About Us

The firm of Joyce, Mackie & Lougheed Auctioneers begin it journey in 1904, with the established of Joyce, Mackie & Co., by Raoul Joyce (d. 1932) of Mervue House, Galway, and Robert W. Mackie (d. 1924), a Scotsman resident in Dublin who acted as land agent for the Wallscourt Estate at Ardfry, among others.

Raoul Joyce served with distinction as Undersheriff for County Galway, while Robert W. Mackie was a respected stockbroker and land agent. The firm’s first office was situated at Victoria Place, just off Eyre Square in Galway City. In its early years, the business was also actively engaged in livestock, bloodstock, and sheep sales, conducted from its sales yard on Forster Street.

The office later relocated to No. 34 Eyre Square before moving to Woodquay, where the firm remains based today. In addition to its Galway operations, the firm maintained a Dublin office at 17 Great Brunswick Street (now Pearse Street), from which it conducted the well-known Ballsbridge bloodstock sales.

In 1924 the practice expanded significantly with the addition of William George Lougheed, a land agent based in Roundstone. Upon joining the firm, Joyce Mackie & Lougheed, Lougheed brought with him extensive estate records, greatly enhancing its portfolio and professional capacity. He was also a founding member of the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute.

In 1933, P. J. Kennedy joined the firm—then operating as Joyce, Mackie & Lougheed—as manager, having previously served with the Revenue Commissioners in Dublin. His transfer to Galway was facilitated by his proficiency in the Irish language.

Following the deaths of the founding partners, William George Lougheed assumed sole ownership of the practice, which he retained until his death on 8 December 1952.

In May 1953, the firm was acquired from his widow by Paddy Kennedy, M.I.A.A. His son, Owen Kennedy, joined the business in 1969 and succeeded Paddy following his death in 1971. Since then, the firm has continued as a family-run practice, with subsequent generations maintaining its legacy.

The Family tradition continues as Owen has been joined by his eldest son, an now managing partner Owen David Kennedy, a Member of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (MIPAV), a member of TEGoVA, a Certified Valuer (CV), a Certified Residential Valuer (TRV), and a Commissioner for Oaths.

Over its long history, the firm has handled numerous prestigious and significant sales, including:

• Kylemore Abbey (formerly Kylemore Castle)
• Ballynahinch Castle Estate (on three occasions)
• Clydagh House
• Mountbellew House
• Monivea Castle
• Castletaylor Estate
• The Galway to Clifden Railway line (in its entirety)
• Ashford Castle (in conjunction with Jackson Stops McCabe, Dublin)
• Ross House, Rosschaill
• Properties at Nos. 23, 24, and 34 Eyre Square, Galway
• Sisters of Mercy Convent, An Spidéal

The firm is currently located at No. 4 St. Vincent’s Avenue, Woodquay, Galway (H91 KH58). Its original telephone number, Galway 78, is still reflected in the present number (091 562278), maintaining a tangible link to its long-standing heritage.

Joyce, Mackie & Lougheed Auctioneers are licensed by the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA Licence No. 001745) and are a member firm of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV), operating in full compliance with all relevant professional and regulatory standards