This brings to four the total for the Corscadden portfolio, the others being Ballyseede Castle in Co Kerry, Bellingham Castle in Co Louth and Cabra Castle in Co Cavan.

With 350 years of history, Markree Castle has been a 30-bedroom hotel and location for weddings for the past 25 years and is situated on 225 acres of parkland with its own flock of rare-breed Wensleydale sheep.

It is the first time that Markree Castle has changed hands since it was gifted to the Cooper family by Cromwell in the 17th century.

Howard Corscadden said the €5m restoration would be carried out in three phases over three years.

“The first phase will concentrate on the public areas and a large number of the hotel’s 30 bedrooms and will be completed before we re-open in March of next year.

“Charles Cooper has generously agreed to work with us in an advisory capacity, helping us to safeguard the authenticity of what is one of Ireland’s most historic castles.”