End of an era as Howth Castle is sold

THE new owners of a top Northside landmark have announced details of plans for further enhancement. 

Tetrarch Capital has completed its acquisition of Howth Castle and Demesne from the estate’s long-term owners, the Gaisford-St Lawrence family.

Tetrarch said it is now working on a masterplan for the entire demesne, which is likely to include, amongst other elements, plans for a luxury hotel on the site of the existing Deer Park Hotel building, a championship golf course on lands currently occupied by the Deer Park Golf Courses, a new leisure centre, retail elements and significant sports and recreational amenities and facilities, all with strong access and linkages to Howth Village.

The Gaisford-St Lawrence family owned Howth Castle & Demesne for over 840 years. In addition to the stunning Howth Castle, the land encompasses over 530 acres of walled gardens, parkland, woodland, and world-renowned Rhododendron Gardens. 

The estate has sweeping views over Dublin Bay, Howth Harbour, the Irish Sea, and Ireland’s Eye – which has been included within the sale.

Speaking about the deal, Michael McElligott, chief executive of Tetrarch, said: “We are hugely excited to become owners, and guardians, of the stunning Howth Castle & Demesne. 

“Building on the great legacy of the Gaisford-St Lawrence family and our own very positive and rewarding experience of reshaping and transforming the 5* Mount Juliet Resort in County Kilkenny, we are now beginning work on what will be a comprehensive and diverse masterplan for the entire estate that we hope will appeal to a broad church of stakeholders and, in particular, to the local community. 

“We will also be working closely with key stakeholders to preserve the beauty, amenity and accessibility of Ireland’s Eye.

“We are, and will continue to be, extremely conscious of the history and natural beauty of the estate and its importance to the local and wider community.” 

Mr McElligott added: “We are most grateful to the Gaisford-St Lawrence family for placing their trust in Tetrarch to take over their extraordinary stewardship of Howth Castle & Demesne.”

Julian Gaisford-St Lawrence said: “My family and I are very grateful to have been the owners of the Howth Estate for the last 840 years, and having built the castle, being part of the Howth community for so long. 

“We developed the castle and golf courses as a tourist attraction over the last 50 years, but lacked the resources to maximise its potential. 

“The sale to Tetrarch will enable that potential to be reached, and we know that Michael and his team will do so in a manner that respects the heritage and interests of the local community.

“We would like to thank our employees for their hard work and loyalty over many years, our customers and our friends in the local community for their long-standing support.”

All staff currently working at Howth Castle & Demesne will continue to be employed under Tetrarch’s ownership of the estate in accordance with their existing term