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Tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg has purchased a Gothic-style castle in Ireland, even as his company, Meta, faces an ongoing U.S. trial over allegations that it prioritized profits over children's safety on its platforms.
A spokesperson for Zuckerberg confirmed the purchase on Thursday, stating that the Meta founder and CEO, along with his wife Priscilla Chan, are "excited" about the historic property. Zuckerberg acquired the three-story, Gothic Revival-style Strancally Castle from the Alen-Buckley family in an off-market deal for an undisclosed price.
"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," the spokesperson said.
Built in 1827 for an English politician, the cut-stone estate is located in County Waterford, roughly 150 kilometers (93 miles) southwest of Dublin. The castle has been extensively renovated over the past 20 years by its previous owners. Seller Michael Alen-Buckley is a co-founder of the London-based private investment firm RAB Capital.
Meta employs about 1,500 people in Ireland, with its international headquarters based in Dublin. The company's Irish operations also include a virtual and augmented reality business in Cork and a data center outside the capital. Zuckerberg and his family will continue to reside in the United States, utilizing the Irish property when conducting business overseas.
The purchase comes as Zuckerberg faces an ongoing trial in the U.S., where Meta is accused of prioritizing financial interests over children's safety on its platforms.
A former Meta employee testified this week that the company rewarded staff based on engagement metrics rather than user safety, and alleged that Meta knowingly overlooked the presence of underage users through a "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
Meta has denied allegations that it deliberately sought to make children addicted to Facebook and Instagram for profit. The trial, presided over by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, is expected to last several weeks and will include testimony from Zuckerberg himself.
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