Come to Leitrim. It could change your life. That’s the message being promoted by playwright and novelist Michael Harding and others as part of the county’s campaign to draw visitors and more permanent guests to what is arguably one of Ireland’s most overlooked and underrated counties.
Bordered by Roscommon and Sligo to the south, and the province of Ulster to the north, Leitrim is almost bisected by its largest lake, Lough Allen, and is traversed by the river Shannon, making it a veritable haven for nature lovers.
Leitrim has long been the country’s most underpopulated county owing to the persistent movement of its people to the eastern seaboard and emigration overseas. However, that pattern could yet be reversed thanks to the combination of the pandemic-driven surge in interest in remote working and the ongoing rollout of high-speed broadband.
Asked for his take on Leitrim’s residential property market, local estate agent Declan O’Carroll says: “The market is strong for the right stock. Certainly in the case of first-time buyers up to the €250,000 price point. There is high interest there and things are moving. At the higher end of the market, it’s slow but there is some interest there.”
New home
Glas na hAbhainn in Attyrory, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim
Local agents, the Farrell Property Group, are guiding prices of €339,000 and €359,000 respectively for the two remaining homes at the Glas na hAbhainn scheme in Carrick-on-Shannon.
Located on the outskirts of the town, Numbers 21 and 22 are detached houses. At 156sq m and 158sq m (1,679sq ft and 1,700sq ft), they comprise four bedrooms, open-plan living areas, fully-fitted kitchens, “smart” bathrooms with wet room showers, along with ample roof space incorporating Velux roof windows, designed for residential use. Qualifying purchasers may avail of Section 23 tax allowances if required.
While Glas na hAbhainn has a pastoral setting on the waterfront, it is situated within a two-minute drive of Aldi, Tesco, Heatons, Woodies, the Aura leisure centre and swimming pool, and the local primary and secondary schools.
Large family home
Manderley in Lavagh, Rooskey, Co Roscommon
Located almost at the point where Leitrim borders Roscommon, this attractive, detached period house extends to 343sq m (3,700sq ft), and sits on landscaped lakeside grounds of 0.7 hectare (1.7 acres) adjacent to the banks of the Shannon.
Available for sale through Property Partners Earley at a guide price in excess of just €450,000, Manderley is in walk-in condition following an extensive and meticulous restoration by the current owner. The property briefly comprises of four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large entrance hall, living room, dining room, study, kitchen, and utility room. All of the reception rooms are well proportioned and bright with brick fireplaces incorporating solid fuel stoves.
The house has dual-aspect windows all around both downstairs and upstairs, while all windows and doors including external doors are hardwood along with door saddles and skirting boards.
Downsizer
Lisgavneen in Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim
Empty nesters and first-time buyers looking for a manageably-sized property that’s keenly priced may be interested in the sale of this cottage near the village of Drumkeeran. Extending to 49.79sq m (536sq ft), the property sits on a 5.69 acre plot and comprises two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen, and a living/dining room with solid-fuel stove. The land surrounding the house is well-defined, stock-proof fenced and sub-divided into various paddocks for grazing, meadow, orchard and some mature trees.
Priced at €185,000 through agents Schiller & Schiller, it is well-located just minutes outside Drumkeeran, 10 minutes from Dromahair, 25 minutes from Manorhamilton and within 30 minutes of Sligo town.
Buy-to-let
Apartment 1, Riverview Apartments in Landmark Court, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim
Online auction specialists BidX1 are guiding a price of €95,000 for this apartment in Carrick-on-Shannon. Located on the first floor of the Riverview Apartments scheme, the subject property, which is being sold with the benefit of vacant possession, extends to 79sq m (850sq ft) and comprises two-bedroom accommodation according to the agent.
The apartment is conveniently situated immediately adjacent to the Landmark Hotel, and within close proximity to numerous of the town’s amenities including SuperValu, Tesco, Aldi, and a range of other shops, bars and restaurants.
Carrick-on-Shannon sits 55km from Sligo town and is well served by public transport links with Bus Éireann providing frequent services (449, 469, 564, 568). Carrick-on-Shannon is also accessible by train, and by road via the N4.
Holiday home
Cloonfad School House in Cloonfad More, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Roscommon
Local agent Countryside Properties is seeking €212,500 for this renovated schoolhouse at Cloonfad More. Located just a 10-minute drive from Carrick-on-Shannon town centre, Cloonfad School House sits on a 0.2 hectare (0.5 acre) plot, extends to 170sq m (1,830sq ft) and comprises a total of five bedrooms and four bathrooms. The property is divided into two apartments. The first of these has two bedrooms, one en-suite, a large reception area, a fully-fitted kitchen/dining room, family bathroom and a sitting room. The second apartment comprises of three bedrooms, a large reception area, kitchen/dining and a sitting room, with scope for the provision of en-suites or walk-in wardrobes. This apartment is at first fix stage and requires further renovations, according to the selling agent.
