Landmark property on market once housed religious order

A landmark Ballykeeran property which once housed the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master is on the market for sale.

Nestled on the shores of Lough Ree, the property is located on approximately 27 acres of lands complete with a substantial separate residential unit over three levels and a former commercial printing works.

Totalling 7,500 sq ft and in need of refurbishment, the main residential buildings, with 20 bedrooms, was the original home for the religious order when it acquired the property as a convent in 1965. At the time the convent housed nuns from Ireland, India, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Korea, Malta, Mexico and the Philippines.

On December 8, 1969, at the service of the Church, the Religious Goods Centre, better known as the Liturgical Centre, was opened on Castle Street Athlone and in 1983 the community of sisters transferred from Ballykeeran into the new house in the town centre location.

The on-site former commercial printing works once housed the Society of St Paul which produced liturgical publications, including missalettes, mass booklets and religious books.

Auctioneer for the properties, Aengus Oates, stated that both properties stand on an elevated site with exceptional views over Lough Ree.

"The buildings are structurally sound but require internal repairs. Given its superb location and convenience to the popular village of Glasson and Athlone Town Centre, this property has exceptional potential for redevelopment of a standout landmark residence or a residential housing development subject to planning permission," Mr Oates added.