Take a look inside this historic Irish castle

Markree Castle in Sligo has been sold and will re-open after €5m restoration

Take a look inside this famous Irish castle which underwent a €5m restoration in 2015.

Markree Castle in Sligo was bought by the Corscadden family who specialise in restoring such grand buildings.

It was sold for an undisclosed sum but had been on the market for around €3.12m.

Markree Castle in Sligo has been sold and will re-open after €5m restoration

The Corscadden family own four castles, all of which are part of the non-profit organisation Manor House Hotels (MHH).

MHH was established in 1986 to market small independent luxury and family run Irish properties overseas.

As well as Markree Castle, the Corscadden family own Cabra Castle in Kingscourt, Co Cavan, Bellingham Castle in Castlebellingham, Co Louth, and Ballyseede Castle in Tralee, Co Kerry.

Markree Castle was put on the market after the Cooper family who had owned it for 350 years decided to sell.

Markree Castle was given to Edward Cooper by Oliver Cromwell in 1663. Cooper had helped Cromwell defeat the O’Brien clan.

The O’Brien leader, Conor O’Brien, was killed during the battle. Edward Cooper married Conor’s widow and their son inherited the castle.

It has remained in the family ever since and the previous owner, Charles Cooper, is a direct descendent of Edward and is the tenth generation of the family to live in the castle.

Until recently, Markree Castle had been used as a hotel, run by Charles and his wife Mary.

Take a look at some photos of the magnificent castle.

Markree Castle


Markree Castle


Markree Castle bedroom


Markree Castle stairs


Markree Castle dining hall


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