Mark Zuckerberg buys historic castle in Ireland

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan have acquired the centuries-old Strancally Castle in County Waterford, adding a sprawling Irish estate to their property portfolio and establishing a private base for visits to the country.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have acquired Strancally Castle, a historic Gothic-style estate in Ireland’s County Waterford, according to reports. The purchase gives the couple a residence in one of the country’s most notable historic landscapes and is expected to serve as their base during visits to Ireland.

The exact price paid for the property has not been disclosed. However, Irish media have placed its value in the range of €20 million to €30 million, while other reports have estimated the deal at around $35 million.

The property spans approximately 178 hectares, or 440 acres, in the Blackwater Valley. The estate includes the castle and extensive surrounding grounds, giving the property a combination of historic architecture and substantial private land.

A Meta spokesperson confirmed the acquisition and said Zuckerberg and his family intend to look after the property and spend time in Ireland. The purchase also has a connection to Meta’s corporate presence, as the company maintains its international headquarters in Ireland.

“Mark and his family are excited to continue caring for this historic home and look forward to spending time in Ireland, where Meta maintains its international headquarters,” the spokesperson said.

A castle with nearly two centuries of history

Strancally Castle was constructed in 1830 for John Keily, a former Conservative Member of Parliament. Architects James and George Richard Pain designed the imposing residence, which was built using sandstone and limestone and features extensive masonry work.

The scale of the property reflects the ambitions of the estate’s original owners. Historical accounts note that the castle was sufficiently large for the journey between its dining room and kitchen to take several minutes on foot.

The property remained part of the region’s architectural heritage through successive owners. In the early 2000s, it was purchased and restored by Michael Alen-Buckley, co-founder of investment firm RAB Capital, and his wife, Giancarla.

The couple undertook renovation work to preserve the estate and later expressed satisfaction that Zuckerberg and his family intended to continue caring for the historic property.

The National Built Heritage Service, an Irish state agency, has highlighted the castle’s architectural features, including its sandstone and limestone construction and detailed stone craftsmanship.

Ireland’s appeal for technology and business leaders

Zuckerberg’s acquisition adds Strancally Castle to a growing list of historic Irish properties associated with prominent business figures. Ireland’s combination of historic estates, countryside and its role as a major European technology hub has attracted wealthy entrepreneurs and executives.

Entrepreneur James Dyson purchased Ballynatray House in 2024, while Stripe co-founder John Collison acquired Abbey Leix in County Laois in 2021.

For Zuckerberg and Chan, Strancally Castle offers more than a private residence. Its location in County Waterford provides a base for spending time in Ireland while remaining connected to a country that has played an important role in Meta’s international operations.

The acquisition also places the couple among the latest high-profile owners of Ireland’s historic estates, while bringing a new chapter to a property that has stood in the Blackwater Valley for almost 200 years.