Mark Zuckerberg buys Co. Waterford castle

Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan have bought Strancally Castle in Co. Waterford in an off-market transaction.

Zuckerberg is the head and founder of Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Facebook opened its international headquarters in Dublin in 2009 and Meta currently employs around 1,500 employees across its three Irish locations.

"Mark and his family are excited to continue caring for this historic home and look forward to spending time in Ireland, where Meta maintains its international headquarters,” a spokesperson for Zuckerberg said.

The Irish Times reports the couple completed the purchase of the estate from previous owners Michael and Giancarla Alen Buckley several weeks ago.

Details are yet to appear on the Property Price Register, however it is likely Zuckerberg paid anywhere between €20 million and €30 million for the gothic-revival style house and its 440-acre estate.

Photo Credit: National Built Heritage Service

The three-story building that extends to 16,000sq ft. was owned by the Buckley family for the last 25 years.

"We are delighted that Mark and his family intend to build on our stewardship by continuing to invest in maintaining and enhancing the property and grounds as their home in a sustainable manner," said the family.

"We wish them and their family much happiness in this unique and blessed place."

The castle was originally built around 1830 for a former Tory MP, John Keily.

It was designed by architects James and George Richard Pain, who also designed Drumoland Castle in Co. Clare, Cork County Gaol and Blackrock Castle in Cork. The estate has undergone a full restoration over the past 20 years.

Last year, Zuckerberg tried to purchase Castlemartin House and Estate in Co. Kildare from billionaire John Malone, according to the Wall Street Journal.