}; let bodyAvailable = false; onLogin: function () { flipPayConfig = Object.assign(flipPayConfig, { } It is now fully restored architecturally and he is\u00a0setting his sights on fitting out the castle with period furnishings and opening it up to \u0026amp;ldquo;selective guests\u0026amp;rdquo; later this year.He plans to rent it out to \u0026amp;ldquo;well-heeled\u0026amp;rdquo; guests for between \u20ac25,000 and \u20ac45,000. The second castle is shore-based and far more accessible. } else { } else { Hope reigns supreme for actor Sean Simon to fulfill dream of restoring his beloved castles with new investment fund, And while other modern-day castle owners and dwellers, are descendants of the aristocracy, he is hoping to appeal to like-minded people whose ancestors left on the coffin ships who at some stage came into money. document.getElementById(selectedTabId).parentNode.classList.add('is-active'); } if (cookieValue) { if (welcomeBanner) { window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; node.removeAttribute('hidden'); const pathParts = new URL(url).pathname.split('/'); } const getEcommerceEventCategory = function () { }; event.detail.object.metered_paywall) { } window.dataLayer.push({ event: '_trackEvent', Kind Regards, Ann Leahy, Co. Dublin. } }, }; badgeToFilterBy = 'monthly'; if (!productImpressionRecorded[flipPayConfig.filter_prices_by_badge] && !previouslySelectedPriceId) { return allPrices.concat(item); localStorage.removeItem('product_click_source'); } template_summary_other_paymet_options_apple_pay: "
", if (urlParams.has('gaa_at') && urlParams.has('gaa_n') && urlParams.has('gaa_ts') && urlParams.has('gaa_sig')) { event: '_trackEvent', if (document.cookie.indexOf('guid') > -1) { const domain = '.independent.ie'; productClickSource = undefined;
', el.querySelector('button[data-price_id]').style.display = 'none'; premium_content: true, Please try again', if (element.id === 'gigya-verification-sent-screen') { Thankfully Seans parents both lived long enough to see his childhood dream come true. socialEmbed.innerHTML = ''; productClickSource = window.shopFrontHeaderSubscribe ? products: products.map(function (product) { window.dataLayer.push({ subscriptionStartDate: '0000-00-00T00:00:00Z', window.loadGTM(); const plans = node.querySelectorAll('.c-box1'); Grand Designs Season 12 . }; }); if (window.location.href.indexOf("#annual") > -1) { } (function () { return 'premium'; return false; if (mutation.type === 'childList' && element.id === 'flip-pay') { } else if (Object.keys(p.badge || {}).indexOf('premium-plus') > -1) { userID: cookieData.userID, const hash = getUrlHash(); Actor Sean Simons attempts to fulfil a childhood dream and restore a ruined castle in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Ireland. } product.quantity = 1; Convert time from hours to milliseconds (360000 represents number of ms in an hour). // otherwise get it from the url or the previouslySelectedPriceId }; 430 followers. } } document.querySelector('#fp-snackbar .message2-outer').classList.add('-error'); subscribeLink.style.display = 'inline-flex'; return cookieValue; subscriptionFinishDate: cookieData.subscriptionFinishDate, vars.user.subscriptionStatus = subscriberCookie.subscriptionStatus || ''; var p = purchase['granted_by_' + purchaseType]; Season 12 Episode 1 of Grand Designs resulted in a 0.00 rating in the 18-49 demographic. Privately owned Castle offering luxury accommodation on an exclusive hire basis. return { const getBundleValue = function (purchase, purchaseType) { return; document.getElementById('flip-pay').classList.remove('fp-prevent-html-replace'); } else if (purchase.badge['premium'] && purchase.badge['premium'] == true) { } const getBadgesForEl = function (el) { const flipPayEl = document.getElementById('flip-pay'); } const tweetUrl = socialEmbed.dataset.social_url; setSubscribeButtonColour(node); } And as an added bonus \u0026amp;ldquo;you can go fishing from your doorstep\u0026amp;rdquo;.While he lives in a cottage overlooking the River Shannon, he hopes to spend some time living in his dream castle once it is fully furnished.Once Cloontykilla is complete, he will set his sights on protecting McDermott\u0026amp;rsquo;s Castle from further damage from the elemen","isAccessibleForFree":"False","hasPart":{"@type":"WebPageElement","isAccessibleForFree":"False","cssSelector":"#flip-pay"},"isPartOf":{"@type":["CreativeWork","Product"],"name":"Independent.ie","productID":"independent.ie:showcase"}} {"@context":"https://schema.org/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Independent.ie","item":"https://m.independent.ie/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Irish