Former Esker Monastery and Lands, Athenry, Co. Galway

**FOR SALE - By Private Treaty** -Extensive building complex and land holding in a strategic location. -Historic complex of buildings which comprise a former Monastery, Retreat Centre, ''Youth Village'' and former Church. -Complex most recently utilised as State supported residential accommodation. -Total area Approx. 70.2 ha (173.5 acres). -Approx. 48,094 sq ft of buildings providing 82 no. bedrooms and ancillary accommodation. -Extensive agricultural holding which is available in separate lots. -Esker Complex has a variety of potential uses including leisure, residential and education (s.p.p). **Location** -Athenry sits to the west of Esker, just adjacent to the M6 motorway, accessible through junction 16 at The Galway Plaza. Kiltullagh village lies approximately 4 kilometers to the east. -Galway City is positioned 29 kilometers to the west, typically reachable in around 35 minutes via the M6. -The surrounding area to Esker comprises agricultural hinterland and one-off housing, as well as some small stand-alone industry. -Esker is a rural hinterland which includes a National School. The village of Kiltullagh is approximately 4 kms to the east. **Description** -Esker comprises an impressive multi-phase former religious complex which is primarily focused around a former Monastery building, adjoining Retreat Centre (former Seminary) and deconsecrated Church. -Total land holding of approx. 70.2 ha (173.5 acres) available in its entirety or in five separate lots. -The existing buildings within the complex extend to a gross internal area of approximately 4,468 sq m (48,094 sq ft). -The main buildings have a total of 82 bedrooms in their existing layout. -Most recently utilised as State supported residential accommodation. -Suitable for a variety of leisure and hospitality uses (S.P.P.). **History** -Since the late 17th Century, Esker has been a monastic settlement, initially by Dominican Friars. After settling following their 'eviction' from Athenry, they established a hedge school at Brusk. In the early 1700's, they moved to Esker and built a cabin in what is now known as 'The (Hazel)nut Field'. An accidental fire in 1715 led them to relocate to 'Esker na pay', where they built a house. Rev. Dr. Peter Smyth OP initiated a 'free school' in 1826, attended by up to 600 children, later overseeing the construction of a new church and convent. The Dominican Convent was given to Clonfert Diocese in 1893, then sold to the Redemptorists in 1901, who expanded it in 1949. The novitiate closed in 1970, converted into a Retreat Centre in 1990s, and a Youth Village was established until the Covid pandemic. *Services* -We understand all main services are available to the subject property, however all interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the adequacy of services. *Title* -Understood to be freehold. *Viewing* -Viewing Strictly By Appointment. *BER* -N/A *Further Information* -Further information is available on the dedicated dataroom www.eskerathenry.com Please contact the selling agent to register for access.