Buyers sought for Necarne centre in County Fermanagh

The estate dates back to the 17th century.

An historic estate and equestrian centre in County Fermanagh has been put up for sale.

The Necarne centre in Irvinestown is owned by Fermanagh District Council.

It was leased by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Department but they vacated the premises in June 2012, saying it had become "surplus" to requirements.

Now buyers or tenants are being sought for the estate.

The site, which includes nearly 230 acres of land, was used to house DARD's College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise.

However, last November it was reported that DARD no longer needed the Necarne facility for its equine education programmes.

It said they were working with the council to dispose of it.

But, at the time, the council said DARD would not be allowed out of its 25-year lease until there was an alternative found for Necarne.

The council said it was seeking expressions of interest to see if anyone else wanted to lease or run it.

Equine education provision is now being provided at the main Enniskillen campus.