JLL is bringing to market a significant aviation and landholding opportunity with the sale of Newcastle Aerodrome, a 141-acre coastal airfield located in Newcastle, Co. Wicklow, approximately 45km south of Dublin City Centre.
The property, currently in active use as a licensed airfield, is being offered with a guide price of €16.2 million, reflecting its strategic location, unique operational capability, and long-term development potential.
Positioned just 500 metres from Newcastle village and with direct access to the N11 and M50 road network, the site benefits from strong connectivity to Dublin City, Dublin Airport, and key regional centres. Kilcoole Train Station, located approximately 3km north, provides regular commuter services, further enhancing accessibility.
The aerodrome covers approximately 141 acres and features a 690-metre grass runway, operational year-round, along with a range of supporting infrastructure, including hangars, offices, and operational buildings, all in good condition. The site also includes a disused residential dwelling, presenting potential for refurbishment or repurposing.
A key differentiator of Newcastle Aerodrome is its location within Class G airspace, allowing unrestricted flight operations without the need for clearance, alongside its designation as a customs-approved entry and exit point for aircraft travelling to and from the UK. In addition, the aerodrome benefits from its own Air Traffic Zone (ATZ) which, again, has no restriction on movement. This provides a distinct operational advantage over comparable aviation assets.
Furthermore, significant master planning has been carried out regarding future development potential on the lands which include a best-in-class vertiport and drone centre of excellence offering which could provide training and commercial unmanned aerial vehicle testing, a substantial growth area. At approximately 200 square miles, the proposed drone training centre would be one of the largest in Europe.
In addition, the master plan proposes the development of new hangar construction providing modern storage, maintenance and operational capacity and a training centre to include airline simulators enabling professional pilot instruction to international standards.
Commenting on the opportunity, Ollie Lyons, Senior Director, Development Land, JLL said, “Newcastle Aerodrome represents a rare, unique combination of scale, location, and operational flexibility within the Irish aviation market. Its positioning within unrestricted airspace, coupled with proximity to Dublin, creates a compelling platform for both continued aviation/drone use and future innovation-led development.”
The sale presents a unique opportunity for investors, aviation operators, and developers seeking to capitalise on the growing demand for aviation and drone infrastructure, training facilities, and next-generation air mobility solutions.
