Photograph 1 of 4 of c. 1 acre site at Bawnlusk, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny
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c. 1 acre site at Bawnlusk, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny

€180,000

What you'll like:

  • Generous site size: The approximately one-acre plot offers ample space for a substantial bespoke family residence, extensive gardens, and potentially outbuildings while maintaining privacy.
  • Proximity to urban hub: Situated just five minutes' drive from Kilkenny City, future occupants will enjoy rapid access to comprehensive shopping, dining, and professional services.
  • Major roadway connectivity: The nearby R697 Kells Road and M9 motorway ensure convenient commuting corridors toward Dublin, Waterford, and the broader southeast region.
  • Attractive countryside setting: The peaceful rural backdrop in Cuffesgrange delivers an idyllic lifestyle appealing to buyers seeking scenic views and tranquility away from urban congestion.
  • Educational access: The location places numerous primary and secondary schools within a short driving radius, benefiting families with school-aged children looking for long-term stability.
  • Recreational proximity: Nearby sporting facilities, clubs, and cultural attractions in Kilkenny City provide plenty of leisure options for active individuals and growing families.
  • Direct road frontage: The site features good frontage onto the local road network, which typically simplifies both vehicular access design and utility connection logistics.
  • Regular plot shape: Being largely rectangular in configuration, the land allows for efficient architectural layout planning and maximizes usable outdoor space for landscaping.
  • Customizable development: Buying subject to planning permission allows the purchaser to design a home tailored precisely to their personal aesthetic, energy efficiency, and functional needs.
  • Competitive entry price: The asking price of one hundred eighty thousand euros represents a manageable capital outlay for a sizeable suburban-adjacent rural plot before construction costs.
  • Community atmosphere: Cuffesgrange offers a welcoming local community feel combined with the convenience of being a short distance from a thriving historic cathedral city.
  • Commuter viability: The accessibility of national road routes makes this location practical for professionals working regionally who prefer rural living over city apartments.
  • Future equity potential: Successfully navigating the planning process and building a modern bespoke home can generate significant capital appreciation relative to the initial site investment.
  • Local amenities access: Residents can easily utilize nearby village conveniences while relying on the larger urban center for major weekly grocery and retail shopping trips.
  • Private sanctuary scope: The one-acre scale provides enough physical buffer from neighboring properties to create a private sanctuary surrounded by mature countryside greenery.
  • Flexible project timeline: Purchasing land subject to planning gives buyers the flexibility to phase their architectural design, engineering assessments, and financing strategies comfortably.
  • Outdoor lifestyle potential: The rural environment easily accommodates hobby gardening, keeping pets, or establishing recreational outdoor zones for family entertainment.
  • Regional growth positioning: Kilkenny County continues to experience steady demand for quality residential housing, supporting the long-term desirability of well-located suburban land parcels.
  • Direct agent availability: Clear contact channels with the managing agency allow prospective buyers to quickly gather initial boundary details and preliminary sale conditions.
  • Clear land delineation: The clearly defined parcel boundaries help streamline surveyor assessments and legal conveyancing checks during the preliminary property purchase investigation phase.

But keep in mind:

  • Planning permission uncertainty: Because the sale is conditional on planning consent, buyers face the risk of refusal or costly delays from the local authority.
  • Local needs restriction: Buyers must investigate whether they satisfy Kilkenny County Council strict local housing need criteria before assuming they can secure planning permission.
  • Absent BER rating: The lack of a Building Energy Rating means buyers cannot evaluate existing structural energy efficiency, though this typically applies only post-construction.
  • Unverified utility infrastructure: Buyers must verify the proximity and capacity of local water, electricity, and broadband connections to avoid expensive connection fees.
  • Wastewater treatment requirements: A private septic tank or wastewater treatment system will likely be required, necessitating a rigorous percolation test before purchase.
  • Conditional contract structure: Contracting subject to planning permission can introduce prolonged legal timelines and complex contract clauses that require careful solicitor oversight.
  • potential development levies: Local authority section development contributions can add substantial unexpected costs upon the successful granting of planning permission for a new dwelling.
  • Site clearance costs: The raw nature of the land may require significant investment in leveling, site clearance, drainage, and topsoil management prior to construction.
  • Architectural fees risk: Purchasers must budget for professional architects, engineers, and environmental consultants even before planning permission is guaranteed or refused.
  • Road access requirements: Kilkenny County Council may stipulate specific sightline clearances, entrance setbacks, or road widening obligations as conditions for a grant.
  • Surface water drainage: Buyers should investigate local drainage patterns to ensure the rectangular plot does not suffer from seasonal water pooling or flooding issues.
  • Boundary fencing obligations: The buyer should verify existing boundary demarcation responsibilities to determine if new fencing or hedging is needed immediately.
  • Agricultural encumbrances: Due diligence must confirm whether any historical agricultural grazing rights, wayleaves, or third-party easements burden the title deeds.
  • Market price volatility: Construction material inflation and labor shortages could significantly increase the total budget required to complete a home from scratch.
  • Restrictive design guidelines: Local planning policies often dictate roof heights, exterior finishes, and window placements, limiting total architectural freedom.
  • Environmental assessment needs: Depending on local ecological designations, preliminary ecological or archaeological surveys might be mandated by the planning department.
  • Public lighting absence: Being a rural roadside site, there is no public street lighting, meaning private driveway lighting solutions must be factored in.
  • Traffic speed considerations: The local road frontage on a rural route may experience high vehicular speeds, requiring careful entrance design for safe motoring.
  • Lack of immediate services: Unlike an urban housing estate, daily conveniences cannot be reached on foot, making reliance on private motor vehicles absolute.
  • Resale liquidity risks: Raw unbuilt sites can sometimes take longer to resell if market conditions shift or if potential buyers are deterred by planning complexities.

