Historic Estate For Sale in Co. Kilkenny

Kilree is a superb agricultural and residential estate with amenity extending in total to about 535 acres (216 hectares) of ring-fenced land. Situated in a prime agricultural area of Ireland, the historic estate is extremely accessible, with the M9 (Junction 9) 5 kilometres to the south and Kilkenny City 7 kilometres to the north.

Kilree Estate comprises an attractive variety of assets, including a charming early 19th Century country house at its core. The 6-bedroom house is set within mature parkland and includes well-balanced and beautifully proportioned accommodation. A notable feature of the estate is the impressive tree-lined driveway serving as the principal access to the house. The estate includes a range of outbuildings of traditional construction, plus extensive farm buildings laid out over four yards.

A particular advantage of the estate is the extent and quality of the farmland which lies in a ring-fenced block. The farmland at Kilree extends to about 468 acres which is presently all in rotational grass but has previously grown a variety of arable and root crops including wheat, barley and sugar beet.

In addition to its productivity, a key feature of the farmland is the excellent infrastructure, including the paddock system, water supply and access via both the public roads and a network of internal roadways.

The woods at Kilree total about 48 acres and are a combination of mature deciduous species and younger plantations of mixed species. In addition to amenity and shelter, the woods add to the diversity of the estate and provide opportunities for conservation, as well as income generation.

Farming Lease
Kilree Estate is presently subject to a Lease which expires in 2027. The fixed equipment in the dairy unit (including the residential element) is owned by the tenant and is specifically excluded from the sale. Further information in relation to both the Lease and tenant’s equipment is available from the selling agents.

Local Information
Kilree Estate is situated between the picturesque village of Bennettsbridge and the historic Kilkenny City. Bennettsbridge is located along the River Nore and has become a craft centre in recent years, with several pottery and craft producers located at the old mill, including the well-known Nicholas Mosse Pottery.

The medieval city of Kilkenny is renowned throughout Ireland for its rich culture of the arts, music, and lifestyle with a broad variety of national attractions, festivals, food and crafts available. Kilkenny City has a wealth of amenities including a wide range of shops, bars, restaurants, culture and professional services.

Dublin City centre is about 130 kilometres to the northeast of the estate and offers the full range of amenities, services and culture expected of a capital city.

Mount Juliet Estate & Golf Club is only 13 kilometres distant and is a beautiful venue to enjoy afternoon tea, have a walk around its 1,500 acres of parkland or dine at one of the many restaurants including the Michelin star, Lady Helen restaurant.

For keen golfers, Mount Juliet’s Championship Golf Course, designed by golfer Jack Nicklaus, is one of the finest courses in the country and was host to the 2022 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the second consecutive year. Other nearby golf courses include Kilkenny Golf Club (10 km) and Gowran Park Golf Course (14 km).

County Kilkenny has a proud sporting history and offers a wide variety of quality sporting and recreational activities. Racing enthusiasts are well catered for with Gowran Park Racecourse (14 km) and Clonmel Racecourse (49 km) within close proximity. Gowran Park is renowned as one of the most scenic racecourses in the country. It is known for staging the historic Thyestes Handicap Chase which takes place in mid-January each year. Run over three miles, the race is seen as a trial for the Grand Nationals at Fairyhouse and Aintree.

The property benefits from excellent transportation links, including the M9 (which connects Dublin to Kilkenny via the M7) just 5 kilometres distant. Dublin’s International Airport is 141 kilometres distant, while Rosslare port is 88 kilometres from the property with regular sailings to the UK and mainland Europe. There are also regular bus and train services from Kilkenny to Dublin City and Dublin airport.

There is a variety of excellent schools in the local area – both national and secondary – including Kilkenny National School, Kilkenny College, St.Kieran’s and Loreto Secondary School. In the neighbouring counties, Rockwell College (County Tipperary) and Newtown School (County Waterford), both offer day and boarding facilities.

The area surrounding Kilree Estate is recognised as one of Ireland’s premier agricultural regions with productive dairy and tillage farms and as such, has a well-developed agricultural infrastructure including a good selection of agricultural merchants, milk processors, livestock markets and abattoirs. It is also home to a number of renowned stud farms and is well served for the equestrian sector.

BER Details
Exempt