Mark Zuckerberg buys historic Irish castle for millions

Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Meta, and his wife Priscilla Chan have acquired the historic Strancally Castle and its sprawling 178-hectare (440-acre) estate in County Waterford, Ireland. The property is slated to be used as a residence for the couple and their family during their visits to the country.

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Mark and his family are excited to continue to care for this historic home and look forward to spending time in Ireland, where Meta maintains its international headquarters.

A spokesperson confirmed the purchase, stating, "Mark and his family are excited to continue to care for this historic home and look forward to spending time in Ireland, where Meta maintains its international headquarters." The exact sale price remains undisclosed as the transaction occurred off-market. However, The Irish Times, which first reported the sale, estimates the property's value at between 20 and 30 million euros.

The castle, originally built in 1830 for John Keily, a former Conservative Member of Parliament, was designed by architects James and George Richard Pain. It was later purchased and renovated in the early 2000s by Michael Alen-Buckley, co-founder of RAB Capital, and his wife Giancarla. "We are parting with our home of 25 years with love and are grateful for the opportunity we were given to save and restore Strancally Castle," the couple said in a statement. "We are delighted that Mark and his family intend to continue our work, investing in the upkeep and improvement of the property and lands, making it their home in a sustainable way. We wish them and their family much happiness in this unique and blessed place."

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We are parting with our home of 25 years with love and are grateful for the opportunity we were given to save and restore Strancally Castle.

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, an Irish government agency, describes the castle's sandstone and cut limestone construction as accentuating an austere tone, while also demonstrating high-quality masonry and stone craftsmanship. Strancally Castle is situated in the Blackwater River Valley, an area that hosts other notable historical properties, including Ballynatray House, purchased by entrepreneur James Dyson in 2024, and Abbey Leix, acquired by Stripe co-founder John Collison in 2021.

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We are delighted that Mark and his family intend to continue our work, investing in the upkeep and improvement of the property and lands, making it their home in a sustainable way. We wish them and their family much happiness in this unique and blessed place.