Those hankering after a romantic Gothic-style castle with income potential or a buyer wanting to establish a unique country residence will be intrigued by Kinnitty Castle, now officially on the market with joint agents Knight Frank Ganly Walters and John P Younge Auctioneers.
The price tag of €9.8 million for Kinnitty Castle and its 61 acres of park and woodland reflect an annual €4 million turnover for the castle's lucrative wedding and events business, which has attracted many celebrity clients.
Shane Lynch chose Kinnitty for his high-profile wedding to Sheena White last August. Miriam O'Callaghan, Joe Elliott and Louis Osborne also tied the knot at the neo-Gothic castle, which stands in the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Co Offaly.
The resident Phantom Monk is another major draw at Kinnitty, a genial black-clad ghost who loves a party atmosphere and is regularly sighted by wedding guests, possibly when the festivities are in full swing. The hotel is listed in guide books as one of the most famous haunted castles in Ireland.
Kinnitty Castle was built in 1630 by William O'Carroll and confiscated in 1641 during the plantation of Laois/Offaly. The family emigrated and Charles Og O'Callaghan, by then one of the richest men in America, was a signatory of the American Declaration of Independence.
Kinnitty Castle was burned by Republican forces in 1922 and rebuilt in 1928. After a period of State ownership, it was acquired in 1994 by the Ryan family who turned into a luxury hotel. A sweeping driveway bounded by woodland leads to the castellated main house, which is surrounded by gardens, paddocks and woods.
The 37 bedroom suites, some with ornate canopied beds, retain dimensions in keeping with the castle's period. High ceilings, rich fabrics and antique furniture complement the castle's old-world charm. There is a magnificent panelled banqueting hall, library with a quirky Gothic-arched bar, a great hall, round room, meeting room, two restaurants, kitchens, offices and store rooms.
Some of the guest bedrooms are accommodated in a courtyard wing. At the far end of the courtyard is a lofted stone building with a function room, bar and kitchen. Other attractions include the Gate Lodge spa, sauna and gym, eight loose boxes, a falconry, lofted workshop and training yard.
Kinnitty Castle is under two hours drive from Dublin and Shannon airports, off the Mountmellick to Birr road between the villages of Cademstown and Kinnitty. Viewing is by appointment or visit www.kinnitycastle.com.
