Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan purchase 440-acre castle estate in Ireland

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan have bought a castle estate in Ireland that covers around 440 acres. The couple will use Strancally Castle in County Waterford as a home during their visits to the country, where Meta has its international headquarters. While the price of the private deal has not been disclosed, the Irish Times estimated the property's value at between €20 million and €30 million. Confirming the purchase, a spokesperson 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.”

Strancally Castle sits on a 178-hectare, or roughly 440-acre, estate in County Waterford. Mark Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan bought the property to use as a base when they visit Ireland. The purchase adds Ireland to the list of places connected to Zuckerberg, whose company has had a major presence in the country for years. Strancally Castle was built in 1830 for John Keily, a former Conservative Member of Parliament. It was designed by architects James and George Richard Pain. The large scale of the property is reflected in one detail mentioned in the book The Houses of Ireland: walking from the dining room to the kitchen could take four and a half minutes. It is located in the Blackwater Valley, an area known for its historic estates and large country homes. Before the sale to Zuckerberg and Chan, the estate was owned by Michael Alen-Buckley, co-founder of London-based investment firm RAB Capital, and his wife Giancarla. The couple bought the property in the early 2000s and carried out restoration work. In a statement, they said they were grateful for the opportunity to save and restore Strancally Castle during the 25 years they owned it. They also said they were pleased that Zuckerberg and his family intended to continue maintaining the property and its grounds.

Mark Zuckerberg's Ireland connection goes beyond the castle

For Mark Zuckerberg, the purchase is also linked to Meta's long-standing presence in Ireland. The company maintains its international headquarters in the country, making visits to Ireland part of its global operations. Strancally Castle will now serve as a family base during those visits. Nearly two centuries after it was built, the 440-acre estate has found its latest owner in one of the world's best-known technology executives, with Zuckerberg's spokesperson saying the family plans to continue caring for the historic home.