PROPERTY SUPPLEMENT: Columban Fathers selling Dowdstown House

Dowdstown House, which stands in the middle of the Columban Fathers' estate outside Navan, is on the market with an asking price of €1 million. Dowdstown House as can be seen today was built in three stages -  the north wing two storey section dating back to the early 19th century, the main house dating to the latter part of the 19th century, and the east wing built by the Columban Fathers in the mid-20th century.
The property sits imposingly on the landscape. It is approximately 2,855 square metres (30,730 square feet) in size.  Its current use, in part, offers counselling accommodation with ancillary office accommodation.  The remainder of the building is utilised for retreat purposes, with occasional overnight accommodation.
The Columban Fathers originating from Shrule in Co Galway, took ownership of Dowdstown House and Estate in 1927 for the purpose of establishing a new headquarters and constructing a new seminary. The sale is being handled by Mark Johnston and Rory Harrington of WK Nowlan Real Estate Advisors, Clanwilliam Place, Dublin, who are asking €1 million.
It is thought that the origins of Dowdstown go back to the High Kings of Tara, following which the property was controlled by local chieftains who built a church on the lands.
The Dowdstown Estate was bought by Thomas Taylor, a retired British general, at the end of the 18th century.  Thomas, who had fought in the battle of Waterloo with the Duke of Wellington, is said to have planted the trees in the grounds to represent the position of forces immediately prior to the battle.
Other families such as the Hayes, the Stuarts, the Watts and the Singletons are thought to have resided at Dowdstown Estate  at various times.
Following the arrival of the Columban Fathers, in addition to the construction of the main seminary building on the estate (then renamed Dalgan Park) they also commissioned the construction of a new office building; the 'Far East' in 1929. This building is positioned immediately to the north of Dowdstown House.  Publication, administration and support services were moved to this new building. Due to increased demand for further office space, a later addition was made in the late 1940s/early 1950s - this is the wing to the left of the main door of the 'Far East' when viewed form the forecourt today.