A NUNNERY set in the gorgeous surrounds of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way has gone on sale in Co. Kerry.
St Michael’s in Ballinskelligs is a large beach-front house that was purpose-built in 1939 as a holiday home for the Presentation sisters.
Its nuns have decided to part with the property as it no longer suits their evolving needs in the 21st century.
The two-storey, 7,000 sq ft house has more than 20 bedrooms and direct access to the beach – which is itself a sight to behold.
At its busiest, St Michael’s housed 64 nuns from across Co. Kerry in its dormitories.
The open-plan dormitory spaces were converted into single bedrooms during a comprehensive refurbishment in 1988.
The property boasts 24 bedrooms and views of the Atlantic Ocean (Picture: Daft.ie)Home to some of the finest beaches in Ireland, Ballinskelligs is a Gaeltacht area with a rich historical heritage – St Michael’s Holy Well, Ballinskelligs Abbey, McCarthy’s Castle and The Pier are all noteworthy landmarks within a short walking distance.
The monastic settlement on the island of Skellig Michael – which features in the latest Star Wars trilogy – lies just 11km off the coast.
There are regular boat trips from nearby which include guided tours of the island.
On the ground floor of St Michael’s a porch way leads into a spacious hall way and a reception room.
A large living room and function room boast southerly views over the beach and Atlantic Ocean.
Also on the ground floor there is a large kitchen area, a laundry room, an office, two meeting rooms and a telephone room.
To the rear of the ground floor there are four single bedrooms and a shower room.
Upstairs there are 20 bedrooms – eight of which command elevated beach and sea views – along with three shower rooms.
To the rear of the property there is a detached storage shed 18 sq metres of space.
The property is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and golfers, with boating, water sports and hill walking activities within short reach and an 18-hole course in nearby Waterville.
For the sweet tooth Skelligs Chocolate is made over the hill in St Finnian’s Bay.
St Michael's, Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry is available for €649,000 (£580,000) via Jim Burns Auctioneers. A full brochure can be viewed here.
