Michael Flatley’s old residence is selling off his items and they are…interesting

“His legs flail about as if independent from his body!”

Michael Flatley, the honorary (to some) Irishman, is an interesting character. The Irish-American dancer who brought the phenomenon of Riverdance to the world almost 30 years ago has grossed over $1 billion worldwide from his array of shows – it was once said that his feet were insured for $57.6 million. While Flatley has been retired since 2016, his fortune has seen him through some of the most beautiful homes in the world. And while Flatley now splits his time between London, France, the U.S and the Caribbean, his ex-home in the south of Ireland is one of the most extravagant.

Castlehyde House, the original home of Ireland’s first president Douglas Hyde, originally went on the market in 2015 for €20 million, but dropped down to €12.5 million by 2018. The hefty price tag, although thought of as a steal by Flatley himself (he said that he invested up to €30 million in the home over the years), was bolstered by the fact that the house’s contents are included in the price. And the contents are…quirky, to say the least.

Selling by auction over today and tomorrow by Sheppard’s Irish Auction House, the contents of Castlehyde House that Flatley amassed over the years will attract some interested buyers. The catalogue of 700 lots includes such oddities as suit of armours, taxidermy heads, Flatley’s own paintings, and dozens of celebrity portrait photographs.

We’ve perused the items on offer and settled on the strangest among them – Hannibel Lecter mask included.

A carved wood bald eagle, inexplicably selling for €800- €1,200

A creepily opulent changing table, complete with painted cherub, for €300- €500

A full suit of armour to complete any cosy sitting room, €1,000- €1,500

An illuminated Hannibal Lector mask, signed by Anthony Hopkins and Julianne Moore, because every home needs one, for €80,000- €120,000

A portrait photograph of Nicolas Cage….I don’t know why. €100- €150

And another celebrity photo, this time, what appears to be Mariah Carey.

An original painting by Flatley himself, who’s looking for € 800- €1,200

A pair of 19th century French candelabras, that would absolutely fit in in Liberace’s gaff. Selling for an eye-watering €3,500- €5,500

A pair of parakeet lamps which, honestly, I would have in my house. €400-€600

A ridiculous dual wine carriage that would be very fitting for 2020. €300-€500

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