As featured in the Business Post, Sunday, May 11, 2025
Lansdowne Place, once met with skepticism, has unequivocally emerged as Ireland’s most prestigious residential address, setting an unprecedented benchmark for luxury living in Dublin. A recent feature in the Business Post, penned by Tina-Marie O’Neill, delves into the remarkable journey of this Ballsbridge scheme, highlighting its transformation into a symbol of unparalleled sophistication and success.
From Ambition to Icon: Silencing the Sceptics
The vision for Lansdowne Place, conceived by Joe O’Reilly, founder of Castlethorn Construction and Chartered Land Group (the force behind Dundrum Town Centre), was initially deemed “too ambitious” by many within the industry. Doubts lingered about the market for high-end apartments in Dublin at such price points. Yet, O’Reilly remained undeterred, driven by a long-term vision to create an international standard of living, complete with concierge service, a private residents’ club, and unrivalled amenities. His foresight has proven prophetic, as the development has not only “silenced its early sceptics but also reshaped the concept of luxury apartment living in Dublin,” as O’Neill originally wrote.
Of the 215 apartments originally launched, an astonishing 204 have been sold and occupied, generating over €350 million in sales. Only five exclusive units now remain, including the crowning jewel: a four-bedroom penthouse priced at €7.5 million.
The Force Behind the Finish: Gemma Harrington’s Strategic Vision
A significant driving force behind Lansdowne Place’s sales triumph is Gemma Harrington, Head of Sales & Marketing for Lansdowne Place. Bringing a unique blend of residential expertise and strategic insight, Harrington shared her perspective with the Business Post: “When I joined Castlethorn, Lansdowne Place was like nothing I’d ever seen. This wasn’t just another new homes scheme – this was a lifestyle product, a ‘want’ not a ‘need,’ and we had to market it that way.”
Harrington’s innovative approach eschewed traditional media, focusing instead on an international digital strategy to target a global audience of affluent buyers. This strategy proved highly effective, with “some 40 per cent of our buyers are from overseas, many using Lansdowne as a Dublin base. Others live full-time in places like Kildare or Cork but want a city presence for business, sport or social life,” she explained further.
Early discerning buyers, including notable figures like Stephen Vernon, Rod Stewart, Roy Keane, and leading tech executives Niall Turley and Louise Phelan, provided an initial “seal of credibility” that attracted a diverse range of international investors and Irish business magnates seeking a secure, stylish base in the capital.
An Unparalleled Lifestyle: The Heart of the Development
Beyond its prime location on Lansdowne Road, the true allure of Lansdowne Place lies in its quietly luxurious scheme and the exceptional lifestyle it offers. At the heart of its residents’ amenities is a 600 square metre residents’ club, a sanctuary featuring a cinema, private dining room, sauna, steam room, fitness studio, and treatment rooms, all supported by 24-hour concierge service.
Harrington highlighted the practicality and exclusivity of these shared spaces: “Residents can host dinner parties without messing up their own homes. The dining room comfortably seats 16 and is supported by a full catering kitchen.” Liam Guerin, Head of Concierge Services, leverages his strong links in the catering industry, ensuring “residents simply show up and enjoy themselves.” The development also caters to professional needs, with senior members of corporate boards often holding meetings in the dedicated boardroom.
Lansdowne Place actively fosters a vibrant community through various activities, from book clubs and wine tastings to walking groups and golf societies. This sense of connection is particularly valued by residents who appreciate the privacy and discretion the development affords. As Harrington observed, “One gentleman, who had been living in the US for 40 years, was thrilled that no one here recognised him. People mix easily. You’d never know who you were chatting to, and that’s exactly how they like it.” The unique community spirit, Harrington suggests, may have been catalysed by recent global events, allowing residents to socialise within their private bubble.
The development’s “lock up and leave” appeal, coupled with its comprehensive concierge support, makes it especially attractive to high-net-worth individuals and frequent travellers. The level of service, according to Harrington, is unparalleled, ranging from pre-arrival heating adjustments and milk in the fridge to discreet parcel collection. “Trust is a huge factor,” she affirmed. “Our residents know they can call and request almost anything, and it’ll be sorted discreetly. That discretion is something we’ve traded on from day one.”
Validation Through Experience: A Game Changer
While the project’s execution presented some early challenges, particularly with off-plan sales due to the sheer range of apartment types (over 40 unique layouts), the completion of the buildings marked a turning point. Harrington noted, “Initial buyers were seasoned investors like Stephen Vernon who were comfortable with plans. But most people needed to physically experience the quality before making a decision.”
With nearly all apartments now occupied and the final five drawing significant interest, Lansdowne Place is not merely concluding a sales chapter; it is embarking on a new one as a fully established community. As Harrington eloquently puts it: “We’ve created something unique here. Lansdowne Place isn’t just a home, it’s a lifestyle – and for many, it’s the only place in Dublin that truly feels like one.”
For those still considering a purchase, Lansdowne Place’s final apartments represent the last opportunity to join Ireland’s most exclusive residential address.
For private viewings and inquiries, contact:
Savills International: 353 (0)1 618 1300
Sherry FitzGerald: +353 (0)1 667 1888
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