Village at Lyons

An Irish Estate Village Reimagined

Rhode Island Red and Poet’s Corner Accommodations and Event Space

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The Well in the Garden Private Outdoor Space

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Village at Lyons

Hidden along the peaceful banks of the Grand Canal in County Kildare lies one of Ireland’s most enchanting and rare estate properties: Village at Lyons, a fully restored heritage village where centuries of history meet refined countryside living.

Few opportunities exist anywhere in the world to acquire an entire historic village. At Village at Lyons, stone cottages, mill buildings, courtyards, and gardens come together to form a private estate unlike any other. A place where architecture, landscape, and history create a timeless sense of place.

The origins of the village date back to the 18th century when the site served as a bustling canal settlement connected to the historic Lyons Estate. Over time, the village grew around the canal lock yard and flour mill, welcoming travelers and commerce along one of Ireland’s most important waterways.

In the 1990s, aviation entrepreneur and Ryanair Founder, Dr. Tony Ryan, undertook a visionary restoration, carefully reviving each period structure employing world-class Craftsman to recreate every detail, while transforming the property into a remarkable hospitality destination.

Today, the estate spans over 20 acres of gardens, waterways, and historic buildings, offering 47 bedrooms across cottages and lodges, multiple dining and event venues, a Victorian- inspired glass orangery, an award-winning spa, and a tranquil lakeside chapel.

Guests and residents wander through cobbled courtyards and flowering gardens, dine in the old mill overlooking the water, or relax in thermal baths surrounded by nature.

Just 30 minutes from Dublin city centre and its international airport, Village at Lyons offers a rare balance of privacy and accessibility, combining the romance of the Irish countryside with proximity to a global capital.

For investors, hospitality visionaries, or private owners seeking an extraordinary legacy property, Village at Lyons represents a truly singular opportunity to acquire an entire restored historic village under single ownership. Whether envisioned as a flagship hospitality destination, private estate, wellness retreat, or cultural campus, the property offers exceptional flexibility and international appeal.

Aerial view of a rural estate with a large gravel courtyard, surrounded by lush green trees and a house covered in ivy, with open fields and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Estate Overview

Total Estate Size: over 20 acres (8 hectares)

Total Built Area: approximately 4,410 sqm (44,469 sq ft)

The village comprises an elegant collection of historic buildings thoughtfully adapted to accommodate hospitality, residential accommodation, dining venues, wellness facilities, and event spaces.

Living room with wood-paneled walls, a white marble fireplace, a green armchair, beige sofas with pillows, a wall clock, a window seat with cushions, a chandelier, a flat-screen TV, and large glass doors leading outside, with patterned curtains.

Residential Accommodations

The estate currently offers 47 bedrooms across cottages, apartments, and estate lodges, each individually designed and situated throughout the village in beautifully restored stone buildings, many overlooking gardens, courtyards, or the Grand Canal.

Village Cottages

Shackleton House – 2 bedrooms
Love One Cottage – 2 bedrooms
LaForge – 2 bedrooms
Rhode Island Red – 2 bedrooms
Turrets – 2 bedrooms
Patrick Kavanagh – 1 bedroom
Dovetail – 2 bedrooms
Poet’s Corner – 2 bedrooms

Estate Lodges

Mayor’s House – 8 bedrooms
White Stables – 6 bedrooms
Jolly Angler – 6 bedrooms

Apartments

Kingfisher – 2 bedrooms
Swan – 2 bedrooms
Dovecote – 2 bedrooms
Shackleton – 1 bedroom

Additional Residence

Gate Lodge – 5 bedrooms

A bright, elegant dining area inside a glass-enclosed conservatory with white tablecloths, chairs, table settings, and potted plants, overlooking a lush garden outside.

Dining, Hospitality & Event Spaces

A series of historic recreational buildings throughout the estate provide exceptional spaces for dining, entertaining, and events.

Shackleton Mill Dining Room

A dramatic dining hall with soaring ceilings, antique fireplace, private bar, and terrace overlooking the historic water mill.

Seated dining: up to 100 guests
Cocktail events: up to 250 guests

The Orangery

A Victorian glass conservatory inspired by the Orangery at Kew Gardens, offering an elegant setting for private dinners and gatherings.

Seated dining: 45 guests
Cocktail reception: 70 guests

Additional Dining & Event Venues

Lyons Den Bar
Garden Restaurant & Chef’s Kitchen
Garden Room private dining
Fountain Suite event space
Village Hall boardroom
The Pantry coffee shop

These venues provide flexibility for hospitality operations, private events, retreats, and celebrations.

Bright living room with large windows, white stone walls, antique armchairs, small tables, the fireplace on the left, floral arrangements on the windowsill, and a patterned rug.

Wellness & Leisure

The Well in the Garden: An award-winning spa set within a restored carriage house offering:

Three treatment rooms
Manicure and pedicure suite
Relaxation lounge

The outdoor Village Thermal Spa features Finnish saunas, hot tubs, and copper baths inspired by Japanese forest bathing traditions, creating a serene wellness retreat surrounded by nature.

A pathway leading to a clock tower set amidst lush green trees and well-maintained lawns in a park or garden.

Gardens, Water Features & Historic Landmarks

The estate’s grounds feature landscaped gardens, water features, and historic structures that reinforce the character of the village.

Highlights include:

A restored historic watermill and mill race
Ornamental lakes and landscaped gardens
Cobblestone courtyards and orchard gardens
Canal-side walking paths
The Chapel at Lyons, a tranquil stone chapel overlooking the lake and gardens

Together these elements create a cohesive environment that blends architecture, landscape, and water.

Location

The Village at Lyons enjoys a unique position in the heart of Ireland’s countryside while remaining easily accessible. Helicopter accommodations are available making virtually any destination in Ireland a 60 minute trip.

Distances

Dublin City Centre: 15.5 miles or 25 km
Dublin International Airport: 21 miles or 35 km

Equestrian

County Kildare’s heritage is bonded with the horse and is known across the equestrian world as “Thoroughbred County”. County Kildare is the epicenter of Irish flat racing, home to the iconic Curragh Racecourse (host of the Irish Derby and Classics), the Irish National Stud & Gardens in Tully (a public stud with champion stallions and the famous Japanese Gardens), and Kildangan Stud. The county produces and trains legendary horses while serving as a global hub for breeding, training, and racing excellence.

In addition, Kildare is home to many operators catering to equestrian tourists like Abbeyfield Farm, Osberstown House Equestrian Centre, Clonfert Equestrian Centre, Coolmine Equestrian Centre, and the Currah Riding Centre.

Golf

County Kildare is home to dozens of notable golf courses and clubs and is widely considered the golfing capital of Ireland thanks to the high concentration of championship courses, including the legendary Arnold Palmer-designed K-Club, venue for the 2006 Ryder Cup. Additionally, clubs like Carton House, Palmerstown House, and the Royal Curragh – Ireland’s oldest club, provide incredible variety and unsurpassed beauty.

Development Potential

The estate offers future growth potential. Approximately five acres have been zoned for sustainable tourism development, and a feasibility study has explored the possibility of constructing up to 48 additional luxury units, subject to planning permission.

Property Maps

In the News

Mansion Global: "A Billionaire Co-Founder of Ryanair Restored a Historic Irish Village. Now the Entire Thing Is Up for Sale."

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Iris Times: "Village estate restored by Ryanair cofounder hits the market with €20m price tag"

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Irish Independent: "Ryanair founder’s pet project, a restored 18th century village, back on the market for €20m"

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