€15m manor attracts interest

IT’S the sort of secluded pad that could be converted into an idyllic private residence for a mega-rich individual.

But, the likelihood is that Kenmare Manor and its 38 surrounding acres will be purchased by somebody interested in further developing a precious bit of real estate as a top-notch hotel, spa and leisure centre.

A number of potential foreign customers are showing an interest in purchasing the property, which is estimated to fetch about €15 million.

Kenmare Manor is the third hotel property to come on the market in Kerry in recent times, following the sale of Great Southern Hotels in Killarney and Parknasilla.

“We’re seeing a lot of interest in the property and have had calls from throughout Ireland and further afield, including the UK,” said Tom Crowley, of Tom Spillane’s auctioneering firm, in Killarney yesterday.

Despite, the slowdown in the property market nationally, Kenmare is apparently holding its own.

A brake on virtually all development in Kenmare — applied by Kerry County Council until an adequate public water supply is provided — is enhancing the value of existing property, auctioneers say.

Kenmare Manor is to be sold by tender, with bids to be submitted by October 4.

Irish Examiner