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.
The asking price appears broadly in line, with a slight undervaluation signal.
  • The asking price appears moderately valued because purchasing a standalone one-acre plot with conditional planning requirements represents a lower initial capital outlay compared to fully developed residential properties nearby in the wider area.
  • Valuation signals are influenced by the inherent condition that the purchase depends entirely on securing a grant of planning permission, which introduces substantial uncertainty and planning risk for any prospective buyer.
  • This pricing level could be supported if local housing demand remains robust and the buyer easily satisfies strict local area affiliation criteria imposed by the county council for rural housing developments.
  • Conversely, potential planning refusals, rising construction costs, or strict council occupancy restrictions could significantly undermine the economic viability and overall attractiveness of acquiring this specific rural site.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is offered as a c. 1 acre site sold subject to planning permission, meaning there is no existing structure to evaluate.
  • A buyer must investigate local planning policies, specifically Kilkenny County Council's requirements regarding Local Area Affiliation and rural housing criteria.
  • Site suitability assessments, including percolation tests for wastewater treatment and site-specific engineering reports for access and services, should be verified prior to purchase.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Not applicable
  • The property is offered as an undeveloped c. 1 acre site with no existing residential structure, meaning there are no active heating systems or associated annual heating costs.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The site is located in a tranquil rural setting with no apparent major industrial facilities, incinerators, or known active landfills in immediate proximity.
  • Any historical agricultural or domestic land use is typical for the area, but buyers should conduct standard environmental due diligence regarding soil conditions and local water supply.

Flood Safe

9/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The property is situated in an elevated rural inland location in County Kilkenny, generally well away from major coastal flood risks.
  • While widespread or severe flooding appears unlikely based on regional topography, local surface water drainage should be verified during site-specific engineering assessments.

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estateExtra effort was used to find nearby sales here

  • BAWNLUSK, KELLS RD, KILKENNY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €680,000.00
  • BAWNLUSK, KELLS RD, KILKENNY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €400,000.00

Recent sales in the wider Cuffesgrange area

  • BALLYBUR, CUFFESGRANGE, KILKENNY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €507,500.00
  • SUNHILL, BURNCHURCH, CUFFESGRANGE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €1,200,000.00
  • BAUNLUSK, CUFFESGRANGE, KILKENNY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €550,000.00
  • BALLYMACK, CUFFESGRANGE, KILKENNY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €425,000.00
  • CASTLEVIEW, BALLYBUR UPPER, CUFFESGRANGE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €510,000.00

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 1% to 2% of the purchase price (estimated around €1,800 to €3,600 for a site purchase depending on residential or non-residential classification).
  • Solicitor legal fees: Generally ranges from €1,500 to €3,000 plus VAT and outlays.
  • Land registration fees: Typically around €400 to €800 for property registration and mapping.
  • Property valuation fees: Usually between €150 and €300 if required by a lender.
  • Surveyor fees: Estimated between €500 and €1,000 for site boundary and topographical checks.
  • Annual home insurance: Not applicable as this is an undeveloped site rather than a completed residential structure.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Locals in the Cuffesgrange and wider Kilkenny rural areas frequently discuss the strictness of local housing need and local area affiliation criteria imposed by the county council for rural one-off housing.
  • Community discussions often highlight the strong appeal of living just a short drive from Kilkenny City while enjoying a quiet countryside setting.
  • Residents on local forums note that regional transport links via the R697 and proximity to the M9 motorway facilitate convenient commuting to major urban centres like Dublin and Waterford.
  • There is ongoing interest in community development and local amenities around Cuffesgrange, including local schools and sporting facilities.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The c. 1 acre site offers ample outdoor space for young children to play once developed, but the lack of an existing structure and the need to secure planning permission mean it is not immediately habitable.

    4/10
  • Teenagers

    While the countryside location provides privacy and space, teenagers might find the rural setting isolated without immediate access to local amenities or public transport, relying heavily on driving.

    4/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The c. 1 acre site provides sufficient land area to potentially design a substantial home or ancillary accommodation, subject to local planning permission and council guidelines.

    5/10
  • Single Buyers

    Purchasing a site subject to planning permission involves considerable time, financial outlay, and regulatory hurdles, which may not suit single buyers looking for a ready-to-move-in property.

