The medieval quarter of Kings Island in Limerick city dates back more than 800 years. When the castle for King John – which today is one of the best preserved Norman castles in Europe – was constructed in 1200, the city was so wealthy that the king established a mint, the coins of which are currently on display in the castle’s museum.
Though for years this part of the city was neglected, it has, after the recent €6 million investment in the castle, seen somewhat of a gentrification, as visitor numbers have grown to about 100,000 per annum, making it one of the most visited attractions in the county.
Church Street, which lies directly opposite the castle, begins with a fine example of a Palladian-style house, which is now home to Limerick Civic Trust. It was, in the 18th century the Bishop's Palace – home to the city's Protestant bishops – for St Mary's Cathedral, which is just around the corner. The cathedral, from 1168, is the oldest building in Limerick still in use, and has the only complete set of misericords left in Ireland. As it happens, Number 2 and 3 beside the Bishop's Palace are now on the market.
Dating from the 1700s, Number 3 has been given a complete overhaul, and is in office use. But the internal features with exposed stone walls which have been combined with modern elements such as a steel staircase and glazed mezzanine, means it could be transformed into a very cool two-bedroom house. Though permission is required for a change of use, next door, Number 2, is a three-bedroom home (which is under offer) so there is precedence for same on the street.
The current layout, designed by Noel Kerley Architects, is over three floors; the top of which is a mezzanine. New owners wishing to transform the property back into a family home will need to address the kitchen and bathroom, as they are too small for a full-time dwelling, but a good architect will marry the property's features with essential living to create a really cool home within walking distance to the city.
It would also have potential as a short-term rental unit, as King John’s Castle is now such a tourist attraction, and also hosts small concerts.
Either way, its 103sq m (1,109sq ft) of space, which his Ber exempt, could be one of the most unique homes in the city, and is now on the market through DNG Cusack Dunne seeking €195,000.
