Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have acquired a historic Gothic-style castle in Ireland, adding a centuries-old property to the technology billionaire’s real-estate portfolio. The couple recently purchased Strancally Castle, a three-storey Gothic Revival residence in County Waterford, from the Alen-Buckley family. The transaction was completed through an off-market deal, and the amount paid for the property has not been disclosed.
A spokesperson for Zuckerberg confirmed the acquisition and said the family was enthusiastic about taking responsibility for the historic property. According to the statement, Zuckerberg and his family are looking forward to spending time in Ireland, a country that has a significant connection with his company because Meta maintains its international headquarters there.
Strancally Castle dates back nearly two centuries. The property was constructed in 1827 for an English politician and is described as a three-storey house built in the Gothic Revival architectural style. Located in County Waterford, the castle is around 150 kilometres southwest of Dublin, placing it away from the Irish capital while still providing access to the country’s major business and technology hub.
The property had been in the hands of the Alen-Buckley family before the purchase. Its previous owners reportedly undertook extensive renovation work over the past two decades, helping preserve and modernise the historic residence. Michael Alen-Buckley, associated with the property’s former ownership, is also a co-founder of London-based private investment firm RAB Capital.
Although the purchase price remains undisclosed, the acquisition reflects Zuckerberg and Chan’s interest in maintaining a base in Ireland as the Meta family continues to have professional and business ties with the country. The spokesperson said Zuckerberg and his family would continue to live in the United States and use the Irish property when they are in Ireland for Meta-related business and other visits.
Ireland has long been an important location for Meta’s international operations. The company employs around 1,500 people in the country, with Dublin serving as the location of its international headquarters. Meta’s Irish presence extends beyond its corporate operations in Dublin, with the company also maintaining a virtual and augmented reality business in Cork and a data centre located outside Dublin.
The purchase of Strancally Castle therefore gives Zuckerberg a private residence in a country where his company has maintained a substantial presence for years. The castle’s historic character and location in the Irish countryside also mark a sharp contrast with the technology-driven corporate world associated with the Meta chief.
The acquisition is the latest example of Zuckerberg’s substantial investment in property. As one of the world’s wealthiest technology entrepreneurs, he and Chan have previously owned or purchased high-value properties in the United States. Their decision to acquire a historic Irish estate, however, has attracted particular attention because of the age and architectural character of the property.
Built almost 200 years ago, Strancally Castle combines historic architecture with extensive modern renovation. The property’s Gothic Revival design distinguishes it from conventional luxury residences, while its rural County Waterford setting offers a markedly different environment from the urban surroundings of Dublin and the United States.
For Zuckerberg, the castle is expected to serve primarily as a family residence and base during visits to Ireland rather than as a permanent home. The couple and their family are expected to remain based in the United States, with the Irish property providing them a place to stay while Zuckerberg attends to Meta’s business interests in the country.
The acquisition also underlines the continuing importance of Ireland to Meta’s global operations. With its international headquarters in Dublin and additional technology and infrastructure operations elsewhere in the country, Ireland remains a key part of the company’s European presence. Zuckerberg’s new property could consequently provide the Meta chief with a private retreat close to the company’s Irish operations while allowing his family to spend time in the country.
While details about the terms of the purchase have not been made public, the confirmed acquisition of Strancally Castle adds a notable historic property to Zuckerberg and Chan’s assets. The couple’s decision to preserve and use the centuries-old residence is expected to bring renewed attention to the castle and its long history in County Waterford.
