Knockdrin Castle, Knockdrin, Co. Westmeath

For retained development, and for proposed development and change of use, all at Knockdrin Castle and within its curtilage (a Protected Structure – RPS Ref: 012-022), a site of circa. 10.48 hectares. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) accompanies this application. The development for which retention is sought comprises: 1. The restoration and refurbishment of Knockdrin Castle (a Protected Structure – RPS Ref: 012-022), including 12 no. guest bedrooms, ground floor dining area, bar, ballroom and kitchen. 2. The retention of replacement kitchen windows to the rear of the building and replacement of modern conservatory extension to the east side of the building. 3. Retention of drainage services, water supply services, wastewater services (100PE concrete sewage treatment system discharging to 165 sqm percolation area), utilities, and fire safety services associated with the above restoration and refurbishment works. 4. Works to the Knockdrin Castle entrance gates & lodges (North & South – Protected Structures – RPS Ref: 012-020 & 012-021 respectively), as include the provision of new entrance gates. The proposed development for which permission is sought comprises: 1. Proposed change of use of Knockdrin Castle from residential to an events and hospitality venue as incorporates dining and overnight accommodation. 2. Proposed use of existing vehicular access points to the R394 as comprise the Knockdrin Castle gate lodge, south (a Protected Structure – RPS Ref: 012-021) and secondary, north entrance gateway (a Protected Structure – RPS Ref: 012-020) to serve the development. 3. Proposed partial realignment of existing wall adjacent to the secondary, north entrance gateway (a Protected Structure – RPS Ref: 012-020) for the provision of improved sightlines. 4. Proposed enhancements to internal access roads, as includes continuation of existing access route to front curtilage of Knockdrin Castle, and all associated vehicular and pedestrian wayfinding signage. 5. Proposed provision of 74 no. car parking spaces (including 4 no. accessible parking spaces) and 2 no. coach parking spaces to serve the operational and customer needs of the development. 6. Proposed enclosed waste storage area in the internal courtyard of Knockdrin Castle. 7. Proposed hard and soft landscaping works, as include the restoration and enhancement of formal gardens, pedestrian footpaths, enhanced reception area to front curtilages of Knockdrin Castle, and proposed external lighting.

Applicant

Not published

Authority

Westmeath County Council

Decision due

24 Jun 2026

1. Application received

   8 Aug 2025

2. Council asked for further information

   2 Oct 2025

3. Further information received. If the council treats it as significant, a new submission period opens (check the council's file)

   21 Apr 2026

4. Decision due

   24 Jun 2026

5. Decision: conditional

   24 Jun 2026

6. Grant issued

   29 Jul 2026