Lord of the Dance creator Michael Flatley is facing a new legal challenge in the High Court in Dublin, this time brought by his former solicitor, Maxwell Mooney and Company. The entertainer is seeking access to files related to proceedings concerning his Cork mansion, Castlehyde, and allegations of unpaid fees, according to court filings made public on Monday.
The legal action comes as Flatley is already embroiled in a separate, significant financial dispute over works carried out at the same Castlehyde property. Last November, a judge ordered Flatley to provide €1.1 million as security for costs in his €30 million claim against contractors involved in the restoration of the mansion following a fire in 2016. The judge ruled at the time that Flatley was not ordinarily resident in Ireland, but present on a temporary basis.
According to documents submitted to the High Court, Flatley’s legal team, led by Niall Buckley SC and Katie Nagle BL, requested short service to serve notice of the proceedings on Mr. Mooney. President of the High Court, Mr. Justice David Barniville, granted the request, noting a “clear dispute” between the parties. The case centers on Flatley’s demand that Maxwell Mooney and Company produce or deliver client files pertaining to all legal services provided to him.
The Flatley side is also requesting a copy of the Flatley client account held by the solicitor’s firm. The hearing in this matter is scheduled for Friday. This latest legal battle adds to a series of ongoing court cases for Flatley, including his appeal against the €1.1 million security for costs order. That appeal was reportedly adjourned due to claims that Flatley’s new legal team lacked access to necessary discovery documentation.
The dispute over Castlehyde has been protracted. In August 2025, Ms Justice Eileen Roberts ruled that Flatley must provide security for costs in the €30 million action related to the mansion’s restoration, citing his non-resident status. Flatley has indicated his intention to appeal that decision. The core of the €30 million claim alleges that Flatley and his family were forced to vacate Castlehyde in October 2023 after the detection of alleged toxic chemical residue during routine maintenance.
Separately, Flatley recently had a legal order blocking him from engaging with the Lord of the Dance production overturned in Belfast High Court. The current proceedings with his former solicitor are expected to be heard alongside the ongoing dispute regarding the restoration works at Castlehyde.
