Height of modernity

CARRAUNTOOHILL meets contemporary in Killarney’s most chic development, which sets a benchmark in terms of quality and finish.

There are spectacular views of Ireland’s highest mountains, the Reeks, from many of the apartments in the new mixed-use development called The Court Yard - a scheme which on the evidence of its first phase will earn its own description as landmark.

David Crowe of Oyster Developments is building 11 penthouse units, 30 apartments (all fully fitted and furnished), six office suites and 11 shop units in a stylised €20 million urban project, which will link Fair Hill and Emmett’s Road, and will include a new L-shaped pedestrian street.

The uncompromising modernity of the design of the five-storey buildings, in three blocks, is an adventurous first for Killarney. While the town (population 20,000), is known for its immense natural beauty and amenities, it hasn’t ever been regarded for its architecture and buildings. The Court Yard could change all that.

The 0.7 acre site was previously occupied by Killarney Mineral Waters/Coca-Cola, and Coke’s slogan could still apply. This development (as evidenced by the penthouse show unit) is the real thing.

The Courtyard is ideally located near the friary and close to the Great Southern Hotel and Killarney Outlet Centre. The bus and railway stations are across the road, and there are three public car-parks within a few yards’ walking distance.

Architects are Kerry firm O’Sullivan Campbell. The five-star, turn-key fit-out is by interior designer Sheila Crowe. Every apartment will feature flat-screen plasma TVs, DVD surround sound, costly Rolf Benz sofas, Italian fitted kitchens by Scavolini, solid ash joinery and floors, and luxury hotel quality bathrooms.

“I’d say they are probably the best apartments south of Dublin,” says Brian Olden of sole agents Lisney, whose Cork-based offices cover Waterford, Limerick, Cork and Kerry.

“They would make an ideal holiday home, investment or town-centre living spot. Or, alternatively, they may interest some of the four five-star hotels in Killarney as overflow suites in the height of the season; they are that good,” he says.

The apartments, due for completion in February, average 1,000 sq ft and prices start from €310,000 for two-bed units, to just over €400,000 for the premium penthouses. The same development team was responsible for the Sheen Woods scheme in Kenmare.