Photo: CHIP SOMODEVILLA / AFP / Getty Images
Mark Zuckerberg, the billionaire CEO of Meta, has purchased Strancally Castle, a historic 19th-century estate in County Waterford, Ireland. The castle, along with its 440-acre property, is valued between $23 million and $35 million, according to estimates by The Guardian.
Strancally Castle, built in 1830, is located about a two-hour drive from Dublin, where Meta's international headquarters is based. The purchase reflects Zuckerberg's interest in maintaining a presence near his company's European operations. A spokesperson for Meta stated, "Mark and his family are excited to continue caring for this historic home and look forward to spending time in Ireland."
The castle, designed by architects James and George Richard Pain, boasts 11 bedrooms, tower rooms, a library, and extensive green grounds along the river Blackwater. The previous owners, Michael and Giancarla Alen-Buckley, had lived there for 25 years and completed a full restoration of the property.
This acquisition is not Zuckerberg's first major real estate purchase this year. Earlier, he and his wife, Priscilla Chan, reportedly bought a home in Miami for $170 million. Despite these purchases, the couple plans to continue living primarily in the United States, using Strancally Castle during visits to Ireland.
The castle's location in the Blackwater Valley places it among other historic estates, such as Ballynatray House, owned by British inventor James Dyson. The purchase highlights Zuckerberg's ongoing interest in expanding his real estate portfolio in prestigious locations.