Industry leader O’Donnellan & Joyce auctioneers in Galway city is starting off the New Year by bringing a well-established crèche and childcare business to the market this week in Craughwell in Co Galway.
The company have successfully handled a number of high value business sales over the past number of years – especially in the crèche and childcare sector. Sales negotiator Aaron O’Reilly of the commercial team at O’Donnellan & Joyce sold The Orchard Childcare in Corofin late last year with a sales price in excess of €1 million. Previous to this, Stapleton Childcare Centre in Loughrea was also offered for sale by private treaty as a going concern and sold for almost €750,000. Trade, staffing and services were unaffected by the transaction in each case and the new owners have seamlessly continued to trade successfully.
Ballymore Cottage Crèche, situated in the popular village of Craughwell, is just 25 kilometres from Galway city and offers a unique investment opportunity. The property is very close to the village and is in a safe, scenic setting with green fields to the north and south.
Ballymore Cottage Crèche is on a site which measures approximately 0.53 acre/0.214 hectare and comprises a detached building which was originally a residential cottage. Over the years, the owners have spared no expense in extending the building to the rear and creating a top-class childcare facility which is comfortable, efficient and cost effective to heat and maintain. The grounds of the property offers ample parking to the front and beautifully landscaped gardens with outdoor play area to the rear.
The building was originally constructed c1950. In 2001, the current owners extended the building and set about upgrading many of the services and décor throughout to bring it in line with modern standards and to suit its new use as a crèche and childcare centre. In 2004, an additional extension was constructed to the rear of the property which resulted in the current internal area of 321sq m (3,455sq ft ). In 2023 the owners made improvements costing €35,000 which included installing solar panels, two upgraded boilers and LED zoned lighting throughout. This investment in energy upgrades has resulted in a very cost-efficient building as well as a significant increase in the green credentials for the property and a resulting BER of B3.
In its current layout, the building offers a number of classrooms, a kitchen, two spacious reception areas, sleeping rooms, and bathrooms to cater for the needs of the 65 children the business currently has enrolled across a range of age groups. Throughout the property, it is apparent that the current owners have spared no expense in creating a wonderful, safe environment which promotes learning in a comfortable space.
Ballymore Cottage Crèche currently operates from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and employs a staff of 10 who are all qualified for their respective roles with minimum Level 5 qualifications in place. There are a number of Level 6 staff employed as well as a full-time manager. The business also employs a cook who provides meals to the staff and students from the onsite kitchen each day.
The business has experienced very low staff turnover since it opened in 2000 and, due to its location and reputation, the business is at full capacity currently with demand also for the 2024/2025 season.
The property with the business is offered for sale by private treaty as a going concern. Aaron O’Reilly of O’Donnellan & Joyce auctioneers is the sole selling agent, and further details as well as financials are available on request and on signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA ). Viewings are strictly by appointment only and no parties should present themselves at the premises without the strict permission of the selling agent.
Contact Aaron O’Reilly on 091 564 212 or email [email protected].
