Munterowen East, Leenane, Connemara, Co. Galway.
Ref: S0172
FOR SALE FREEHOLD BY PRIVATE TREATY IN TWO LOTS
LOT 1: HOUSE & 51 ACRES - OFFERS ON €150,000 {LOT 1 - SALE AGREED}
LOT 2: 62 ACRES - OFFERS ON €80,000 {LOT 2 - SALE AGREED}At the upper end of the Maam valley, this attractive hill farm is set in a sheltered position on the eastern slopes of the Maumturk Mountains and is within 3 miles of Leenane Village.
The property is located in an area of Outstanding Scenic Amenity, on the bottom slopes of Munterowen East, in the upper end of Maam valley and with wide views over the hills and mountains of Joyce's Country and its own bit of local history.
The property is located in an area of Outstanding Scenic Amenity, on the bottom slopes of Munterowen East, in the upper end of Maam valley and with wide views over the hills and mountains of Joyce's Country and its own bit of local history.
Behind the trees at the bottom of the hill on the approach to the farm are some farm buildings, one of which was the former Ó Máille home, the headquarters of the West Connemara Brigade of the IRA in the War of Independence. On 23rd April, 1921 a detachment of the Royal Irish Constabulary was ambushed at the ford below while approaching to raid it. One policeman was killed and another wounded; the IRA withdrew without losses after a long engagement and the house was then taken and burned.
Among the combatants were the three Ó Máille brothers, Pádraig (who as Sinn Féin candidate eventually became deputy speaker of the First Dáil, Tómas and Éamonn, the designer of the Italianate churches at Finny and Recess and, more famously, as the constructor of a bunker, Padraig's Den at Gowlaunlee, which is in the next valley eastwards.
The ford has now been replaced by a bridge and the Ó Máille homestead is now unrecognisable as part of a range of single storey farm buildings.
Killary harbour, which is only 4 miles from the farm, is a steep beautiful inlet, 10 miles long and 45 metres deep between County Mayo and County Galway. Killary Harbour was at one time believed to be one of Ireland's few fjords, but is now considered to be probably a drowned valley; it is a splendid sheltered deep-water anchorage and was, at different times, a base for the British Fleet and a refuge for German U-boats. The highest peak in Connacht, Mweelrea ('The Bald King') towers over the water which is now used for mussel-farming on rafts. The nearby Ashleagh Waterfall is a local beauty-spot while the beautiful white sandy beaches of Glassillaunbeach, Salruck, Gurteen and Lettergesh are also within 15 minutes drive.
Leenane, which is only 3 miles from the farm, derives its name from An Lionan, which is loosely translated as the tidal area, and is a most delightful village, being a popular stopping off point on the main road between Clifden and Westport and with a number of shops, pubs and hotels.
The property is 40 miles from the regional capital of the West, Galway City, with its mainline road, rail and air connections and extensive and substantial cultural, commercial and retail facilities. Shannon Airport is some 2 1/2 hours from the property, while Knock Airport is about 1 1/2 hours.
THE LAND: P> The farm straddles the Maam to Leenane road with 20.639 ha or 51acres including the house and buildings to the west of the road (Lot 1), with the remainder of 25 ha or 62 acres in one rectangular block on the eastern side of the road (Lot 2). Both parcels are opposite each other and are being offered separately
Both parcels have previously attracted grants but as the owner has been unable to farm for many years, neither parcel has any entitlements. A future owner would be able to apply for grants on these lands and acquire or transfer entitlements.
The land to the west of the road comprises an irregular shape parcel of land running up from the main road, across the Joyce's River and up the side of the hill, to the sky line. The land is accessed from the main road and also the council road to the side which leads to the farmhouse and buildings. The land is perimeter fenced with post and wire and internally divided with some post and wire fencing and some stone walls. The land is level or gently sloping between the main road and the river, rising gently beyond the river and then steepening above the house and the outbuildings. The land appears to be in good heart.
The property has long frontage on both banks to the Joyce's River, from which many sizable brown trout have been taken.
The land to the east of the main road is in one rectangular parcel enclosed within perimeter post and wire fencing with some old stone walls. Adequate natural water sources. The land is sloping by the road and then steepens up the mountain with the back perimeter close to the skyline and Roighne Mór or Rinavore.
THE FARMHOUSE is approached by either through entrance gates or footsteps from the council road leading to a large parking area in front of the house. The house was built about 80 years ago, is of stone and concrete block construction under a steel profile roof. Although the property has been modernised and extended, it is still rather basic and in need of some refurbishment and modernisation. The house is in a pretty hillside location with a stream running down beside. The existing water supply is not suitable for drinking water. There are abundant natural water sources above the house which would provide water for purification or alternatively the purchaser could drill a well.
ENTRANCE PORCH: 5'9 x 4'4 with door into:
KITCHEN/SITTING ROOM: (E, W) 15'2 max. x 14'3 max., with large old fashioned centre fireplace and simple kitchen area with stainless steel sink and cupboards below. Door to the outside. Doors to bathroom, bedrooms 1 and 2.
BEDROOM 1: (E) 10' x 10' with good views over the valley.
BEDROOM 2: (E) 14'2 x 10'5 max. with a cast iron centre fireplace.
BATHROOM: 10' x 10', with toilet, wash basin.
To the side of the residence, with separate access from the road is:
BARN 25' x 14' of concrete block construction under a fibre slate roof.SERVICES: Mains electricity. Private water supply from within the lands (in need of improvement) and septic tank installed. Telephone connected but not active.
THE FARM EXTENDS TO 46 HECTARES OR 113 ACRES IN TOTAL
* Click on picture to view *
Map of lands on lot 1 
Map of lands on lot 2 
Location Map 
Eastern Elevation 
Kitchen/Sitting Room 
Kitchen/Sitting Room 
Bedroom 1 
Bedroom 2 
Bathroom 
Barn 
Farmhouse and lands lot 1 
Footpathleading to council road 
Lands on lot 1 
Lands on lot 2 
Setting of farmhouse in valley 
Southern & Western Elevations
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