
– Located approx. 2.7km from Woodlawn train station (600m walk via the woods)
– Located approx. 49km from Galway city
– Located approx. 17km from the M6 Dublin to Galway motorway

History
The history of Woodlawn Estate pre-dates recorded history and has its roots in Irish folklore and mythology through the Diarmuid and Grainne mound which is recorded on the Archaeological maps of the estate. “Mota Ghrainne Oige” is the gaelic name for Woodlawn and this translates as the moat or resting place of young Grace. Legend has it that Grace and her lover, Diarmuid O Duibne, were trying to escape from the powerful Fionn MacCumhall, who had earmarked Grainne as a bride for himself. The pursuit of the young lovers extended over most of Ireland and Woodlawn is thought to be one of their places of refuge.

Woodlawn House & Estate was built in the mid-18th century by Frederick Trench, the First Baron Ashtown. Frederick Trench was the grandson of John Trench, who was rewarded for his services during the Williamite War by being appointed Dean of Raphoe. John Trench is an ancestor of the Barons Ashtown.

Originally part of the Martin and Barnewall lands, the estate was acquired by the Trench family in the early 18th century. Frederick Trench initiated an extensive building program, which included the construction of the house and its surrounding structures, such as a church, gamekeepers’ lodge, family mausoleum, and artisan cottages.

In the 1850s, the second Lord Ashtown transformed Woodlawn House into a fashionable Victorian Palladian villa. This extensive expansion and remodelling, designed by J. F. Kempster of Ballinasloe, included a new facade, the addition of a second storey to the wings, and interior redecoration. Further developments in the late 1800s included gardening projects, a mill building, outbuildings, and an underfloor-heated glasshouse. Additionally, a railway line was diverted to ensure the estate had its own station, which remains part of the Dublin to Galway railway line today.

The house was vacated and its furnishings sold when the third Lord Ashtown became bankrupt in the 1920s. Eventually, the fourth Lord Ashtown sold it to his cousin, Derek Le Poer Trench, in 1947, who then sold it in 1973.

Woodlawn House
Woodlawn House is a distinguished example of Italianate architecture, notable for its grandeur and bold design, which stood out from the typical constructions of its era. This three-story Palladian mansion covers over 30,000 square feet and includes 26 bedrooms, showcasing the opulence and scale typical of aristocratic homes of the 18th and 19th centuries. The estate features a variety of ancillary structures and amenities, such as a red brick walled garden, multiple courtyards, a gate lodge, stewards lodge and an ornamental lake, all of which contribute to its historical and architectural significance.

Currently, Woodlawn House and its surrounding estate are in need of comprehensive restoration to revive it to its former glory. The estate spans approximately 45.75 hectares (113.05 acres) of woodland and parkland, providing a serene and expansive backdrop that complements the mansion’s grandeur.

Location
Woodlawn Woods, a beautifully preserved natural area that once formed part of the extensive Woodlawn Estate. Now owned and managed by Coillte, is directly on the doorstep of Woodlawn House offering a serene retreat for nature lovers. The woods feature a variety of trails, including the Woodlawn Woods Loop, which is approx. 10.1km.

Woodlawn House is located approximately 7.3 km from the village of Kilconnell in County Galway. Kilconnell is a small village that offers a variety of amenities to its residents and visitors. These include a local school, a convenience shop for daily needs, a church, a pub, a GAA club, and a community hall hosting various events and activities.

For more extensive amenities and services, the nearby town of Ballinasloe is approx. 20 km from Woodlawn House. Ballinasloe is a bustling market town that offers a broader range of shopping options, dining establishments, healthcare services, and recreational facilities.
Transportation links to and from Woodlawn House are excellent, with the M6 Dublin to Galway motorway situated approximately 17 km away. This motorway provides a vital connection to Ireland’s extensive road network, facilitating convenient travel to Dublin and other major cities. The presence of the motorway enhances the accessibility of Woodlawn House, making it an ideal location for those who need to commute or travel frequently.

Furthermore, the thriving cultural city of Galway is less than an hour’s drive from Woodlawn House. Galway is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, historic sites, lively festivals, and bustling nightlife. The city offers a rich array of cultural attractions, including theatres, galleries, museums, and music venues. Galway’s diverse culinary scene, featuring everything from traditional Irish pubs to contemporary restaurants, adds to its appeal as a nearby urban centre.

Galway city also offers the vibrant suburb of Salthill, renowned for its beautiful beaches and bustling promenade that stretches about 2 km along Galway Bay. This iconic walkway offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands, and the hills of Clare, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Beyond Galway City lies Connemara, renowned for its rugged coastlines, expansive boglands, and diverse landscapes that captivate visitors with their wild beauty. Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Twelve Bens mountain range, Connemara offers a dramatic and untamed environment characterized by windswept beaches, towering cliffs, and rolling hills. The region’s coastline is dotted with picturesque coves, rocky headlands, and pristine sandy beaches, providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Connemara holds a special place along the Wild Atlantic Way, a scenic coastal route that stretches from County Kerry in the south to County Donegal in the north, tracing the rugged and majestic coastline of western Ireland.

Woodlawn House is also situated within the area known as Bord Failte’s Hidden Heartlands. The Hidden Heartlands covers the central region of Ireland, extending through parts of counties like Galway, Roscommon, Longford, and Westmeath. It emphasises outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and boating, along with a focus on heritage sites and local experiences. Woodlawn House, with its historical significance and picturesque setting, fits well within this geographical area.

Distances
– 7.3 km to Kilconnell
– 20 km to Ballinasloe
– 20 km to Loughrea
– 48 km to Galway city
– 105 km to Shannon Airport
– 179 km to Dublin International Airport
All distances are approximate.

BER Details
Exempt