It's all hands-on when you find a place where you belong

ABORIGINAL art and an outdoor pizza oven are some of the new additions to one of North Galway’s oldest houses which is not just being brought back to life but being given somewhat of a reincarnation.

Castlehackett House on the outskirts of Belclare with views towards the tree-covered Knockma has a considerable history and was built in the early 18th century. Owners have changed over the years and the latest family to settle in the impressive property are a couple who have enjoyed several life journeys and seem to be thoroughly enjoying their latest adventure.
Despite the name, Denis and Joyce McDonagh have no links to North Galway or even the West of Ireland. Denis is a native of Sydney and Joyce’s Irish roots are in Dublin. A book, a dress or even a sofa might be a common online purchase but a 20,000 sq ft home on 14 acres is a rare item to click ‘buy now’ for.
But buy it on the web is just what the daring couple did, adamant that they knew what they were getting and perhaps slightly twitchy as to what lay ahead.

Read the full feature in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald