Lily Mai's restaurant has since won two Bridgestone awards and has earned a reputation as one of the best restaurants in the county.

The property is for sale as a turnkey going concern and is expected to fetch in excess of Euro800,000.

The inclusion of two adjacent derelict properties in the sale will considerably increase the expansion and redevelopment potential for any prospective purchaser, selling agent Tim Ryan of Sherry Fitzgerald Ryan says.

"The owners bought the two dilapidated properties after initially purchasing the building that became the restaurant. I could see the new owner converting them into accommodation or perhaps opening a catering school there. The point is, there is onsite potential for anything one would want to do."

The owners of Lily Mai's are a husband-and-wife team who have been in the catering business for 25 years.

"They're actually getting out of the catering business completely now to pursue a totally different commercial project, " Ryan says.

In three years, they've built up a thriving business, he says, attracting custom from Cashel, Clonmel, Thurles and Limerick.

"The restaurant is popular with tourists and with people from the area who enjoy dining out. The cuisine is really top class. Produce is sourced locally whenever possible. The owners are part of the slow food movement:

once you reserve a table it's yours for the night."

The cottage is located on the N74, between Tipperary and Cashel, one hour from Cork and Shannon airports.

"It's a touristy area, " Ryan says. "The Rock of Cashel is nearby and so is the Glen of Aherlow. As well as that, the area itself is thriving and there are a number of referrals for local housing."

Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Ryan, 062-51566