Mount Congreve farm outside Kilmeaden, Co Waterford, has been sold for an undisclosed sum to local businessman Eddie Walsh. The farm extends to almost 400 acres and the off-market deal included the transfer of the dairy herd.
Savills managed the sale process on behalf of the seller Swisscon Limited, which is connected to the Congreve Foundation.
Background
Mount Congreve was the ancestral home of Irish industrialist and gardener Ambrose Congreve who died in 2011 at the age of 104.
In a deal struck between Congreve and then Taoiseach Jack Lynch in the 1970s, it was agreed that the house and almost 70 acres of Mount Congreve estate would be left to the Irish State some time after Congreve's death.
An auction of the entire contents of the house was held in 2012. And, today, the gardens, along with a café, are a tourist attraction along the Waterford Greenway.
Dairy farm
It is understood that Waterford businessman Eddie Walsh will continue the dairy enterprise that is currently in operation.
Head of Savills’ country agency department James Butler said: “The purchaser intends to expand and develop the in-hand dairy enterprise, which is a strong vote of confidence in the Irish dairy sector.”
Land for sale near 'Ballykissangel'