Long vacant cottage in Meath to become new community hub and coffee spot
A long-vacant cottage in Castletown is set for a major redevelopment, transforming it into a community hub and coffee shop.
The project, led by Castletown Tidy Towns, received €250,000 in Town and Village Renewal funding, with Meath County Council providing the remaining balance.
Vacant for over 20 years, the cottage will be restored with a 1930s-style interior, creating a welcoming space for local groups, including Active Retirement, Tidy Towns, and Parents Associations.
A coffee dock extension will serve both the local community and users of the nearby Greenway, providing a convenient stopover point. The outdoor space will also host seasonal farmers’ and craft markets.
The initiative aligns with the Meath County Development Plan 2021–2027 and the National Rural Development Policy – Our Rural Future – by revitalising a derelict building and giving it a new community-focused purpose.
“This is a transformative project for Castletown,” Cllr Sean Drew, Cathaoirleach of Kells Municipal District, said.
“It’s not just about a building—it’s about building a community.”
Following the signing of the construction contract, work has begun on the site this week.