Park Hotel talks enter exclusive period with buyer the Brennan brothers are happy with 

 Both have attracted inquiries from the US, other international operators, Irish and local parties, with unconfirmed reports that an Irish businessman with contacts in the music industry is doing the front running.

While all eyes are on these high-end offerings, another far more modest premises, is also on the market at No 16 Henry Street. It has a charming history with more to unfold, as it’s expected to sell for up to €500,000 at public auction next month.

No 16 Henry Street has been through multiple uses over the years and they are detailed by a contributor to the Kenmare Chronicle, who recalls that it was once the Kenmare Store, a branch of Furlongs Mills, later called the Cork Milling Company.

The contributor outlines how an Amy Leslie, from north of Killarney, came to live there after she married the store manager, Charlie Sullivan, in 1951. She assisted in the shop and became known as “Amy The Store” or “Mrs Sullivan The Store”, according to the article.

Bulk flour, meal, bran, and strong-smelling linseed were repackaged or bagged into more manageable portions at the store for sale for use in the home as well as animal or poultry feed.

The article also outlines Amy’s memory of doing great business on fair days, when horses and donkey carts would line the streets.

Her memory of the town is that it was small and rundown, with little more to it than The Store and a few small shops and pubs.

She does however recall two hotels that are still there today, the Lansdowne and the Park Hotel.

Her own outlet at No 16 closed as The Store in 1967 following Charlie’s death and Amy took in lodgers (upstairs is residential) to generate income. It remained a lodging house until 1988, when Amy opened Dunboy Café on the ground floor. Two years later, she opened Dunboy Boutique, which she ran with her daughter Linda until 1991, when it was let for use as a restaurant. In 2000, it became Morgan’s Hairdressers and most recently it’s housed Begley & Bowie art and fashion brand.

The versatility of the building is demonstrated by the variety of businesses that have plied their trade there over its 130-year history, helped by its location in a prime part of Kenmare Town.

John Daly of Sherry FitzGerald Daly, who will bring it to auction on Wednesday October 25, says it’s within 150m of Kenmare Town Square, with more than 33’ of frontage onto Henry St.

The entire site area is c245 sq m (2,637 sq ft) and the building, spread over three floors, has an internal area of c224 sq m (2,416 sq ft).

The floors include retail area, storage and WC on the ground floor; living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, and three bedrooms and a sitting room on the top floor.

To the rear is an open yard, with direct access onto New Road.

Mr Daly says the space “offers an opportunity to further expand the building area”. 

The facade — pretty as a picture, with on-trend Barbie-pink doors against a powder blue backdrop — is not a protected structure.

Mr Daly adds that there’s a “good deal of interest in this well-positioned property” which offers both commercial and residential opportunities.

It may appeal to business owners who wish to live over the shop. It should also attract investors given its commercial and residential rental potential.Or perhaps the Brennan brothers might like to downsize?

No 16 is being sold with vacant possession and by public auction whichtakes place at 2.30pm on Wednesday October 25, at the Brook Lane Hotel, Kenmare.

Details:

John Daly, Sherry FitzGerald Daly tel: 064 6641213, email: info@seandaly.com