Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have reportedly purchased Strancally Castle, a historic Gothic Revival property in County Waterford, Ireland. The acquisition, an off-market deal, includes the sprawling 440-acre estate situated on the banks of the River Blackwater.
A Historic Irish Estate Near Meta's European Hub
While the exact purchase price has not yet been recorded, reports from The Irish Times suggest the property could have commanded between €20 million and €30 million, equating to approximately ₹224 crore to ₹336 crore. A spokesperson for Zuckerberg confirmed the acquisition, stating, "Mark and his family are excited to continue caring for this historic home and look forward to spending time in Ireland, where Meta maintains its international headquarters."
This purchase provides Zuckerberg with a significant private estate conveniently located near Meta's European operations. Meta has maintained its European headquarters in Ireland since 2009, employing around 1,500 people in the country.
Strancally Castle: Gothic Revival Grandeur
Strancally Castle is a three-storey Gothic Revival property encompassing approximately 16,000 square feet. Originally constructed around 1830 for John Keily, a former Tory MP, the castle is renowned for its impressive scale. Architectural design for the main residence, a nearby folly tower, and an inlet quay on the River Blackwater was handled by brothers James and George Richard Pain, who also designed other prominent Irish structures like Dromoland Castle.
The estate has undergone extensive restoration over the past two decades under its previous owners, Michael and Giancarla Alen-Buckley. The couple, who acquired the property about 25 years ago, expressed their satisfaction that Zuckerberg and his family intend to continue investing in the property's maintenance and enhancement.
A Retreat, Not a Relocation
Despite the acquisition of this substantial Irish castle, Zuckerberg and Chan are expected to continue residing primarily in the United States. Strancally Castle will serve as a family retreat for their visits to Ireland rather than a permanent relocation. The property is situated about a 30-minute drive from Youghal, within the scenic Blackwater Valley, close to other notable estates such as Ballynatray House and Lismore Castle.
This acquisition highlights Zuckerberg's personal connection to Ireland, a country that has long been a vital base for Meta's international operations.