Fantasy castle on Irish coast
Date: 23 July 2007 | 
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On the shores of the Kenmare Estuary in County Kerry is An Culu, a majestic contemporary castle combining the romance of mediaeval castles with modern life. An Culu’s situation is breathtaking and it is arguably one of the most impressive coastal properties in Ireland and, as its name translates is a retreat from the world. It is currently on the market through Knight Frank Ganly Walters at a guide price of €15,000,000.
The story behind the building of An Culu is as romantic as the architecture. Originally a folly of nearby Dromore Castle it was spotted by the current owner who was fishing in the bay, who having fallen in love with it persuaded Coillte to sell it to him. He immediately embarked on his dream: to create a fairytale castle. Using teams of highly skilled craftsmen, the project took three years to complete. The result is truly awe-inspiring and a fabulous revival of the castle style; indeed it is the first to be built in Ireland since Victorian times.
This property was designed to impress and it certainly does not fail to do so. The entrance is through an impressive castellated gatehouse, while a long, winding drive which heightens the visitor’s anticipation leads through a forest, eventually arriving at An Culu, which fulfils all the castle ideals; it has a large and imposing drawbridge and is surrounded by a moat.
An Culu offers the chance to live in a castle without the structural problems and high maintenance costs often associated with these buildings. Despite its grandiose exterior, it is in fact a comfortable family home on a manageable scale. The interior has been cleverly arranged with modern living in mind. The accommodation is plentiful and luxurious; there are five bedroom suites and a master bedroom suite which has its own sitting room and his and hers bathrooms. Much of the property’s interior alludes to Tudor and Jacobean decoration styles, with many of the reception rooms and bedrooms featuring intricate plasterwork ceilings and heavy panelling. However, for all the faux period features, the property is also highly contemporary; there is a lift, a state of the art music system, a modern kitchen and glamorous bathrooms.
The reception rooms are generously proportioned and are ideal for entertaining. The drawing room is particularly impressive; it is has an enormous stone fireplace which acts as the room’s focal point and is overlooked by the Minstrel’s Gallery above, while the large and opulently furnished conservatory is a perfect spot from which to view the landscape. An additional facility and a rather unusual one, is the ‘grotto’ style swimming pool complex. This area has an extensive seating area, steam room, sauna and shower.
An Culu certainly makes use of its amazing location. There is a terraced seating area to the south of the castle which has spectacular panoramic sea views. It also comes with the bonus of its own harbour, which has a floating jetty, facilitating convenient access to Kenmare Estuary.
County Kerry is the place for country persuit enthusiasts. Fishing, golf and walking are popular; excellent fly fishing can be enjoyed on the nearby waters and lakes and of course, sea fishing and sailing in the Kenmare estuary or the Atlantic. There are 18 hole golf courses at Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, Ballybunion, Killarney and Waterville; and the Caha Mountains are close by for walking. The coastline is renowned for its beauty and the white sandy beaches of Derrynane are some of the most beautiful in Ireland.
Kenmare is nearby and is a delightful market town, with numerous restaurants and two five star hotels. Cork airport is approximately one and a half hours to the east, while Kerry airport is only thirty three miles away, offering daily flights to Dublin and London.
County Kerry is often described as the finest of Ireland’s counties and it is not hard to see why; with exceptional scenery, charming towns and a range of recreational activities it is a wonderful place to live.
An Culu would suit someone keen to live in an Irish castle, but a castle with a difference: one equipped with all the luxuries of the twenty first century.
For further information, please contact:
Paddy Pritchard-Gordon, Country Department, paddy.pritchard-gordon@knightfrank.com, 020 7861 1722
Olivia Smith, Press Office, olivia.smith@knightfrank.com, 020 7861 1034
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