News","item":"https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/"}]} } }, dispatchEvent(new Event('reinitialize')); I think these places nearly talk to the owner, Irish actor Sean Simon says during a twilight tour of the grounds of his beloved Cloontykilla Castle overlooking the eastern shore of Lough Key in Co Roscommon. onboarding_article = 'https://subscribe.independent.ie/welcome/home-delivery/'; Actor Sean Simon Allison Bray January 17 2022 02:30 AM "I think these places nearly talk to the owner," Irish actor Sean Simon says during a twilight tour of the grounds of his beloved. code: "", if (priceIdFromUrl) { if (event.detail.object.hasOwnProperty('google_showcase_requested')) { category: purchase.price_id, Posts Tagged. vars.article.wallVisible = ! subscribeLink.addEventListener('click', function (e) { onboarding_article = 'https://subscribe.independent.ie/welcome/home-delivery/' window.dataLayer.push({ return; event: '_trackEvent', Once Cloontykilla is complete, he will set his sights on protecting McDermotts Castle from further damage from the elemen ts. const badges = getBadgesForEl(el); if (!isShopFront) { } const purchasedProduct = { eventAction: 'change_cc', Hi Sean, Just tonight saw your Castle rebuild on Grand Design. if (node.classList && node.classList.contains('c-box1')) { } priceholder.addEventListener('click', function () { } id: purchase.id eventData: { const getSubscriptionStatus = function (purchase) { meteredAccess: purchase.metered_paywall, let userHasLoggedIn = false; el.classList.add('-full'); } } var fpblock = document.getElementById("flip-pay"); setDataLayerNonMeteredFlow(event.detail.object); } window.showNonSubscriberElements) { if (bundles.length === 1 && bundles[0].coupon_applied === true) { listenForGigyaEvents(); Hefell in love and vowed to become rich one day and buy itand the crumbling 14th century McDermotts Castle nearby that sits majestically on Castle Island also known as The Rock its own tiny island in the middle of Lough Key. window.gigya.accounts.getAccountInfo({ window.IMP = window.IMP || {}; if (!! if (event.detail.object.hasOwnProperty('upgrade_prices')) { return 0; } const now = new Date().getTime(); window.dataLayer[0].user.registrationDate = user.created; template_premium_fadeout: "", All the new construction within the castle has degraded dramatically. price.addEventListener('click', function () { return; } else if (window.location.href.indexOf("#monthly") > -1) { selectedPrice = bundles[0]; // Flatten the array by 1 level. window.inmTracking.trackEventAsVirtualPageView(virtualPageViewData); } return item; if (!selectedPrice) { But they and a letterbox at the entrance to the sprawling estate are the only hints that we are in the year 2022 and not centuries earlier. }; if (isUpgrades) { premium_content_redirect_url: 'https://subscribe.independent.ie/welcome/premium-plus/', if (subscribeButton) { let listeningForGigyaEvents = false; } const cookies = document.cookie.split('; '); } else if (purchase.badge['print_annual'] && purchase.badge['print_annual'] == true) { virtualPageViewData.eventData.article = { const updateTemplateForHomeDelivery = function (el) { Sean simons cloontykilla castle finishedwhat is sonya heitshusen doing now cps guidelines for child removal in virginia sean simons cloontykilla castle finished. } return hash.substr(1) }; Entertainer Sean Simon rescues a derelict folly castle in Ireland with plans to make it his home while (sort of) following local regulations for buildings of such historical importance. virtualPageViewData.eventData.user.subscriptionStatus = 'gs_false'; return cookieData; }; }); const subscriberCookieName = 'subscriber'; })[0]; window.dataLayer.push({ premium_content_redirect_url = 'https://subscribe.independent.ie/welcome/premium-plus/'; 'shop-front': 'fp_refresh_price', const badgeToFilterBy = badgeMap[tab.id]; }); const getBundleById = function (id) { } product.quantity = 1; The project was the labor of love of actor Sean Simons who after falling in love with the ruins of the castle as a boy decided to buy it and restore it to its former glory. const element = mutation.target; }); if (Object.keys(selectedPrice).length === 0) { Cloontykilla Castle is located on the shores of magnificent Lough Key, Rockingham Demesne, Co Roscommon. var leafletTag = false; } const bundleValue = getBundleValue(purchase, 'app_purchase'); window.GTMLoaded = true; if (! For wedding & event enquiries, contact www.secretbridesmaid.ie. } }, } } else { } if (priceIdFromUrl) { items_used: accessObject.metered_paywall_items_used, template_prices: '>>prices<<Already a subscriber? eventData: { } return price.placeholder_prices; userWall = 'paywall'; window.loadGTM = function () { fireAddToCartEvent(); const getCookie = key => { const isGrantedBy = function (grant) { } catch (e) { let bundleExpires = []; if (urlQueryString) { const plans = node.querySelectorAll('.c-box1'); if (isShopFront){ showPremiumBadge(node); subscriptionStatus: '', }); vars.article.userWall = ! } else { } var p_tag = document.createElement("p"); Cloontykilla castle aka rockingham castle built in 1839 is now the new home of actor sean simons. The lights of his native Boyle and Carrick-on-Shannon can be seen twinkling across the water as dusk falls. 'false' : 'true'; document.body.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent(eventName)); } Ironically, on meeting Sean and noticing his rugged good looks, one instantly gets the impression that he is already the Baron of Lough Key but just missing the royal title. addShopFrontClasses(plan); userWall = 'paywall'; updateTemplateForHomeDelivery(plan); if (typeof bundleExpires[priceId] != "undefined") { Simon is turning Cloontykilla Castle into a magnificent 5* luxury retreat for paying guests and emphasizes that it will be a completely authentic experience in its feel, layout, and design. }; }); }) }; Sean Simon blagged his way into joining the Miami Showband at the age of 14 after having lied to the bands manager and agent telling them that he was 16. products: products.map(function (product) { _id: price.id, He has now purchased the prpoerty and intends to turn it into a spectacular, theatrical mock 16th century home. if (userHasLoggedIn === true) { const isRegionalShopFront = false; That one is 500-years-old.. } const listenForGigyaEvents = function () { tab.onclick = function () { 'home-delivery': 'fp_refresh_price_only', This year will not only mark a decade since his restoration of Cloontykilla Castle, which was one of the most watched episodes of Channel 4s Grand Designsprogramme, it also heralds the start of a new investment fund that he launched on January 1. } The Historic Estate Investment Trust is aimed at investors who want to be part of Irelands history to restore McDermotts Castle and other historic Irish castles that are in danger of collapse. Seans vision of the historical experience is not something that is currently available in Ireland and will no doubt be a huge attraction to the many visitors who are searching for such a fantastic holiday. }); Sean wants to let his guests experience life in the 13th century as it was, albeit with necessary mod cons and additions such as underfloor heating, and so on. }); } } window.showNonSubscriberElements = true; } else if (disableRedirect) { const item = { window.scrollTo(0, flipPayEl.offsetTop - 30); if (tabs) { It was built\u00a0on what was once the sprawling 3,000 acre Rockingham demesne and estate that was bought by the famous British architect John Nash, who designed Buckingham Palace.He\u00a0fell in love and vowed to become rich one day and buy it\u00a0and the crumbling 14th century McDermott\u0026amp;rsquo;s Castle nearby that sits majestically on Castle Island \u2013\u00a0also known as \u0026amp;ldquo;The Rock\u0026amp;rdquo; \u2013\u00a0its own tiny island in the middle of Lough Key.Following his success as an actor in London\u0026amp;rsquo;s West End where he had\u00a0lead roles in hit productions of \u00a0and played Elvis Presley in \u00a0as well as appearing alongside Gabriel Byrne in\u00a0\u00a0and other films, he had the means to buy both properties from Coillte.Asked at the time \u2013 now 25 years ago \u2013 why be bought it, he simply replied: \u0026amp;ldquo;Because it\u0026amp;rsquo;s a castle and I love it.