Govt Urged To Purchase Historical Castlehyde House In Fermoy

The Government has been urged to seize a 'golden opportunity' to purchase the historical Castlehyde House in Fermoy, Co Cork.

The iconic venue, which is owned by renowned Irish dancer Michael Flatley as well as being the former residence of the first President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde, is up for sale at €12 million.

Having been refurbished and maintained its Georgian architectural features, Fianna Fáil's Cork East TD, Kevin O'Keeffe, said by purchasing the property the State has the chance to ensure that North Cork and the Blackwater Valley "has the potential to reap the benefits of the ever growing tourism industry".


"Many towns throughout the county and indeed throughout the country have benefitted from historical buildings being in public ownership," he said.

"Castlehyde House and estate was originally built as part of the Elizabethan Plantation for settlers in Ireland. Its original inhabitants would have been ancestors of the former First President of Ireland Douglas Hyde.

"The House comes with valuable land and approximately 15 hectares of which fronts onto the River Blackwater and could also feature as an amenity area for the public. The house whilst large in itself could facilitate many uses internally – perhaps exhibitions devoted Hyde Family, Anglo Irish heritage, the Irish language, local folklore, the Irish Presidency, the War of Independence, Georgian Architecture and as a venue to support local authors and literature.

"I have put pen to paper and written to the Minister for Culture & Heritage, Josepha Madigan TD, with a view to the Government considering this proposal positively. I hope she and the Government will do the right thing."

Image: Castlehyde House during refurbishment works (credit: Horganlynch Consulting Engineers).

(LM/MH)