Historic convent in Kilkenny town goes on sale
If you’re in the market for a 36-bed, 12 bathroom property then the ideal building has just come on the market in Co Kilkenny.
The historic, former Mercy Convent in Callan is being offered for sale by agents PF Quirke and Co, with a guide price of €700,000.
Opened in 1881, Callan’s Sisters of Mercy Convent is of great historical importance to the local area. The Mercy Sisters opened their first school in the town in 1871, according to the local heritage society, and their convent was built in the following years.
There was sadness in the area when the last of the Mercy Sisters left the town, in recent years. The nuns were always held in great affection by locals.
In almost 150 years in the town, the Sisters were known for their contribution to education, healthcare and welfare. They set up a girls’ secondary school adjacent to the convent, known as St. Brigid's until its amalgamation with the CBS Coláiste Eamann Rís in 2022. Named Coláiste Abhainn Rí, the amalgamated secondary school is located on that original school site. The school is not included in this sale.
Located in the town centre, the convent building has easy access to the N76 Callan bypass.
The Convent complex comprises both the main convent building and a fabulous chapel and is listed in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage as being of regional importance.
In details provided by PF Quirke and Co, the main convent comprises 36 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and 17 reception rooms set over three floors.
There are 19 bedrooms on the first and 17 on the second floor. There are five bathrooms on the ground floor, four on the first floor and three on the second floor with the ground floor hosting office space, service and reception rooms.
The ground level also contains nine store rooms and a kitchen.
The chapel consists of the main chapel area, side altar, two sacristy rooms, choir gallery and basement. All details of the property for sale can be found on PF Quirke and Co’s website.