One of the largest blocks of farmland to come on the market in NI in decades has been sold for an undisclosed amount.
Eglinton Estate in Co Derry, which extends to 1,075 acres, has been purchased in its entirety by local businessman Paul Connolly.
The new owner was a senior executive and shareholder in Donegal-based firm E&I Engineering, which was sold in 2021 in deal reportedly worth up to £1.45bn.
Eglinton Estate was advertised in June 2025 with a guide price of £9m. It was sold by the personal representatives of the estate of the late Earl Castle Stewart, who died in November 2023.
The property, which is known locally as “The Slab”, runs to the shores of Lough Foyle.
For years, the farm was home to the largest public auction of conacre in NI where up to 600 acres of temporary grassland was offered up for rent every autumn.
The remainder of the estate was rented out privately for arable crops, with an area also managed directly by the previous owner.
The most recent land lease agreements expired on 31 October 2025.
According to James Butler from real estate firm Savills, the new owner “plans to continue to operate the current farming enterprise on the estate”.
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