A low-profile Co Meath businessman has emerged as the new owner of the stunning 420-acre Dowth Hall estate on the river Boyne between Slane and Drogheda.
Owen Brennan, currently upgrading the Old Rectory in Beauparc, Co Meath will have bigger fish to fry when he embarks on the challenging task of restoring the splendid mid-18th-century house as well as five period lodges that he purchased at auction for €5 million last week. He will also have to find time to continue running a thriving international agri-technology company that specialises in supplying quality animal feeds.
Brennan is no stranger to the Boyne Valley, having hunted for several years with the Ward Union Staghounds and the Meath Foxhounds. Indeed when he walked the lands of his rolling new estate last Saturday he was greeted by two Ward Union stags which had already staked their claim on the rich pastures.
Brennan won't underestimate the challenge of restoring and upgrading the five-bay house which features elaborate rococo plasterwork. The not immodest 650sq m (7,000sq ft) home still has its original wooden floors, marble fireplaces and cantilevered staircase.
It is likely to cost Brennan several million more to restore the house and very handsome outhouses and lodges to their former glory.
Brennan's new neighbour in Dowth will be none other than the former Taxing Master of the High Court James Flynn.
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