I wouldn’t normally associate stud farms with Co Louth but last week’s journey brought me to Coolstown House and Stud, Greenmount, Castlebellingham.

From the M1 motorway (Dublin/Belfast), this is a very straightforward property to find, as a short drive off junction 13, towards Castlebellingham village, will bring you to Coolstown within a few minutes.

Hallmarks of a stud operation

Approached from a long post and railed entrance that meanders through much of its own parkland, Coolstown has all the hallmarks of a stud operation. The owners bought the property about 10 years ago and made a number of improvements that included upgrading the gallop and stables, installing shower and canteen facilities for staff, and giving the house a cosmetic overhaul.

Standing on circa 99 acres, the property is currently for sale by private treaty through Ganly Walters, Dublin, at a guide price in the region of €1.3m. To date, Coolstown has generated a mix of interest from business people, local farmers and those with an equine background.

Value for money

At €1.3m, the property probably offers value for money for a stud owner, given the extensive range of facilities that are already in place.

For a farmer, however, €13,000/acre is likely to be on the high side, but as our records indicate, land in Co Louth is among the most expensive in the country. The calibre of the house and yard at Coolstown has to be reflected in the guide price.

For more see this week’s property pages in the Irish Farmers Journal.