A former convent with spectacular views out over Galway Bay has come onto the marker – with huge potential for a seafront development in the heart of Spiddal.

Tearmann Einde, the 26-bed former convent which was built in 1923 and extended in the 1990’s, has a reserve price of €850,000 – but it is its potential that will most interest prospective buyers.

The detached building is spread over three floors, extending to almost 7,900 sq ft on a site of just over an acre – directly overlooking the Old Quay (an tSean Ceib), beyond the southern boundary a seashore walkway links towards Spiddal Beach and Spiddal Pier.

That offers wonderful views across Galway Bay to The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher and towards the Aran Islands.

The building itself retains many original features such as high ceilings, unpainted wood panelling and staircase, tessellated floor tiles, stained glass windows, and quality period fireplaces.

There are 26 bedrooms, numerous bathrooms and two kitchens, with both pedestrian and vehicular access to the main street with shops, bars, restaurants and other services close by.

A new buyer would almost certainly be seeking a change of use, because the property is current zoned for community facilities in the Galway County Development Plan 2022 2028.

Tony Kavanagh of Sherry Fitzgerald in Galway is joint agent for the sale with a reserve price of €850,000.