A historic estate in County Kildare, once owned by Tony Ryan, has been placed on the market with an asking price of €20 million.
Lyons Estate, located near Celbridge, is a restored canal-side village dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The property spans approximately 20 acres and includes a large period house built in the early 1800s, alongside a range of luxury hospitality facilities.
The estate now features a 47-bedroom residence, a five-star hotel, restaurant, spa, gardens, orchards, stables, and what is described as Ireland’s largest artificial lake. Access is provided via a gated, tree-lined avenue.
Originally developed as a bustling milling village along the canal, Lyons played a key role in regional commerce during the early 19th century, before declining with the rise of the railways. Its history stretches back even further, with the site believed to have served as a residence for the Kings of Leinster as far back as 760AD.
The estate experienced a revival in the 1990s when it was acquired by Tony Ryan, who invested heavily in restoring the village and transforming it into a high-end destination. In recent years, it has become widely known as an exclusive wedding and events venue.
Travel expert Eoghan Corry described the property as a unique offering in the Irish market.
“There’s a beautiful hill there, a house that was built in the early 1800s with what we’re told is the largest artificial lake in Ireland. It was all part of the same estate until quite recent times,” he said.
He also highlighted the village’s historical significance.
“The village is actually a village; it was a thriving place, built in the 1820s because the canal was the main artery of commerce across the country until the railways were built.”
In its current form, Lyons is positioned as a luxury hospitality destination, with high-end culinary offerings playing a central role. In 2019, chef Jordan Bailey took over its restaurant and earned two Michelin stars on his first attempt.
Despite its prestige, Corry noted that maintaining such a property requires significant financial commitment.
“It’s a really niche, very high-end place. There’s a hotel and two very ambitious culinary ventures there trying to sustain a top-tier dining experience,” he said.
“Whoever takes it on will need considerable resources. These kinds of properties aren’t about making a quick profit — they tend to become a labour of love, as it was for Tony Ryan.”
The sale presents a rare opportunity to acquire a fully restored historic village with an established reputation in Ireland’s luxury tourism and events sector.
