Thinking of buying or selling a rural property in Ireland? What do you imagine when you imagine being in Ireland? Are you strolling the quaint alleyways near Temple Bar in Dublin? Are you taking lengthy, windy walks on the beaches of Kerry and Cork in the bright sunshine? Or do you picture yourself settling down in the Irish countryside, perhaps near one of the country’s many quaint towns but removed enough to feel like you’ve discovered your own little slice of Ireland?
If so, you’ll be happy to know that life in the country has many advantages, such as lower housing costs, healthier air, more stunning natural settings, and welcoming neighbors.
Kilkenny County
County Kilkenny is a beautiful and historic region in Ireland. It is characterized by extensive forests, riverbank communities, and scenic panoramas of rolling hills. There is a wealth of potential for fishing, boating, and other watersports in this County, as many of its towns and villages are spread out along the banks of its three main rivers (the Nore, the Barrow, and the Suir). There are rural cottages and building lots in County Kilkenny listed on Rightmove for under €200,000.
Dublin, Ireland
People looking for rural life not too distant from the urban amenities of Cork City often settle in Ireland’s largest and southernmost County. Kinsale and Cobh are two quaint towns, each with its own unique character and teeming with wonderful places to eat, shop, and explore.
You can go hiking in the Caha or Shehy Mountains, but the County’s peninsulas—the Beara Peninsula, Mizen Head, Brow Head, and Sheep’s Head—are what really set County Cork apart. In addition, the County’s coastline is dotted with windswept islands. Starting at about €17,000, you can purchase a plot of land or ruins, and for less than €200,000, you can own a cottage with river frontage and fishing rights.
County Kerry
County Kerry is a great choice if you’re looking for tranquility in the shade of rugged mountains. One of the most popular places to visit in all of Ireland, this area is famous for its mountains, lakes, and Atlantic coast. A beautiful, roomy home with breathtaking vistas is still within reach for about €300,000 in this highly sought-after tourist destination.
Buying in Ireland’s Rural Areas: Some Dos and Don’ts
Examine the facilities in the area.
Before settling in a rural area to call home, it’s important to determine how far you’ll be from necessary services. Where is the nearest hospital located? In the direction of a nearby airport? In the neighborhood’s educational institutions? While most necessities are likely to be within a reasonable driving distance in Ireland, it’s still a good idea to specify in your home search how close you’d like to be to specific establishments.
Don’t make your commute too long.
The great thing about Ireland is that the country’s famous rolling hills aren’t too far from the big towns and cities. Before buying a rural property, you should think about where you will be working. If your difficult commute was one of the reasons you wanted to leave the United Kingdom, you might want to double-check that you won’t have to deal with something similar in Ireland.
Make sure you can connect to the internet before you go.
If you and your family rely heavily on the internet, or if you intend to work from home, the availability of phone and internet service may be a deal breaker. Check with neighbors and bar regulars about service providers and coverage; they may be more forthcoming with information than the real estate agent seeking to sell you the place.
Verify that the property has the amenities you need.
Issues like a septic tank and the availability of utilities like gas and water are more important in rural areas. Before you move in, find out how old the septic tank is and if it has the proper permits. The Irish Environmental Protection Agency has introduced legislation requiring the registration and periodic inspection of such tanks. Your real estate agent can explain them in detail and provide you with the appropriate paperwork.
Do specify who has access to what
Your rural property’s access rights must be secure, legitimate, and properly outlined in the deed. You must have this before purchasing a home. It’s great to have a mutually beneficial arrangement with a neighbor that lets you utilize their land, but it’s best to put it in writing to avoid any future disagreements. If you want to make sure that your property’s borders match up with what’s shown on paper, it’s a good idea to hire an engineer to conduct a planning search.
Having a structural survey done is important.
A structural survey should be performed on all structures on the property, including garages, sheds, and agricultural facilities. A third-party inspection performed before making a purchase will reveal any issues that must be addressed. You can now make a more educated choice thanks to this. The presence of maintenance needs or the likelihood of repair needs in the future need not be a deal breaker; rather, they should serve to provide a more complete picture of the commitment you would be making.