    3/10
  • Couples

    An appealing opportunity for couples wanting to design and build their own custom home near Kilkenny City, though the uncertainty of obtaining planning permission requires careful consideration.

    5/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Building a custom single-storey home for retirement is possible here, but managing a self-build project might be demanding for empty nesters seeking a low-stress transition.

    4/10
  • Retirees

    The peaceful rural setting appeals to retirees, but the absence of an existing house and the necessity of navigating the planning process can introduce significant delays and complexities.

    4/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    A custom-built home could easily incorporate a dedicated home office, though the buyer should verify local broadband speeds and connectivity options.

    7/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Convenient access to the N10 and M9 motorway facilitates onward travel to Dublin, Waterford, and the wider region, while Kilkenny City is just 5 minutes away.

    7/10
  • Retired

    The location suits retirees looking to build a bespoke home, provided they are prepared to manage a construction project and its associated administrative steps.

    5/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    While a future home could be designed with accessibility in mind, the rural location means reliance on a car for services and healthcare as one ages.

    4/10
  • Low Maintenance

    Managing a c. 1 acre plot of undeveloped land and undertaking a self-build project represents a high-maintenance endeavor initially.

    2/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    Currently, the site has road frontage and potential for good access, but any security features such as gates and fencing must be installed by the buyer.

    3/10
  • Minimalist Design

    A minimalist architectural style could theoretically be planned for a new build, subject to local planning guidelines and council approval.

    5/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    Buying a vacant site gives the purchaser complete freedom to design a floor plan tailored precisely to their lifestyle needs, subject to planning permission.

    8/10
  • Heritage Home

    This is a vacant plot of land rather than a historic or period property.

    1/10
  • Ecological Setup

    The rural c. 1 acre plot offers good scope for incorporating sustainable technologies (such as solar or heat pumps) into a new build, subject to environmental regulations.

    6/10
  • Outdoor areas

    The property consists of approximately 1 acre of largely rectangular land, providing extensive outdoor space for landscaping, gardens, and recreation.

    9/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    A c. 1 acre site provides an extensive canvas for avid gardeners to design expansive lawns, vegetable patches, and landscaping features.

    9/10
  • Walking

    The surrounding countryside and local rural roads offer pleasant routes for walking, though pedestrian infrastructure may be limited.

    7/10
  • Gym

    There are no immediate gym facilities on the site, meaning residents would need to travel approximately 5 minutes into Kilkenny City for fitness centres.

    3/10
  • Cycling

    The local rural roads provide opportunities for cycling, though cyclists should be mindful of rural traffic speeds on connecting routes like the R697.

    6/10
  • Golf

    The property's proximity to Kilkenny City ensures reasonable access to local golf courses and related sporting facilities within a short drive.

    6/10
  • Fishing

    County Kilkenny features various river systems and angling spots, though buyers should verify the exact distance and access to specific local fishing locations.

    5/10
  • Horse Riding

    The rural setting and manageable local road network offer a suitable environment for equestrian enthusiasts, with potential space for stables subject to planning.

    7/10
  • Water Sports

    Inland County Kilkenny lacks immediate major water sports facilities, requiring travel further afield for extensive aquatic activities.

    2/10
  • Entertaining

    Any entertaining capabilities would depend entirely on the future design and scale of the home and outdoor areas built on the site, subject to planning approval.

    5/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Situated in a peaceful countryside setting at Bawnlusk, Cuffesgrange, the property offers a tranquil environment away from busy urban areas.

    9/10
  • Rural Living

    This c. 1 acre plot provides a classic rural lifestyle experience surrounded by open countryside, whilst remaining approximately a 5-minute drive from Kilkenny City.

    9/10
  • Village Living

    The location benefits from proximity to Cuffesgrange and surrounding community facilities, offering a balance between countryside seclusion and small-community access.

    6/10
  • Coastal Living

    The location is inland in County Kilkenny and is entirely removed from coastal amenities and marine activities.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    While close to Kilkenny City's amenities, the immediate site is strictly rural, requiring a short drive to access urban conveniences.

    3/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Proximity to Cuffesgrange and Kilkenny City offers opportunities to integrate into local community groups, clubs, and volunteer organizations.

    6/10
  • Café Culture

    There are no immediate cafes on the doorstep, requiring a trip into nearby Kilkenny City to enjoy local coffee shops and dining.

    3/10
  • Nightlife

    The immediate rural setting has no nightlife, though Kilkenny City's extensive pubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues are a short drive away.

    2/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Access to wellness groups, pilates & stretching classes, and healthcare services will rely on commuting into Kilkenny City.

    4/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Professional networking is minimal in the immediate rural vicinity, requiring travel into urban employment and business hubs.

    3/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    The site itself is undeveloped land; buyers must investigate the availability and installation costs of high-speed fiber broadband for tech-focused requirements.

    3/10

Listing information

Agent
Donohoe Properties
Phone
056 777 0400
Published on HouseDelve
25 September 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-0CDD6AHouseDelve · 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.