Wicklow County Council Buy 21-Acre Magheramore Site

Back o’ the net!

t’s been a long, strange trip for the 21 acres overlooking Magheramore beach, having now changed hands three times in four years.

Initially, Paddy McKillen Jnr bought the land for €700,000 in June 2021, with plans aplenty to turn it into a serious tourist destination, complete with boutique holiday resort and a surf school.

McKillen’s plan…

A little financial difficulty – and repeated planning refusals – saw a private Chinese investor buying the site in March of this year for a reported €613,000.

And now, Wicklow County Council have bought the land for the same price.

Which will come as a relief to many, including those who started a petition in April 2023 to stop the destruction of the curlew wintering grounds at Magheramore.

In a press statement this evening, WCC said, ‘Wicklow County Council is pleased to announce the successful purchase of a 21-acre beachfront parcel of land at Magheramore in Wicklow. This land, which offers panoramic views of the beach and the Irish Sea, was previously owned by the Columbian Order of Sisters before being sold multiple times. Long celebrated for its natural beauty, clear waters and unspoiled surroundings, Magheramore Beach has become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Magheramore Beach has also been featured in numerous film and TV productions making it an integral part of the Wicklow coastline.

‘Wicklow County Council had previously attempted to secure public ownership of the land for beach access. They were unsuccessful bidders at the initial auction in 2021 and again at the auction held in March 2025. However, after the successful bidder decided not to proceed with the sale, the Council was given the opportunity to intervene and complete the purchase of this important coastal amenity.’

Reacting to the news, Councillor Danny Alvey told the Guide, “I have been very vocal about this over the last few months, along with all our local councillors and TDs. I had spoke with our executive team in the council, everyone agreeing that this access should remain public, and all were working hard behind the scenes to purchase the land. Thankfully now that work has come to fruition...”

Brian Gleeson, Director of Finance for Wicklow County Council and Wicklow District Manager, concluded, “I wish to acknowledge the strong community support that helped highlight the importance of preserving Magheramore Beach for public use.”