Photograph 1 of 1 of Ballyskibbole, Ballymacoda, Co. Cork

Ballyskibbole, Ballymacoda, Co. Cork

Price on application

1 m²

What you'll like:

  • Scenic coastal setting: The site offers wonderful views of the ocean looking across towards the historic town of Youghal, enhancing long-term residential appeal and property value.
  • Generous site size: Measuring approximately 0.57 acres, the plot provides ample space for a substantial family home, gardens, and outbuildings subject to necessary approvals.
  • Proximity to amenities: Located just four kilometres from Ballymacoda village, residents can easily access local conveniences while enjoying a peaceful rural lifestyle setting.
  • Near coastal attractions: The property is situated a short walk from the pier at Knockadoon and close to local beaches, offering fantastic outdoor recreational opportunities.
  • Cliff walk access: Residents will appreciate the wonderful local cliff walk overlooking the ocean, providing scenic walking routes right on your doorstep.
  • Recreational variety: The famous Youghal Boardwalk is just a short drive away, offering a wonderful amenity for seaside strolls and family weekend activities.
  • Proximity to historic towns: The historic town of Youghal is within easy reach, providing a wealth of heritage sites, retail options, and dining experiences.
  • Access to Midleton: The thriving town of Midleton is less than twenty-five kilometres away, offering major supermarkets, secondary schools, and the famous weekly farmers market.
  • Commutable to city: Cork City is accessible within roughly a forty-minute drive, making it feasible for commuters seeking a countryside lifestyle near urban employment hubs.
  • Nearby village charm: The property benefits from being within an easy commute of attractive villages such as Ladysbridge, Castlemartyr, and Garryvoe.
  • Quiet townland location: Positioned in the peaceful townland of Ballyskibbole, buyers can escape urban congestion and enjoy a tranquil East Cork environment.
  • Flexible design potential: Buying subject to planning permission allows the successful purchaser to design and construct a bespoke home tailored precisely to their personal needs.
  • Established local community: The surrounding area is a popular coastal region where many people aspire to live, fostering a strong and welcoming local community spirit.
  • Distinct landmark feature: A green water pump is located at the front of the site, serving as a memorable and convenient navigational landmark for visitors.
  • Regular agent availability: Viewings can be arranged easily through the dedicated selling agents, including flexible evening and weekend appointments by prior arrangement.
  • Coastal lifestyle appeal: The location delivers an authentic seaside atmosphere combined with rural tranquility, ideal for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
  • Future equity growth: Securing a site and building your own home often allows buyers to build immediate equity upon successful completion of the construction project.
  • No upper chain complications: Purchasing an unbuilt residential site typically avoids complex housing chains, streamlining the initial land acquisition process for buyers.
  • Direct road frontage: The property benefits from straightforward access along the local road network, facilitating easier delivery of construction materials during the building phase.
  • Natural landscape integration: The generous plot dimensions allow for creative landscaping and orientation to maximize both sunlight exposure and the stunning ocean views.

But keep in mind:

  • Planning permission uncertainty: Because the property is sold subject to planning permission, buyers face the risk of refusal or costly delays from local authority regulations.
  • Local housing need criteria: Any applicant must meet specific local rural housing criteria set down by Cork County Council, potentially restricting who can successfully build here.
  • Restricted applicant pool: Strict council planning policies regarding local ties mean many prospective buyers may not qualify to secure residential development approval on this land.
  • Unknown acquisition cost: The asking price is not provided, making it difficult for interested buyers to evaluate affordability or formulate an initial financial offer.
  • Energy rating exempt status: The listing notes the property is exempt from a Building Energy Rating, though buyers should verify how this applies to future new-build obligations.
  • Small official floor area: The listed floor area is zero point fifty-seven square meters, which appears to be a data entry quirk representing the acre size instead.
  • Construction cost inflation: Building a custom home from scratch involves exposure to volatile material and labor costs, which could exceed initial construction budget estimates.
  • Utility connection expenses: Bringing electricity, telecommunications, and water services to a vacant rural site can incur substantial additional capital expenses for the buyer.
  • Wastewater treatment requirements: A private effluent treatment system will likely be required, necessitating expensive site suitability percolation tests prior to final purchase agreement.
  • Reliance on private transport: The rural location lacks public transport links, meaning future occupants will be entirely dependent on cars for daily commuting and errands.
  • Weather exposure risks: Coastal elevations can experience high winds and driving rain, requiring robust building materials and specialized architectural design to withstand the elements.
  • Long-term development timeline: The process of securing planning approval, hiring architects, and completing construction can take several years before the house is habitable.
  • Professional fees required: Buyers must budget extensively for architects, engineers, planners, and legal advisors to navigate the complex conditional land purchase agreement.
  • Agricultural boundary checks: Purchasers must verify exact property boundaries and fencing responsibilities with legal counsel to prevent future boundary disputes with neighboring landowners.
  • Local road maintenance: Rural approach roads can be narrow or subject to wear, meaning winter driving conditions require careful navigation and local council maintenance follow-ups.
  • Surface water drainage: Low-lying coastal or rural pockets can occasionally experience drainage challenges, making comprehensive site engineering assessments essential before buying.
  • Lack of immediate infrastructure: Unlike established housing estates, this standalone site requires setting up all modern household connections and telecom networks independently.
  • Potential encumbrances: Due diligence must ensure there are no historical rights of way, easements, or legal burdens registered on the title that could restrict building.
  • Future development changes: Buyers should investigate neighboring agricultural or rural zoning designations to ensure no unexpected industrial or commercial projects are planned nearby.
  • Conditional contract risks: Contracts contingent on planning permissions often require careful legal drafting to protect the buyer's deposit if the council rejects the application.

