About this property
Originally built in 1784 and attributed to renowned architect Sir Richard Morrison, the manor stands as one of Galway’s most celebrated period residences, combining classical proportions with rich architectural detail.
Occupying a tranquil position along the Dunkellin River, the estate offers exceptional privacy and natural beauty, complemented by extensive lawns, ancient trees, and a charming cottage that has been recently refurbished to a high standard.
At the heart of the estate lies the principal house, a striking four-bay Georgian residence featuring elegant arched recesses and later Victorian Gothic embellishments, including crenellations and pointed arch windows. The accommodation is both grand and inviting, with beautifully balanced reception rooms, high ceilings, and fine period detailing throughout.
Saint Clerans has undergone thoughtful restoration and enhancement in recent years, preserving its historic integrity while introducing modern comfort and convenience. The result is a residence of rare quality, where timeless architecture meets contemporary living.
A collection of traditional stone outbuildings and farm buildings adds to the estate’s charm and versatility. The surrounding lands include a mix of mature parkland, grazing pastures, and woodland, enclosed by traditional stone walls.
With its rich past, Saint Clerans Manor represents a truly unique opportunity to acquire one of Galway’s most notable country estates, combining historical grandeur, natural beauty, and exceptional privacy within easy reach of Galway City.
Saint Clerans Manor
A stately period manor of elegant proportions, Saint Clerans presents classic architectural symmetry beneath a slated roof. Inside, the accommodation is arranged over three floors, combining gracious reception rooms for entertaining with comfortable, light-filled private quarters, all finished to a high specification while sensitively retaining period character. Notable features include decorative ceiling roses and cornicing, original sash windows with refined architraves and shutters, and colonnades.
A light-filled entrance hall, approached via limestone steps and framed by a graceful portico with round columns, sets an inviting tone for the residence. This impressive space flows naturally to both wings of the home and features a marble floor and decorative colonnades. Beyond, meticulously finished mahogany doors lead to the two principal reception rooms, the drawing room and dining room, each of similar proportions and showcasing impeccable craftsmanship and refined detailing.
An inner hall with a cantilevered staircase leads to a bright sitting room featuring an ornate marble fireplace and stove. A lift providing access to all three levels is also located here. Adjacent to the sitting room lies the kitchen, which combines modern convenience with period elegance.
Converted back from a commercial kitchen in 2013, it now serves as a warm family space, featuring an Aga and an extensive range of beautifully crafted floor and wall-mounted units. Large windows allow natural light to fill the room, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The ground floor also includes a spacious utility room, a comfortable living room with a marble fireplace and stove, and a bedroom with en suite.
The majority of the bedroom accommodation is located on the first floor, accessed via the magnificent, cantilevered staircase. The master suite, known as the Griffin’s Suite, occupies an entire wing and includes his-and-her dressing rooms with beautifully crafted built-in wooden wardrobes, a spacious bedroom featuring dual-aspect windows, and a luxurious en suite bathroom. Three additional bedroom suites are also found on this level, along with a study/home
office.
Saint Clerans has undergone energy‑efficiency upgrades, including the installation of a Fröling wood‑chip boiler and a Eurotech hydrothermal heating system, making it well suited to modern‑day living.
BER Details – BER Exempt
Local information
- Saint Clerans Manor occupies a private rural setting on the banks of the Dunkellin River, just a short drive from Galway City.
- The nearby village of Craughwell (5.5 km) offers a selection of everyday conveniences, including shops, cafés, pubs, and a local primary school. The larger town of Loughrea (9 km) provides a comprehensive range of services and amenities, including supermarkets, restaurants, leisure facilities, and both primary and secondary schools. Loughrea is also home to Lough Rea, a popular local beauty spot offering swimming, kayaking, and scenic lakeside walks.
- Galway City Centre lies approximately 29 kilometres to the west and is one of Ireland’s most vibrant and culturally rich destinations. Famed for its arts, music, and culinary scene, Galway attracts visitors year-round with its festivals and bustling streets. It is also home to the University of Galway and the Atlantic Technological University, ensuring a lively student and academic presence.
- Dublin City Centre is approximately 180 kilometres to the east and offers the full range of amenities, services, and cultural attractions expected of a capital city.
- The estate is well served by transportation links, with the M6 motorway, connecting Galway to Dublin just 7 kilometres away, while Athenry Train Station (12 km) offers regular rail services to both cities. Shannon International Airport is approximately 73 kilometres away, and Dublin International Airport is approximately 205 kilometres distant.
- County Galway has a proud sporting tradition and offers an exceptional range of recreational activities. Racing enthusiasts are well catered for with the world famous Galway Racecourse at Ballybrit, home to the iconic Galway Races Summer Festival. Golfers can enjoy a superb selection of courses nearby, including the scenic championship course at Galway Bay Golf Resort, designed by Ryder Cup legend Christy O’Connor Jnr. Other notable courses such as Athenry Golf Club and Portumna Golf Club are also within easy reach, each offering a unique challenge and spectacular views.
- The area surrounding Saint Clerans Manor is renowned for its strong agricultural heritage. This region supports productive livestock enterprises, underpinned by a well-developed agricultural infrastructure that includes local merchants, milk processors, livestock markets, and abattoirs.
Additional information
- Angelica Suite – To the rear of the main house is the Angelica Suite, a separate building of traditional stone construction comprising a one-bedroom suite.
- Gardens & Grounds – A key feature of the estate is the spectacular landscaped garden grounds that surround the house. Encompassed within the well-established estate parkland, the immediate gardens and grounds encircling the house are immaculately maintained and form an impressive setting. The diverse assortment of flora, fauna, and outstanding specimen trees provides colour, shelter, and privacy. The estate enjoys over one kilometre of private frontage along the Dunkellin River, adding to its natural beauty and recreational appeal. Behind the main house, the river widens to reveal a picturesque weir, an enchanting and rare feature that enhances the charm of the setting. The estate can also be accessed via the L4192. This access route follows a tarmacked driveway through mature woodland, crossing a picturesque bridge over the Dunkellin River before arriving at the rear of the house. The driveway also continues around to the front of the house.
- Cottage – Positioned at the entrance to the estate is a charming one-bedroom cottage, recently renovated and refurbished to create accommodation fit for contemporary living. The interior features a bright, L-shaped open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area centred around a wood-burning stove. Triple-glazed windows and underfloor heating ensure year-round comfort, while the finishes throughout highlight a seamless blend of traditional charm and contemporary living.
- Outbuildings – To the rear of the main house are two traditional stone outbuildings, currently used for storage. A further yard lies to the north of the house and includes a three-bay shed with a corrugated roof and concrete floor, alongside a polytunnel, also with a concrete base, used for storing firewood. The yard benefits from ample hardstanding, offering practical space for vehicles, equipment and further expansion. Located beyond the cottage at the main entrance, is a separate yard featuring a five-bay shed with a corrugated roof and concrete flooring. Adjacent to the shed is an additional store, offering a flexible space for storage or operational needs.
- Farmland – The farmland at Saint Clerans is enclosed by a mix of mature hedgerows, traditional stone walls, and wire fencing. It comprises gently rolling grassland interspersed with areas of mature woodland, creating a varied and scenic landscape. The northern end of the estate is about 33 metres/110 feet above sea-level while the southern boundary is about 48 metres/151 feet above sea level. The woods at Saint Clerans are an attractive feature due to their age and variety of species. Primarily laid out to the rear and north of the house, they provide shelter, privacy and amenity.
