A prime 1.5-acre development site on Cork city’s Blackrock Road, known locally as “Millionaires’ Row,” has been brought to market with a guide price of €4m. The site, which holds planning permission for 48 homes, is being sold by Dwellings Development Blackrock Road Ltd, according to listing agent Cohalan Downing.
Why is this site considered significant for Cork’s property market?
The Blackrock Road location holds the highest concentration of residential property sales exceeding €1m in Cork city, according to Property Price Register data. Recent activity confirms this trend, with the nearby Rose Lodge selling for €3m last month. Suzanne Tyrrell of Cohalan Downing describes the site as “an absolute cracker,” citing its proximity to the River Lee, Kent railway station, and the Parnell Place bus terminus.
The Blackrock Road area has seen approximately 35 individual house sales top the €1m mark since 2010, placing it ahead of the Model Farm Road for high-value transactions in the city.
What is included in the planning permission?
The approved design, created by Kiosk Architects, features a mix of high-end residential units. Final planning approval was granted on appeal in January last year for the following:
- Four three-storey, four-bed mews houses.
- One five-storey and one six-storey block containing 44 mews apartments.
- A unit mix of one studio, nine one-bedroom, 29 two-bedroom, and five three-bedroom apartments.
- A landscaped raised podium covering approximately 40 car parking spaces.
The development also includes the revitalisation of Ashton Avenue, a historic route that once served a country estate. Apartment sizes range from 55 sq m for one-beds up to 171 sq m for a penthouse.
How does this project compare to current large-scale developments?
Unlike many of the major residential projects currently underway in Cork, this proposal is a niche, smaller-scale development. Large-scale construction in the city is currently dominated by partnerships between developers and the Land Development Agency or Approved Housing Bodies. Examples include the 302-unit Clarendon/BAM scheme at Horgan’s Quay, the 337-unit Marina Quarter by Glenveagh, and the 606-unit Creamfields scheme involving Respond and Cairn Homes.
Who is behind the site’s development?
The current seller, Dwellings Development Blackrock Road Ltd, is directed by Jonathan O’Connor and Alan McClearn. The company previously delivered schemes at Garrán Ferney in Carrigaline and Port na Rinne in Ringaskiddy. They acquired the Blackrock Road site off-market in 2022 for a rumoured €3m-€3.5m via BIG Property. The land is positioned adjacent to Feltrim, a three-acre period property that sold for €6m at the end of 2024 to businessman Seward Lynch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the site located?
The site is located on the city end of Blackrock Road, adjacent to the historic Feltrim property and near Ashton Park.
Is the site ready for construction?
Yes. The site secured final planning permission in January last year for 48 homes.
Who is managing the sale?
The sale is being handled by Cohalan Downing. Interested parties can access the dedicated data room at ashtonavenue-dataroom.com.
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