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Munterowen East, Leenane, Connemara, Co. Galway.
Ref: S0156
Offers on €250,000 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 land is eligible for Area Aid and the replacement environmental protection scheme due out in 2010.
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The ford has now been replaced by a bridge and the Ó Máille homestead is now unrecognisable as part of a range of single storey farm buildings.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 21/2 hours from the property, while Knock Airport is about 11/2 hours.
THE LAND:
The farm straddles the Maam to Leenane road with 20 ha or 49 acres including the house and buildings to the west of the road, with the remainder of 25 ha or 61 acres in one rectangular block on the eastern side of the road. Both parcels are opposite each other.
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 has been recently grazed and appears to be in good heart.
There are abundant natural water sources on the land including the Holy Well, Tobar na Seacht nIníon, one of the wells of the seven daughters. The cult of the Seven Daughters (who according to Roderick O'Flaherty, writing in 1684, were the daughters of a British king) is widespread in Connemara. 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 through entrance gates at the end of the council road, leading to a farm track (suitable for cars) which leads first to the house and then the outbuildings. The house was built about 80 years ago, is still structurally sound, but in need of replacement or complete refurbishment.
The house is surrounded by mature pine trees giving protection from the prevailing weather and prettily located among fuchsia hedges with good views over Joyce's River and the valley.
The accommodation comprises :
Living Room: (W & E)14' x 16', with centre chimney piece, range and back door to the outside. Doors to bedrooms 1, 2 and 3.
Bedroom 1: (E) 10' square
Bedroom 2: (W) 8' x 9' with good views over the valley.
Bedroom 3: (E) with a fireplace 9' x 10'6.
NOTE: The floor of bedroom 2 is collapsing and potential buyers are requested to stay out of this room.
SERVICES: Mains electricity available (cables still connected to the house). Abundant natural water supplies available.
THE FARM EXTENDS TO 45 HECTARES OR 110 ACRES IN TOTAL
* Click on picture to view *
Lands to east
of R336Lands to west
of R336Location Map Farmhouse Outbuildings North Outbuildings South Eastern lands
from roadFarm from
outbuildingsFrom road looking
to farmhouseJoyce's River Lands behind
outbuildingsLooking down
on Joyce's RiverLooking North
from outbuildngs
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