\u0026amp;rdquo; It is a love that has not faded.This year will not only mark a decade since his restoration of Cloontykilla Castle, which was one of the most watched episodes of Channel 4\u0026amp;rsquo;s \u00a0programme, it also heralds the start of a new investment fund that he launched on January 1.He hopes the fund\u00a0will enable him to protect\u00a0McDermott\u0026amp;rsquo;s Castle from further decay and eventually restore it and put the finishing touches on his decades-long restoration of Cloontykilla Castle.He almost lost both properties following the 2008 property crash when Ulster Bank\u00a0sold on his\u00a0loan to Seaconview, a vulture fund, that sought to auction off the property. if (event.detail.object.access === true) { In the meantime, Sean is doggedly pursuing Ulster Bank through the Irish courts for alleged fraud against him, amongst other things. } else if (accessObject.access === false) { purchase.original_start_at = purchase.start_at; const disableRedirect = false; } showPremiumBadge(node); return Object.keys(purchase).indexOf('coupon_code') > -1; subscriptionFinishDate: purchase.granted_by_app_purchase.finish_at, if (parts.shift() === key) { if (accessObject.access === true) { He said: Some people call me Lord Muck and I love it. event: '_trackEvent', Episode Viewers and Ratings. }); const priceIdFromUrl = getQueryStringValue('priceId'); const selectedPriceRadioInput = node.querySelector('.subtitle2 input[type="radio"]'); meteredAccess: purchase.metered_paywall, } The castle is set far off the beaten track so there is no traffic noise or light pollution. if (welcomePopUp) { fn(); You are such an amazing uplifting man & I am so sorry that your wonderful vision for this Castle has not been completed. checkout: { He said: Some people call me Lord Muck and I love it. Sean Simon. } userHasLoggedIn = false; return item.value; brand: 'INM', } selectedPrice.placeholder_prices Cloontykilla Castle fell in to a ruin state and by the time it was acquired in 1997 by Sean Simon it was in peril of collapse. var badgeToUse = ''; Westport House and Gardens Admission Ticket. coupon_applied: couponCodeUsed(purchase) ? if (subscriberCookieStatus === "undefined") { }; return null; show_fadeout: false, userID: purchase.granted_by_purchase.user_id, subscriptionStartDate: '', return bundle_info; bundle_info = upgrade_bundles.filter(function (bundle) { } } bundle: 'none', didomi.getUserConsentStatusForPurpose('cookies')) { } return; } else if (selectedPrice.delivery_days.length === 1 && selectedPrice.delivery_days.indexOf(0) > -1) { }; if (scripts[i].innerHTML.indexOf("var map") !== -1 && scripts[i].innerHTML.indexOf("L.map") !== -1 && ! There is also a private shoreline with its own harbour. if (addToCartFiredAfterRegistration === false) { subscriptionFinishDate: purchase.granted_by_purchase.finish_at, const showUpgradeButton = false; } el.querySelector('a[data-price_id]').href = el.querySelector('a[data-price_id]').href + '#monthly'; if (badge.indexOf('print_monthly_') > -1) { ? const setDataLayerMeterStats = function (accessObject) { Simon was caught out when the local Catholic Monsignor wrote to the agent telling him that Sean was just 14 and that he would stop the Miami Showband from ever playing any of the halls that belonged to the church, which in those days was almost every parish hall. } eventAction: 'auth', }); el.parentElement.classList.add('-bestvalue'); Asked at the time now 25 years ago why be bought it, he simply replied: Because its a castle and I love it. It is a love that has not faded. return 'upgrade_flow'; if ((isShopFront || isUpgrades || isCoupons) && !disableRedirect) { true:false; const params = {}; onboarding_article = 'https://subscribe.independent.ie/welcome/premium/'; const getQueryStringValue = function (key) { eventAction: 'hd_options_click', }); }); You can find more information about Cloontykilla Castle on their website. Cloontykilla Castle Update September 24, 2016; Contact PCA Engineers. 15 following. metered_content: false, } const selectedRegional = localStorage.getItem('selectedRegionals'); } user: { Sean recounts how as a young seven-year-old he told his parents that he would someday become rich and buy the two castles that are located in nearby Lough Key Forest Park, which is close to Carrick-on Shannon in County Leitrim. } else { } fontSize: '16px', eventCategory: 'upgrade_flow', var nowTimeStamp = Date.now(); }); Cloontykilla Castle aka Rockingham Castle built in 1839 is now the new home of actor Sean Simons. const thresholdInMilliseconds = thresholdInHours * (60 * 60 * 1000); eventLabel: 'shopfront_subscribe' }; He has already spentaround 3mrestoring Cloontykilla Castle which had trees growing in it when he bought it in 1997. return; mutations.forEach((mutation) => { document.cookie = subscriberCookieName + "=" + JSON.stringify(cookieData) + ';path=/;domain=' + domain + ';max-age='+cookieExpiryInSeconds; console.log('observer.observe failed:', e); }; Did Sean finish the castle on grand designs? 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