Price positioning

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This comparison depends on limited public and listing evidence, which may be incomplete, outdated or not directly comparable. The score is not a percentage, professional valuation or guaranteed estimate. Ask an independent qualified valuer before relying on a property value.

Not enough reliable market evidence is available to position this asking price.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is being sold as a residential site subject to planning permission, meaning there is no existing structure to evaluate.
  • Buyers should investigate local planning policies and Cork County Council's specific housing criteria for rural applicants to determine eligibility before purchase.
  • Site assessments including percolation tests, soil conditions, and connection feasibility for essential services such as water and electricity should be verified.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • 0 euro
  • No heating cost applies because the property is a vacant residential site being sold subject to planning permission, with no existing dwelling or heating system present.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The site is located in a rural coastal setting away from major heavy industrial zones, incinerators, or large commercial landfills.
  • Any potential local agricultural runoff or historical land use should be verified by the buyer during standard environmental due diligence.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The elevated rural nature of the site near Knockadoon suggests a generally low likelihood of river or surface water flooding.
  • Given its coastal proximity near Youghal Bay and local piers, buyers should review official coastal flood mapping to confirm local risk.

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 Ballymacoda area

  • RING BALLYMACODA, BALLYMACODA, CORK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €375,000.00
  • 14 GHLEANN BUI, BALLYMACODA, CO CORK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €281,000.00
  • GLENAWILLING, BALLYMACODA, CORK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €140,000.00
  • GORTNASKEHY, BALLYMACODA, CORK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €185,000.00
  • BARNFIELD, BALLYMACODA, CORK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €350,000.00

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

  • Solicitor legal fees: 1,500 euro to 3,000 euro plus VAT for conveyancing and planning-related legal advisory.
  • Land registration fees: 400 euro to 800 euro for deed stamping and property registration with the Property Registration Authority.
  • Property valuation fees: 150 euro to 250 euro for a standard bank or independent valuation report.
  • Surveyor fees: 500 euro to 1,200 euro for a professional site boundary and topographical assessment.
  • Annual home insurance: Not applicable as this is a vacant residential site being sold subject to planning permission rather than an established structure.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Locals in the Ballymacoda and Knockadoon areas frequently discuss the peaceful coastal lifestyle and the popularity of local cliff walks and beaches.
  • Community discussions often highlight the scenic appeal of living near Youghal Bay and the strong demand for rural housing sites in East Cork.
  • Residents on regional forums frequently note that rural properties are subject to local housing need criteria set by Cork County Council.
  • Proximity to amenities in nearby villages like Ladysbridge and Castlemartyr is a regular topic of interest for people relocating to the area.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property is a residential site being sold subject to planning permission, meaning no house currently exists. Building a home requires significant time and effort, and buyers must verify if they meet local planning criteria set by Cork County Council.

    2/10
  • Teenagers

    As this is a vacant site requiring planning permission and construction, it does not currently offer living space for teenagers, and its rural location is distant from major secondary schools and urban amenities.

    2/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The offering is merely a plot of land sold subject to planning permission. Designing a custom home to accommodate multiple generations is possible, but it requires obtaining planning approval and undertaking a full build.

    2/10
  • Single Buyers

    Purchasing a raw site subject to planning permission involves complex and costly self-building processes, which is typically less suited for single buyers unless they have substantial construction expertise and capital.

    2/10
  • Couples

    Couples looking to design and build their dream home from scratch may find the ocean-view site appealing, but must carefully navigate the uncertainty of securing planning permission.

