The estate is fully owned and managed by the family. The creative and entrepreneurial spirit of the McClintock Bunbury family is the source of a number of internationally recognised businesses based in the Lisnavagh Estate. The family have looked to the estate and have found a number of ways of using its natural resources in an ecologically sound manner.

Lord and Lady Rathdonnell have been managing Lisnavagh since the early 1960s. The estate was largely operated as a farm during this time with supplemental income coming in from house lets, bed & breakfast accommodation, holiday cottages and opening the gardens. Through no small effort on their part, Lord and Lady Rathdonnell managed to retain the estate through some very difficult times – an era which saw many, or even most, similar estates sold off.

William McClintock Bunbury has been back at Lisnavagh since 2000 with a view to creating a financially sustainable environment on the estate. The intention is to establish a number of profitable enterprises on the estate by maximising the resources available, but without harming the integrity or nature of Lisnavagh. In 2001, The Lisnavagh Timber Project was established and is proving to be a success. Several cottages and houses have been refurbished. The restoration of the Farmyard has commenced and the buildings are being used again.

Emily McClintock Bunbury married William in October 2002 and has been very actively involved in several aspects of the estate. As well as running her own business, Tailormade Ireland, Emily has been the main force in developing and managing the plan for Lisnavagh House as a venue for weddings and corporate events.

Fred Drion took over from Andy Verney 2006 as Farm Manager. Fred is involved in the day to day running of Lisnavagh Estate.

Other family members, including Turtle Bunbury, Andrew Bunbury, Sasha Sykes and Rosie Bunbury, regularly contribute ideas, time and energy to the estate.