Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan spent more than €51 million (about $57.2 million) on an Irish castle, turning what first looked like a luxury splurge into one of the most eye-popping residential property deals of 2026.
The final price for Strancally Castle in County Waterford came in well above the €20 million to €30 million ($22.4 million to $33.6 million) range first reported when news of the sale surfaced in August.
Here's what to know
It was the highest price paid for a single residential property in Ireland in 2026. RTÉ reported that Ireland's Residential Property Price Register now lists Strancally Castle in Knockanore, Co Waterford, at €51,171,155 ($57,386,709), with the deal closing on Aug. 17.
The Gothic-style mansion comes with a 440-acre estate.
Zuckerberg and Chan are expected to use the Waterford estate while conducting Meta business in Ireland. Forbes currently estimates Zuckerberg's wealth at $248.7 billion, meaning the purchase would make only a tiny dent in his fortune.
Ireland is home to Meta's international headquarters.
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More background
It was built for former Conservative MP John Keily, was conceived on a grand scale by architects James and George Richard Pain, and spans 16,000 square feet across three stories. RTÉ reported that Strancally Castle dates to 1830.
Before Zuckerberg and Chan bought it, Strancally Castle was owned by Michael Alen Buckley, co-founder of London-based private investment firm RAB Capital, and his wife, Giancarla, daughter of hotelier Charles Forte. The pair bought Strancally Castle before undertaking a major restoration.
What's being done?
RTÉ reported that Zuckerberg and Chan donated €150,000 ($168,224) to the three GAA clubs nearest to Strancally Castle in Co Waterford.
The money will be divided evenly amongst the three clubs — Shamrocks in Knockanore, Tallow in Tallow, and Lismore in Lismore.
Expressing hope that the Zuckerbergs' arrival will help showcase the area's attractions, Labour Cllr John Pratt, who lives in Tallow and chairs the Dungarvan and Lismore Municipal Committee, said, "I think it's great news for the area. I'm sure that people will do everything they can to make Mr. Zuckerberg and his family feel welcome to our beautiful community," RTÉ reported.
A spokesperson for Mr. Zuckerberg said, "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," per RTÉ.
Where can I learn more?
The Irish castle deal is the latest in a string of Zuckerberg purchases that have drawn attention. These stories look at his mansion and land purchases in the U.S. and the scrutiny around his superyachts.
• In California, Zuckerberg drew criticism after buying one of the most expensive mansions in the United States.
• On Kauai, Zuckerberg sparked backlash after adding 1,000 acres to his already sprawling Hawai'i compound.
• In Hawai'i, Zuckerberg faced outrage over native burial sites tied to his private compound expansion.
• Off Florida, Zuckerberg's superyacht reignited criticism of extravagant billionaire spending.
• From La Ciotat, Zuckerberg made his way across the Atlantic after a $55 million yacht investment.
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