Historic Limavady estate continues diversification strategy with £400,000 investment programme aimed at long-term sustainability.
An historic estate with roots dating back to 1640 is continuing to invest in its future, with the opening of a new garden and lifestyle store at Drenagh Estate & Gardens in Limavady.
The new retail space has been created within a former piggery and features a curated collection of locally crafted products from regional artists and producers. The development is the latest stage in a wider investment programme that has seen £400,000 invested across the estate over the past seven years.
“What we have today is a unique destination with both local and international appeal”
Drenagh Estate, which has been in the McCausland family for 11 generations, has expanded its visitor offering in recent years through hospitality, events, accommodation and food services as part of a strategy designed to secure the estate’s long-term sustainability.
Transforming heritage
Conolly McCausland, the 11th generation of the family and current custodian of Drenagh Estate, said the transformation of the business has been significant.
“Taking a step back to look at the potential of the estate has been transformative. What we have today is a unique destination with both local and international appeal, from hosting 120 weddings per annum at the Manor House and our venues throughout the Estate, to our on-site accommodation and the Orangery café, which now welcomes around 75,000 visitors each year.”
He said the new venture builds on that progress while supporting local businesses.
“The new garden and lifestyle store is another step forward in bringing fresh experiences to visitors while supporting local makers, and giving visitors even more reason to explore the Estate and the beautiful gardens and parklands we are situated within. It’s a transformation of the use of the Estate which respects its heritage while evolving to meet today’s visitor expectations.”
McCausland also highlighted the importance of the estate’s banking relationship in helping bring investment plans forward.
“Throughout this process, we’ve been incredibly impressed by the level of care and consideration shown by Stephen and the team at Bank of Ireland. They took the time to really understand the business, our vision, our plans for investment, and the long-term returns we’re working towards. It’s been a relationship built on trust, shared ambition, and a genuine appreciation for what we’re trying to achieve here.
“We’re excited about the future of the estate and value the Bank’s continued support as we bring the next phase of our plans to life.”
Bank of Ireland UK has supported the estate’s latest developments as it continues to expand its commercial activities while preserving its heritage assets.
Stephen Davidson, Business Manager at Bank of Ireland UK, said Drenagh Estate demonstrates how historic properties can develop sustainable business models through strategic investment.
“We’re delighted to support Conolly and the continued evolution of Drenagh Estate. It’s a fantastic example of how heritage and innovation can come together to create a thriving, sustainable business that attracts visitors from near and far.”
He added: “Being a trusted partner is something we don’t take for granted, and we look forward to continuing to support Conolly as the estate embarks on its next phase of development and growth.”
Looking ahead, Drenagh Estate has outlined a five-year development plan focused on strengthening operational performance and sustainability. Future investment will target efficiency improvements and on-site power generation projects, supporting both cost management and the estate’s longer-term environmental objectives.
Image at top: Conolly McCausland, owner, Drenagh Estate with Stephen Davidson, Business Manager, Bank of Ireland
👉 No tech background needed to bring your business into the AI age! Secure your scholarship to complete the certification at no cost. Apply now and get started!
-
Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day – funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more, click here
-
For support in challenging times, click here
-
Listen to the ThinkBusiness Podcast for business insights and inspiration. All episodes are here. You can also listen to the Podcast on:
-
Spotify
-
SoundCloud
-
Apple
