
Apartment 7, John's Gate, Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny, KilkennyR95HX34
€240,000
2 Bed~2 Bath~66 m²~BER D1
What you'll like:
- Central city location: Situated near Castlecomer Road and MacDonagh Junction, offering buyers effortless walking access to Kilkenny shops, dining, and local amenities.
- Quiet rear orientation: Positioned at the rear of the building, protecting residents from street noise and providing a much more peaceful living environment.
- West-facing private balcony: Features a decked outdoor space capturing afternoon and evening sun, directly accessed from both the living area and main bedroom.
- Dual balcony access: Allows seamless movement between the primary indoor spaces and the outdoor terrace, enhancing natural light and ventilation throughout the apartment.
- Ensuite master bedroom: Includes a private fully tiled ensuite bathroom, offering added convenience and privacy for the primary occupant or future tenants.
- Walk-in wardrobe storage: Both bedrooms feature dedicated walk-in wardrobe spaces, providing exceptional storage capacity rarely found in apartments of this sixty-six square meter size.
- Secure gated parking: Comes with a designated secure parking space accessed from Barrack Street, giving car owners vital peace of mind in a central location.
- Pedestrian shortcut access: Direct pedestrian gate access to Barrack Street shortens walking routes to local cafes, cinemas, and pharmacies for everyday convenience.
- Professional management in place: Managed by a licensed property agent who handles routine upkeep, building insurance, and communal cleaning to preserve long-term asset value.
- Early payment discount: Service charges offer a two hundred euro reduction if paid promptly upon receipt, helping budget-conscious buyers reduce annual holding costs.
- Open plan layout: Combines kitchen, dining, and living zones into a spacious configuration well-suited for modern entertaining and comfortable day-to-day living.
- Passenger lift installed: Provides effortless step-free access from the ground level to the first floor, benefiting residents with mobility needs or heavy grocery loads.
- Built in 2004 construction: Represents a relatively modern build era compared to older period conversions, typically offering more standardized layouts and easier maintenance profiles.
- Established residential development: John's Gate is a known, popular apartment community, indicating a steady rental demand and proven track record for property investors.
- Compact manageable footprint: Extends to sixty-six square meters, keeping utility consumption and general upkeep costs low for single professionals or couples.
- Proximity to transport links: Short walking distance to MacDonagh Junction ensures easy connections to regional bus and rail services for commuters.
- Integrated kitchen provisions: Includes dedicated plumbing for a washing machine and a specific recess for an integrated fridge freezer, streamlining kitchen setup.
- Communal outdoor areas: Residents benefit from shared outdoor space at the rear of the building for fresh air without maintaining a private garden.
- Natural light distribution: Rear-facing windows and glass doors ensure bright interior rooms despite being positioned on the first floor within a block.
- Turnkey presentation potential: Cleanly finished interior surfaces allow a buyer to move in immediately without executing urgent cosmetic renovations.
But keep in mind:
- D1 energy rating: The current D1 BER rating indicates poor thermal efficiency, meaning buyers should investigate upgrade costs to improve comfort and reduce heating bills.
- Substantial service charges: Annual fees of over two thousand euros represent a significant recurring expense that will impact long-term net rental yields or homeownership budgets.
- First floor vulnerability: Being on the first floor without ground-level security means relying heavily on the integrity of communal entry doors and intercom systems.
- Potential service charge hikes: Managed blocks face rising insurance and maintenance inflation, which could push future annual management fees even higher than current levels.
- Leisure noise risks: Proximity to nearby entertainment venues like cinemas and shopping hubs might generate localized weekend noise or pedestrian traffic near the development.
- Limited car parking allocation: The property includes only one parking space, which could create complications for multi-car households or visiting guests.
- Management company dependency: Owners have limited direct control over common area maintenance standards, relying entirely on the competency of the external managing agent.
- No private garden space: Lacks a private ground-level garden, restricting options for buyers with pets or those seeking extensive outdoor recreational areas.
- Sinking fund uncertainties: Buyers must verify through legal due diligence whether the development holds an adequate sinking fund for major future capital expenditure repairs.
- High density living drawbacks: Living within a multi-unit block on Castlecomer Road exposes residents to potential noise transfer from neighboring apartments and shared corridors.
- Electric heating reliance: Many apartments of this vintage rely on electric heating systems, which can prove costly to operate given current energy pricing trends.
- Balcony maintenance liability: Timber decking on the west-facing balcony will require periodic staining and waterproofing, representing an ongoing maintenance task for owners.
- Compact second bedroom: The second bedroom is modest in scale, potentially limiting its versatility to a home office or child's room rather than a full double.
