Ormonde Woollen Mills, Canal Walk, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny

Property Overview:

• For Sale by Private Treaty

Property Description:

A magical 13 Acre oasis situated adjacent to Kilkenny Castle and enjoying over 700m of frontage to the River Nore.

For Sale by Private Treaty
Viewing Strictly by Appointment
SOLE SELLING AGENT

Description:
Since 1876 the McCreery family have been tasked with selling some of the most unusual and unique properties in Co Kilkenny. However none have come close to the enchanting, magical, unique island in the centre of Kilkenny City known as Ormonde Woollen Mills. We have speculated as to who would buy such a property. Perhaps a civic use, a philanthropic investor, a recluse seeking solace or a family seeking adventure. The site includes much of the original Woollen Mills with Waterways channelled underground past the Old Water Wheels and under the Stone Mill building. An island oasis beside the Canal Walk, the original Mill was built pre 1654 and through various stages of history has been known as Castle Mills, Scotts Mill , Reids Mill and more recently Ormonde Mills. Although the Mill Buildings are in poor condition the potential for their restoration is limitless. In the late 1980' s the current owners converted a portion of the old Mill into a two storey two bedroomed dwelling home. From Canal Walk the property is enclosed by a Mill Race with a stone wall enclosing the Mill buildings and Residence. Effectively creating an Island. Behind the stone wall and majestic gates lies Ormonde Woollen Mills - a hidden secret in Kilkenny' s History.

History:
The Woollen Mills were built adjacent to Kilkenny Castle around 1654 on the banks of the River Nore on a site of C.13 Acres.
The original buildings were a Corn & Tuck Mill complex. The use as a Woollen Mills came about in 1758 although it is reported that the Flemings from Flanders in Belgium engineered and built the Mill streams and races in 1400. Around this time the Earl of Ormonde had 3 Mills in the area which were known as the Castle Mills. Around 1850 the Mills were owned by Kenny Scott and were known as Scotts Mills and used for Woollen manufacture. For a time the Mills were taken over by the Reid family and became known as Reid' s Mills. In 1925 the Mills were purchased by the McLaughlin family of Donegal and became known as Ormonde Woollen Mills. They became synonymous with the manufacture of High quality blankets. In 1969, the Mills and the stock were destroyed in a large fire and production ceased. The remains of the Mill are now in private ownership and the walled and millrace enclosed site extends to approximately 12 acres. The title indicates that the overall site extended to 13.2 acres however flood relief works and natural erosion has absorbed circa 5.6 acres. The title extends over and includes part of the river bed.

Over the centuries this magical property has existed on the periphery of the City on the banks of the Nore. It' s nearby neighbour Kilkenny Castle has been restored and developed into one of the finest tourist attractions in Ireland. The Canal Walk has developed as a public walkway for the citizens of Kilkenny and its visitors. The next chapter of the story of Ormonde Woollen Mills could be yours to create.
For Sale by Private Treaty
C. 7.22 Acres secure and private site
Enclosed by a Mill Race and the River Nore
Old Mill Buildings with Water Wheels sluices and mill races.
Two Bedroomed Residence
The property is offered for sale with vacant possession being given at the closing of sale
A Protected Structure Reg No: 12006009 of regional importance