Description

• Esker comprises an impressive multi-phase former religious complex which is primarily focused around a former Monastery building, adjoining Retreat Centre (former Seminary) and deconsecrated Church.
• Total land holding of approx. 70.2 ha (173.5 acres) available in its entirety or in five separate lots.
• The existing buildings within the complex extend to a gross internal area of approximately 4,468 sq m (48,094 sq ft).
• The main buildings have a total of 82 bedrooms in their existing layout.
• Most recently utilised as State supported residential accommodation.
• Suitable for a variety of leisure and hospitality uses (S.P.P.).

History

Since the late 17th Century, Esker has been a monastic settlement, initially by Dominican Friars. After settling following their 'eviction' from Athenry, they established a hedge school at Brusk. In the early 1700’s, they moved to Esker and built a cabin in what is now known as 'The (Hazel)nut Field'. An accidental fire in 1715 led them to relocate to 'Esker na pay', where they built a house. Rev. Dr. Peter Smyth OP initiated a 'free school' in 1826, attended by up to 600 children, later overseeing the construction of a new church and convent. The Dominican Convent was given to Clonfert Diocese in 1893, then sold to the Redemptorists in 1901, who expanded it in 1949. The novitiate closed in 1970, converted into a Retreat Centre in 1990s, and a Youth Village was established until the Covid pandemic.