- Lack of private storage shed: Apart from indoor hot presses and walk-in wardrobes, there is no external secure locker for bicycles or bulky sports equipment.
- Resale market competition: The high concentration of apartments in similar developments nearby could make future resales more competitive and price-sensitive.
- Potential letting restrictions: Corporate owners or investors must verify if the management company enforces rules or caps on rental properties within the development.
- Fire safety compliance checks: Buyers should ensure their surveyor and solicitor thoroughly review current apartment block fire safety certs and remediation histories.
- Lift maintenance dependency: A breakdown of the shared lift will force all residents to rely exclusively on stairs, which could inconvenience less mobile occupants.
- Communal bin management: Shared waste disposal areas depend heavily on resident cooperation and efficient contractor collections to prevent pest or hygiene issues.
- Lack of electric vehicle charging: The secure car park may lack EV charging infrastructure, requiring buyers to investigate the feasibility of installing private charge points.
Price positioning
?
Not enough reliable market evidence is available to position this asking price.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a first-floor apartment built in 2004, extending to approximately 66 sq. m., with lift and staircase access within a managed development.
- A buyer should investigate the annual service charge, which is currently €2,060.00 (with a potential early payment reduction), to understand what is covered, such as sinking fund contributions, building insurance, and maintenance.
- Given the 2004 build year, a buyer should verify the insulation levels, window glazing, and heating efficiency, as reflected in the D1 BER rating, and check for any apartment-specific or block-wide fire safety and compliance certifications.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Estimated deep retrofit cost: €15,000 to €30,000.
- Reasoning: The property holds a D1 BER rating, indicating that fabric upgrades such as improved internal wall insulation, upgraded double or triple glazing, modern efficient heating systems, and enhanced ventilation would be required to bring the energy performance up to a modern standard like B2 or A.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: approximately €1,000 to €1,400 per year.
- Explanation: Given the 66 square metre floor area and a D1 BER rating, the energy efficiency is lower than modern builds, which may result in higher heating demands during colder months.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in an established residential and retail area of Kilkenny with no major heavy industrial plants or active municipal incinerators in immediate proximity.
- Any historical legacy industrial pollution or local landfill proximity should be independently verified through local environmental searches.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The general area around Castlecomer Road is not prominently designated as a high-risk flood zone on standard national mapping, though local surface water pooling during heavy rainfall should be checked.
- Buyers are advised to review official Office of Public Works (OPW) flood maps to confirm the precise risk profile for this specific development site.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
No verified results were found for this group in the previous five years.
Recent sales in the wider Kilkenny area
5 RIOCH ST, KILKENNY, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €255,000.00
92 UPPER PATRICK ST, KILKENNY, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €480,000.00
17 MICHAEL ST, KILKENNY, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €630,000.00
33 MICHAEL ST, KILKENNY, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €120,800.00
7 SHANDON PARK, KILKENNY, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €380,000.00
Source: Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA), Residential Property Price Register (PPR).
Matching uses address information published by the PPR rather than measured map distance. It may omit nearby properties on differently named streets.
Last Sale
A confidently matched previous PPR transaction for this property
No confidently matched previous sale was found in the Property Price Register.
Buyer fees*
Associated expenses guide
- Stamp duty: approximately €2,400 to €2,484 calculated at 1% to 2% of the asking price.
- Solicitor legal fees: approximately €1,500 to €2,500 excluding outlay and VAT.
- Land registration fees: approximately €400 to €800 depending on the property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: approximately €150 to €300.
- Surveyor fees: approximately €300 to €600 depending on the depth of the survey.
- Annual home insurance: approximately €300 to €600 for a 66 square metre apartment.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents on local forums note that John's Gate is exceptionally convenient for walking into Kilkenny city centre and accessing MacDonagh Junction.
- Discussion online frequently highlights the traffic on Castlecomer Road during peak hours, though this specific apartment faces the quieter rear aspect.
- Commenters mention that the annual management fees for apartment developments in Kilkenny have been rising due to insurance and maintenance cost increases.
- Local groups often praise the pedestrian access via Barrack Street for cutting down walking times to local cafes and amenities significantly.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children5/10
The apartment has two bedrooms and is located on the first floor with lift access, but at 66 sq. m. space is limited for growing families with young children, and outdoor play areas are restricted to a communal rear space and a balcony.
- Teenagers4/10
A two-bedroom apartment provides limited privacy for teenagers, though the central location in Kilkenny does offer good proximity to amenities and transport links.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
With only 66 sq. m. of floor area and two bedrooms, the property is entirely unsuited for multi-generational living setups.
