Roscommon Shop and Home: A Rural Revival Opportunity
A unique property in Athleague, Co. Roscommon, offers a rare opportunity to continue a successful business and lifestyle that embodies rural revitalization. Currently for sale with DNG Ivan Connaughton for €595,000, the property combines a beautifully restored Victorian shopfront with a substantial family home.
A Defiant Trend in Rural Ireland
With over 100 local shops closing annually in Ireland, according to the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA), the story of Aidan and Patricia Donnelly stands as a testament to the potential for thriving rural businesses.1 Thirty years ago, the Donnellys purchased an abandoned shop premises in Athleague, transforming it into a successful interiors business and family home.
Restoration and Transformation
The property, dating back to 1860, required significant restoration when the Donnellys acquired it in the early 1990s. Having experience restoring a house in the UK, they tackled issues such as woodworm, dry rot and wet rot before such projects had access to dedicated grant schemes.1 They balanced the renovation with running a business and raising a family.
The original shop interior was preserved, offering a glimpse into Victorian-era retail. The Donnellys initially focused on restoring pine furniture, capitalizing on the popularity of the style in the 1990s. The business expanded to include Irish crafts and pottery, such as pieces from Nicholas Mosse and Stephen Pearce.1
A Dual-Purpose Property
The property spans approximately 2,750 sq ft and reflects its dual nature as a shop and residence. Key features include:
- A grand hallway with Victorian detailing, leading to two spacious reception rooms with original fireplaces and underfloor heating.1
- A bright kitchen and dining area opening onto a walled courtyard garden.1
- A fully preserved Victorian shopfront, approximately 500 sq ft, which has received a Tidy Towns Regional Shopfront Award.1
- Four bedrooms upstairs, retaining original fireplaces and wide pitch-pine floors.1
- A two-story cut-stone outbuilding of roughly 1,400 sq ft, formerly a grain store, with conversion potential.1
Location and Opportunity
Located in Athleague, approximately 12 kilometers from Roscommon town, the property presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs or those seeking a characterful family home.1 The Donnellys are open to selling the business as a going concern, but the property is too suitable for alternative ventures.
As Aidan Donnelly notes, “If ever there was one that fits the description ‘living over the shop,’ this is the one.”1
For further information, contact DNG Ivan Connaughton at (090) 666 3700.