Athlone boarding school up for sale

The Our Lady’s Bower boarding school in Athlone has been put up for sale with an asking price of €650,000, following its closure last June due to falling numbers of boarders.

Property advisor GVA Donal O Buachalla has now launched a marketing campaign to sell the property, suggesting that the building could be revamped as a hotel or leisure facility, or used for student accommodation, subject to planning permission.  

With its limestone structure, the gothic style building is a landmark property in Athlone. The original building was constructed in 1889, with various extensions completed in the 1960s. Located on Retreat Road, the seven-acre site is situated within one kilometre of Athlone Town.

Prior to the closure last summer, the well-known girls’ secondary school, which was run by La Sainte Union order of nuns, had taken boarders for over 125 years.

Our Lady’s Bower Secondary School, which caters for day pupils, remains unaffected by the sale.