- Single Buyers9/10
This two-bedroom, first-floor apartment offers manageable low-maintenance living with a secure car parking space, an ensuite, and a central location within easy walking distance of Kilkenny city centre.
- Couples9/10
An open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area combined with two bedrooms and a west-facing balcony makes this an ideal starter or lifestyle home for couples.
- Empty Nesters8/10
The property benefits from lift access, a low-maintenance layout, secure gated entry, and close proximity to city centre shops and services, making it convenient for downsizers.
- Retirees8/10
Lift access, a managed development with service charges covering building maintenance, and a central location near medical services and shops suit retirees well, though aging in place long-term should be verified against apartment living constraints.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working8/10
The two-bedroom layout allows one bedroom or space to be used as a home office, though buyers should verify broadband speeds within the building.
- Hybrid Commuting8/10
Conveniently located near MacDonagh Junction and local transport links, making it practical for hybrid commuters.
- Retired8/10
A manageable, lock-up-and-leave apartment with professional management covering building maintenance and rubbish removal.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place6/10
While the development features lift access and a single-level layout, buyers should verify if the apartment meets long-term accessibility standards for aging in place.
- Low Maintenance9/10
As a 66 sq. m. apartment managed by a professional property management agent (with service charges covering building insurance and communal upkeep), maintenance requirements are minimal.
- Secure Gated Entry8/10
Benefits from secure gated car parking accessed from Barrack Street and pedestrian access gates.
- Minimalist Design7/10
Open-plan layout and compact square footage lend themselves well to minimalist interior styling.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
Fixed apartment layout with two bedrooms and an open-plan living space offers limited scope for major structural reconfiguration.
- Heritage Home1/10
The property was built in 2004 and is part of a modern development, not a period or heritage building.
- Ecological Setup4/10
The property carries a D1 BER rating, indicating that energy efficiency could benefit from future upgrades.
- Outdoor areas6/10
Features a private west-facing balcony with timber decking and lighting, supplemented by a communal outdoor area to the rear of the building.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening2/10
Outdoor space is strictly limited to a west-facing timber-decked balcony and managed communal grounds, leaving very little opportunity for gardening.
- Walking9/10
Excellent walking access to Kilkenny city centre, High Street, and nearby pedestrian routes such as the Lady Desart Foot & Cycle Bridge.
- Gym7/10
The central urban location provides good access to local fitness facilities and wellness options within Kilkenny city.
- Cycling8/10
Proximity to the city centre and local cycle bridges makes cycling a practical option for getting around the area.
- Golf6/10
Kilkenny boasts local golf courses a short drive away, though the property itself is situated in an urban apartment complex.
- Fishing5/10
The River Nore runs through Kilkenny offering local angling opportunities, though the property is primarily urban-focused.
- Horse Riding3/10
Equestrian facilities are generally located in the surrounding countryside rather than near this central urban apartment.
- Water Sports3/10
Limited local water sports opportunities directly accessible from a city-centre apartment setting.
- Entertaining7/10
The open-plan kitchen/living/dining room and the west-facing private balcony finished with timber decking and lighting provide a pleasant space for hosting guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living7/10
Although situated in a popular and central development, the apartment occupies a quiet rear-facing position away from the main Castlecomer Road traffic.
- Rural Living1/10
This is a town-centre apartment development in Kilkenny with urban conveniences immediately outside, offering no rural characteristics.
- Village Living5/10
While it is close to local amenities and cafés, the setting is firmly urban/suburban rather than a traditional village community.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is located inland in Kilkenny and has no coastal proximity.
- Urban Living9/10
Positioned approximately a one-minute walk from MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre and within easy walking distance of Kilkenny city centre, High Street, and local restaurants.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Managed development living offers some community aspects, and the central location encourages participation in local Kilkenny events and groups.
- Café Culture9/10
Close proximity to local spots like Arán Bakery and the wider array of cafés and restaurants throughout Kilkenny city centre.
- Nightlife8/10
Easy walking distance to the pubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues of Kilkenny city.
- Health/Wellness groups7/10
Good access to local health services, pharmacies, and wellness groups located nearby in the city.
- Networking Opportunities7/10
Central urban location provides good opportunities for professional and social networking within Kilkenny.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity6/10
Urban location generally supports good digital connectivity, though specific broadband speeds and infrastructure should be verified by the buyer.
Listing information
- Agent
- Warren McCreery
- Phone
- 056 7702000
- Published on HouseDelve
- 6 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-3313BAHouseDelve · Republic of Ireland* Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.