    3/10
  • Empty Nesters

    While the peaceful rural location near the coast is attractive for retirement or downsizing, building a new home from the ground up can be a demanding project for empty nesters.

    3/10
  • Retirees

    The scenic coastal setting near Knockadoon pier suits retirees looking for tranquility, but the reality of managing a greenfield construction project requires careful consideration.

    3/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    Remote working is feasible once a home is built, though buyers should verify local broadband speeds and connectivity in this rural area.

    6/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    The location is roughly a 40-minute drive from Cork City, making hybrid commuting manageable for those comfortable with driving, though public transport options are limited.

    4/10
  • Retired

    The peaceful rural and coastal setting is well-suited for retirees once they manage the process of building their custom home.

    8/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    Because a home must first be built, aging in place depends entirely on whether the future owner designs a single-story, accessible floor plan.

    3/10
  • Low Maintenance

    A 0.57-acre greenfield site requires substantial initial development and ongoing grounds maintenance once built.

    2/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    Buyers would need to incorporate secure gates into their custom planning application and build design.

    4/10
  • Minimalist Design

    The vacant site offers a blank canvas, allowing buyers to pursue a minimalist architectural design subject to planning approval.

    5/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    As the property is sold subject to planning permission, buyers have complete flexibility to design a floor plan that suits their exact needs.

    8/10
  • Heritage Home

    This is a bare residential site rather than a period or heritage property.

    1/10
  • Ecological Setup

    A rural site provides ample opportunity to incorporate sustainable technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps, and rainwater harvesting into a new build.

    7/10
  • Outdoor areas

    The circa 0.57-acre site provides substantial outdoor space to design gardens, patios, and functional exterior areas.

    9/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    With a site area of circa 0.57 acres, there is ample outdoor space to design and cultivate extensive gardens tailored to personal preferences.

    9/10
  • Walking

    The property is situated just a short walk from Knockadoon pier and its wonderful cliff walk, with numerous local beaches and coastal paths nearby.

    9/10
  • Gym

    There are no commercial gym facilities within walking distance, as the property is situated in a rural area.

    1/10
  • Cycling

    The surrounding rural roads and coastal routes offer scenic opportunities for cycling enthusiasts, though traffic on regional roads should be navigated with care.

    7/10
  • Golf

    While specific golf courses are not directly adjacent, the broader East Cork region features accessible golf amenities within driving distance.

    5/10
  • Fishing

    The proximity to the South Coast and Knockadoon pier provides excellent access to coastal and sea fishing opportunities.

    8/10
  • Horse Riding

    The rural setting and quiet country lanes in East Cork provide a suitable environment for equestrian interests, subject to local stable availability.

    7/10
  • Water Sports

    Being close to the South Coast, local beaches, and Youghal Bay makes this location great for those interested in coastal water sports.

    8/10
  • Entertaining

    Currently a vacant site, entertaining guests would only be possible after successfully securing planning permission and constructing a suitable home.

    3/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Located in the rural townland of Ballyskibbole, the site offers an exceptionally peaceful and quiet environment surrounded by countryside and close to the coast.

    10/10
  • Rural Living

    This is a quintessential rural site spanning circa 0.57 acres in County Cork, offering an authentic countryside lifestyle.

    10/10
  • Village Living

    The property is located about 4 kilometres from Ballymacoda village, offering reasonable proximity to local village life while maintaining a rural setting.

    6/10
  • Coastal Living

    The site enjoys wonderful views of the ocean looking across to Youghal Bay and is close to local beaches and the cliff walk at Knockadoon pier.

    9/10
  • Urban Living

    The location is entirely rural and distant from major urban centres, requiring a drive of around 40 minutes to reach Cork City.

    1/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Proximity to Ballymacoda village allows residents to engage with a tight-knit rural community and local events.

    6/10
  • Café Culture

    Immediate local café options are sparse, requiring travel to nearby towns or villages for a vibrant café scene.

    3/10
  • Nightlife

    The rural location offers virtually no nightlife, with evening entertainment restricted to local pubs in surrounding villages or travel to larger towns.

    1/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Organized wellness groups are limited locally, though broader options can be found in nearby towns like Midleton and Youghal.

    4/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Being a rural residential site, local professional networking opportunities are minimal.

    2/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    There are no local tech hubs, meaning remote professionals will rely entirely on home internet connections.

    2/10

Listing information

Agent
Russell Estate Agents Ltd.
Phone
021 463 4133
Current status
active
Published on HouseDelve
31 October 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-B53EE7HouseDelve · Republic of Ireland

Report checks

Sources used: Public marketplace, Property Price Register, and grounded web research where available.

Automated quality checks: Passed

Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.