O’Donnellan & Joyce is offering to the market for sale by private treaty this unique property known as Corrib House.
Corrib House can be clearly seen on the 1826 map of Galway which would indicate that it was a known landmark back then, signifying that it is in excess of 185 years old.
Corrib House was connected to schools funded by Erasmus Smith, Henry Hodgson, and Thomas Killen. Rumoured to have been a haunt of James Joyce and some known celebrities from stage and screen, this majestic house is steeped in history.
Charles Alexander Cooke and Sarah Anne Cooke moved into Corrib House with their eight children in 1926. Initially they rented the house, then on the April 13 1929 they bought Corrib House from Annie Lally, and so it is clear from the records that Corrib House has been in the hands of the Cooke family for over 80 years.
The house
Corrib House is an imposing residence that stands on the edge of the river Corrib in Woodquay. It has for its neighbours wonderful historical buildings such as the Courthouse and the Town Hall Theatre, both of which are listed buildings. Corrib House is, as one can appreciate, a protected building also and extends to approximately 3,000sq ft. Uninterrupted views of the River Corrib are enjoyed from almost every window of the house. Large sash windows are part of every room and the grand hallway is accessed by the original hall door with its magnificent fan light and two glass side panels. The drawing room and the dining room interconnect by double doors, but not side by side as we have today — these doors are opposite each other divided by the thick wall that were so much part of the buildings of its time. Each bedroom has its own fireplace and the drawing and dining rooms have fireplaces that are original and stately.
The rear of the house features several outhouses, a rear entrance, a yard area, and an area where there once stood a glasshouse. However the jewel in the crown is the walled garden with its mature trees and ivy clad walls that offer shelter and privacy.
Accommodation includes magnificent hallway, drawing room, dining room, utility room, two large larders, and kitchen. Beyond the kitchen on this level there are two large rooms. In days gone by these rooms were referred to as the servants’ quarters as they had a separate door and a separate entrance from the rear of the house. This area could easily be used as guest rooms/au pair accommodation or for further family living.
On the first floor there are five double bedrooms and a sizeable family bathroom. There is also a large linen closet which could be utilised in various ways.
Notable features of Corrib House include original doors with finger plates, original sash windows with fully functional shutters, twelve feet high ceilings, original period fireplaces, original cornices and rose centrepieces, and side entrance.
On consulting both the heritage and planning officers with regard to works on the building, it is possible to negotiate a package which will be agreeable to all concerned.
Open viewing takes place in Corrib House every Wednesday and Saturday from 2pm to 3pm. Private appointments are also available. Offers on this distinctive property are invited from interested parties in the region of €850,000.
The solicitor with carriage of sale who is also one of the executors is Michael Molloy, Blake & Kenny & Co solicitors, Francis Street, Galway, phone (091 ) 564340.
For all information contact Colm O’Donnellan on (087 ) 2887446 or Anne Harding on (086 ) 8173335.
