Even fairytales can lead to farewells.

The legendary Disney family is preparing to turn the page on a truly enchanting chapter, listing their breathtaking €7.5 million seaside castle nestled right here on the stunning Cork coastline.

Coolmain Castle, which overlooks the sea and up the estuary to Courtmacsherry Bay, just 18-minute drive from Kinsale town, has been home to the Disney family for the past 35 years.

Purchased by Roy E. Disney, nephew of Walt Disney and vice-charman of the Walt Disney Company, in 1989 and comprehensively restored and updated, the 56 acre property (six reception rooms, nine bedrooms, six bathrooms) has been meticulously maintained ever since.

Notable owners before the Disneys have included The Honourable Henry Boyle Bernard, Thomas Wyse, Hibernicus Scott, the novelist Donn Byrne, and the photographer Bob Willougby ‘the man who virtually invented the photojournalistic motion picture still’.

A slice of Irish history with a touch of Hollywood stardust, the majestic stone fortress overlooks the wild Atlantic, steeped in both local lore and the whimsical legacy of one of the world’s most beloved entertainment dynasties.

Take a peek inside here:

A tree lined avenue provides a magical approach through a stone arch leading to an inner courtyard.

“The house is presented in superb condition and is simply magical, the symmetrical five-bay original Georgian house wonderfully augmented by the 19th-century castellated tower and battlemented parapet walls to create a beautifully attractive and fun house.” says estate agent Andy Donoghue of Hodnett Forde.

“The accommodation is well laid out and updated to readily allow comfortable living, seamlessly incorporating modern convenience whilst retaining fantastic historical character.

“The generous kitchen with the wonderfully large table is a great space and superbly designed to allow congenial informal gathering for family and guests. There are ample bedroom suites, and the first-floor sunroom conservatory is exceptional.”

The original L-Shaped Stable yard has been carefully upgraded and features a modern self-contained three-bedroom caretakers residence, three loose boxes and an abundance of overhead lofted storage – ripe for further conversion.

Secret gardens aplenty

In short, the gardens and grounds are glorious. Extremely private and sheltered but with excellent sea views still afforded, they boast a blend of formal terraces and manicured lawns within the immediate gardens into less formal gardens and wider parkland.

“The outer coastal lands very much connect the estate to the sea and provide some lovely private coves and beaches.” adds Donoghue.

“Coolmain beach is noted for its pristine powdery sand. Overall, the various component parts of the estate all combine to present a truly magical and attractive circa 56-acre estate.”

A period castle with luxe interiors, stunning gardens, and access to a deep-water harbour and the famed Old Head golf links as well as the renowned restaurants and pubs of Kinsale… what more could a millionaire ask for?

The castle is available fully furnished and with garden tools and equipment included with bids expected to start at €7,500,000.