23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Fix it up: 1840s chapel restored for events and nuptials could be transformed into unique home
Tell me more about the place… With Gothic windows and hand-cut stonework, this simply designed but geometrically impressive 19th-century chapel has seen new life in recent years, having been used as a wedding venue since 2016.
It has ante-rooms to the front and a gallery space accessed via ladder, as well as a garden.
It was originally home to a local Presbyterian congregation which moved to Dundalk, after which it fell into disrepair.
It then underwent restoration by local woman Donna McLoughlin, who came up with the idea of turning it into a business following the marriage equality referendum in 2015.
The bad news? This is a protected structure. Alterations to the material appearance and structure of the building would be out of the question.
At the moment, this is not a residential building: the interior is currently furnished with church pews, though the altar has been removed.
Converting this into a residence would require planning approval. The gallery is currently accessed via a safety ladder, as the current owner was unable to get approval to install a staircase.
The current owner has a number of bookings for weddings and events, which she is hoping the next owners will honour.
And the good news? The building has been completely renovated at considerable expense to the current owner.
The roof and structure are in excellent condition. The outside walls have been stripped and re-limed, and the internal floors have been replaced.
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There is running water, electricity and sewerage, and the property has a functioning external bathroom. There is also oil-fired central heating. The interior is bathed in natural light thanks to the large gothic windows.
How much to buy it? DNG Duffy is seeking offers in the region of €379,000.
And to fix it up? As the structure comes on the market in excellent condition, any work required to turn this into a residential building will be purely internal.
A kitchen would have to be installed and the bathroom upgraded in order to make it into a home.
Around €100,000, on top of the purchase price, is needed depending on the finish required and the extent of the interventions.
What will I end up with? Many similar properties have been converted successfully into unique homes. This would convert into a circa 1,160sq ft dwelling in a convenient location 1.3 km from exit 15 on the M1 and 13k from Dundalk.
Who should I talk to? Paul Clarke of DNG Duffy (042) 9351011 in Dundalk is waiting to walk you up the aisle at this unique property.
