On December 19 next, one of Oughterard's most beloved landmarks, The Boat Inn, will go under the hammer by way of online auction. Being offered to the market by joint agents DNG Maxwell Heaslip & Leonard and Spencer Auctioneers, this sale offers an opportunity for a fresh chapter for the iconic establishment and the town that holds it dear.
The Boat Inn is far more than just a hotel; it is a cornerstone of Oughterard’s identity. Located in the heart of this charming town, the inn has for decades been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. To many, it is a symbol of the warm and welcoming spirit of Connemara, a place where the rugged beauty of Ireland’s west meets the comfort of a crackling fire and a hearty meal.
The hotel is set on a site of c0.2 acre and is primarily spread over two floors extending to circa 880sq m. This comprises a reception area, fully licensed bar and restaurant with large dining/function room and separate bar to the side. There are enclosed gardens designed for an outside dining experience and the property has a large seating area to the front with substantial kerb appeal. To the side there is a separate commercial unit (historically used as an off license ) and to the first floor a self-contained one-bedroom apartment. There is a fully equipped kitchen with cold rooms/freezers and ample preparation areas. The capacity is estimated for circa 150 covers. On the first floor there are 11 double and triple rooms, all being well presented throughout and benefitting from television points and en suite facilities. There is an additional storage room and office located on the first floor. The inn’s heritage stretches back generations, and its history is closely interwoven with that of Oughterard itself. As one of the town’s oldest establishments, The Boat Inn has witnessed countless milestones, from celebrations and commemorations to quiet moments shared over pints by the fire.
With DNG Maxwell Heaslip & Leonard and Spencer auctioneers overseeing the sale, the auction promises to attract a range of interested buyers, from those keen on preserving the property’s history to others looking for new ways to revitalise it. The agents have acknowledged the inn’s importance, noting that while the building is primed for a new owner, the soul of the establishment remains embedded in the community. The hope is that the new proprietor will honour this legacy while breathing fresh life into the inn. The Boat Inn’s future has significant implications for the wider Oughterard community. In recent years, Ireland’s rural towns have faced challenges due to economic shifts and changing tourism dynamics, and many have seen cherished institutions shutter. The sale of The Boat Inn, therefore, is more than a simple business transaction; it represents a chance to bolster Oughterard’s resilience and ensure it continues to thrive as both a home for locals and a destination for visitors. With the right vision, the inn could become an even stronger focal point of the town, enhancing its reputation as a destination that offers authentic Irish experiences.
Joint selling agent James Heaslip commented: “There is a shared desire among the people of Oughterard that The Boat Inn will find new ownership that respects its storied past while charting a path for a vibrant future. After all, places like The Boat Inn are not just businesses — they are extensions of the communities they serve, reflections of their culture, and markers of their history. With all this in mind, the coming weeks will be a time of reflection for many, as they look back on all The Boat Inn has meant to them and consider what they hope it will become. For now, we can only hope that the auction brings forward a custodian who understands that while buildings may change hands, their spirit belongs to the people who fill them.”
The property is being offered to market by way of online auction on Thursday, December 19 at 3pm with a guide price of €750,000. Full particulars can be obtained by contacting joint gents Luke Spencer of Spencer auctioneers (091 552999 ) or James Heaslip of DNG Maxwell Heaslip & Leonard (091 565261 ).
