Man who restored Ross Castle from ruin leaves estate worth €1.75m

The passing of George McLoughlin, the American developer who breathed new life into the historic Ross Castle in County Galway, marks the end of an era for the iconic property and its restoration.

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US property developer George McLoughlin, who, with his wife Elizabeth, restored Ross Castle in Moycullen, Co Galway, from ruin, left an estate valued at €1.75 million, according to papers published by the Probate Office this week.

McLoughlin, originally from New York, possessed extensive property development experience before he and his wife, Elizabeth, discovered Ross Castle in the early 1980s. The castle, originally built by the O’Flaherty clan in 1539 and later developed by the Martin family, was in a state of ruin when the couple acquired it in 1985. Over the subsequent decades, they dedicated themselves to its meticulous restoration, a process that involved 15 years of intensive work to return it to its former glory.

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McLoughlin, who died in June 2024 was originally from New York and had extensive experience in property development before first spotting the Ross Castle estate, in the early 1980s when he and Elizabeth were looking for an Irish home.

Their efforts transformed Ross Castle not only into a stunning residence but also into a successful hospitality venture. Renovated buildings on the estate are now available for rent, with weekly rates ranging from €2,500 to €7,400, and the castle itself available upon application. McLoughlin's funeral was even held in the castle's oratory, underscoring his deep connection to the property he so lovingly restored.

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Constructed in 1539 by the O’Flaherty clan, one of tribes of Galway, the property was later acquired by the Martin family who built the present manor house on the former castle’s foundation.

The Probate Office's recent publication of his estate, valued at €1.75 million, highlights the significant financial legacy of his work. This story, reported by the Irish Times, celebrates the dedication and vision of individuals like McLoughlin who invest in preserving Ireland's rich architectural heritage, ensuring that historic sites continue to be appreciated and utilized for generations to come. The article also briefly notes the substantial estate of Michael Harrington, another prominent figure in the Irish property market.

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McLaughlin and his wife acquired the property in 1985 when there was no roof or floors and spent the following decades involved in extensive restoration works.