Picture yourself waking to the gentle sounds of the Irish countryside, watching morning mist lift over your own 1.23-acre private estate in County Longford's heartland. This two-storey country house in Creagh presents a compelling opportunity for those seeking an authentic Irish retreat with the freedom to create something truly personal, just minutes from the welcoming town of Ballymahon and the emerald landscapes of Ireland's Midlands.
This property sits in a beautifully secluded position yet remains remarkably connected to everyday life. Ballymahon lies just 7km away, Longford town is 25km distant, while Athlone and Mullingar are both within comfortable 30-40 minute drives. This central Midlands location means you're never far from amenities, yet the moment you turn onto the generous road frontage leading to your property, the rhythms of rural Ireland take over. The site itself stretches across approximately 4,978 square meters, offering space that feels increasingly rare in modern Ireland – room to breathe, to garden, to simply be.
The existing house provides an 80-square-meter foundation across two floors, waiting for your vision to bring it to life. The ground floor layout includes a spacious living room measuring 4.76m by 3.60m, a kitchen of 3.16m by 4.10m, and a bathroom. Upstairs, two bedrooms await, one featuring an original cast iron fireplace that speaks to the home's traditional heritage. While the property requires comprehensive modernisation, this is precisely what makes it special for those who want to craft a vacation home that reflects their personal style rather than compromise with someone else's choices.
What sets this opportunity apart is the eligibility for Ireland's Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, potentially providing up to €50,000 toward renovation works, with an additional €20,000 possible for properties classified as derelict. This financial support transforms the economics of creating your Irish retreat, allowing you to allocate resources toward custom finishes, sustainable features, or expanded living spaces. Subject to planning permission, the generous plot size opens possibilities for extension or even complete redevelopment, giving you control over the final result.
County Longford embodies the Ireland that international visitors dream about but rarely experience as property owners. This is a landscape of rolling pastures, ancient hedgerows, and winding country lanes where neighbors still wave as you pass. The River Inny flows nearby, its banks perfect for afternoon walks or trying your hand at coarse fishing. The Royal Canal Greenway, one of Ireland's premier cycling and walking trails, provides 130km of traffic-free exploration through some of the country's most unspoiled countryside, with access points within easy reach of the property.
The Midlands region offers distinct seasonal rhythms that vacation home owners quickly grow to anticipate. Spring brings an explosion of wildflowers across the fields and mild temperatures perfect for outdoor projects or exploring nearby attractions. Summer days stretch long and bright, ideal for garden parties, cycling the greenways, or day trips to Lough Ree's shores just beyond Athlone. Autumn transforms the landscape into shades of amber and gold, while cozy winter evenings invite you to restore that cast iron fireplace to working order and settle in with a good book and a warming Irish whiskey.
Ballymahon itself punches well above its weight for a town of its size. Local pubs serve excellent food alongside proper pints, while small shops provide daily necessities without the impersonal feel of chain stores. The town celebrates its connection to poet and playwright Oliver Goldsmith, and literary history threads through the local culture. For more extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment, Athlone offers a vibrant town center with restaurants, theaters, and the impressive Athlone Castle, while Mullingar provides similar amenities along with excellent connections to Dublin when needed.
Family-oriented buyers will appreciate the strong educational infrastructure. Kenagh National School sits just 2km away, while Ballymahon Vocational School and Mercy Secondary School are within 5km, making this viable as either a permanent relocation or a base for extended Irish summers. Public transport links, though modest as befits rural Ireland, connect through Keenagh (1.7km) and Ballymahon (5.4km) with bus routes serving Athlone, Longford, and Cavan.
The property's servicing through mains water and septic tank means core infrastructure is already established, simplifying renovation planning and reducing initial capital requirements. The ample road frontage not only ensures easy access but also enhances privacy, as the house sits well back from passing traffic. The 1.23-acre site provides genuine options: maintain extensive gardens, establish a vegetable plot, create outdoor entertaining spaces, or explore agricultural possibilities that might qualify for additional rural development incentives.
For those considering rental income to offset ownership costs, County Longford's growing popularity with domestic tourists seeking authentic Irish experiences creates opportunity. Properties offering space, privacy, and access to outdoor activities command strong booking rates, particularly during summer months and holiday periods. The proximity to the Royal Canal Greenway alone attracts cycling enthusiasts from across Europe, while anglers seek out the region's lakes and rivers year-round.
The Irish Midlands remain remarkably affordable compared to coastal regions or areas near Dublin, making this an accessible entry point into European vacation property ownership. At €120,000, this represents exceptional value for the land alone, with the existing structure providing either a renovation project or, subject to planning permission, potential redevelopment into a more contemporary design. The investment fundamentals are sound: land values in accessible rural locations continue strengthening as remote work reshapes how people think about where to live and vacation.
Key property features include: Two-storey detached house on 1.23 acres • 80 square meters of existing floor space • Two bedrooms, one with original cast iron fireplace • Ground floor living room, kitchen, and bathroom • Substantial road frontage ensuring privacy and access • Mains water connection and septic tank system • Eligibility for Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant up to €50,000 • Planning potential for extension or redevelopment • 7km to Ballymahon, 25km to Longford town • 30-minute drive to Athlone, 40 minutes to Mullingar • 2km to Kenagh National School • Near River Inny and Royal Canal Greenway • Secluded rural setting with excellent accessibility • Strong rental potential in growing tourist region
This property invites you to participate in creating something meaningful rather than simply purchasing something finished. It's for those who see potential where others see work, who value authentic character over turnkey convenience, and who understand that the most rewarding vacation homes often begin as projects. Whether you envision a traditional Irish cottage restored with modern comforts, a contemporary eco-home rising from the foundation, or a sprawling family compound taking advantage of the generous site, the canvas awaits your vision. Contact Homestra today to arrange a viewing and begin imagining your Irish countryside retreat.
