As one drives along the country roads of the Clare-Tipperary border, the picturesque countryside almost serves as a distraction when you attempt to find the hidden 140-acre gem, which is about 2km from Clonlara in Co Clare.

With an address of Deerpark, Doonass, Clonlara, Co Clare, the parcel is located off a scenic country road. Blink and you will miss it. As you drive along the 600m roadway that leads to the main yard, large, fertile paddocks follow you from each side. You can’t help but think of how ideal this roadway would be for someone interested in a career in dairy.

The lands

Described as one of the finest farms that has come to the market in the area for quite some time, the quality of the land ensures you don’t question the sentiment.

The circa 140-acre site contains a depth of soil that is both fertile and well drained. They are laid out in one extensively large block, making this holding perfect for a farmer looking to maximise convenience and practicality. There are nine paddocks on the property but as they are very large, they could easily be subdivided into smaller paddocks depending on the grazing system the farmer wishes to deploy.

The fields are relatively well fenced, with some work needed on some of the fields but nothing major. Water is provided by a mains supply. There is an array of shelter throughout the fields, provided by extensive hedgerows. There is also circa five acres of mature woodland throughout the holding.

It must be noted that the 600m roadway leading from the road to the farmyard may be in need of slight maintenance work as it is currently slightly bumpy. This roadway is vital to the property as it splits the holding in half and makes the farm very practical.

The farmyard

Also present on the property is the farmyard area. The farmyard is located at the end of the holding and access to it is provided by the roadway. From first viewing, it is an open and spacious yard area, ideal for operating large machinery. However, for a suckler farmer or livestock-rearing enterprise, it may be necessary to fence or close off some parts of the farmyard to make moving cattle more convenient.

Located in the main yard area is a six-bay double-slatted shed capable of holding well over 50 cattle. The shed is in need of some TLC but overall is in decent shape. There is also a cattle handling facility in the yard area, as well as a silage slab. A haybarn in need of total renovation and modernisation makes up the balance of farm buildings present.

The residence

A residence is also present. Derelict for quite a while, the building is currently boarded up. However, there is plenty of potential to unlock in this three-bed bungalow. Located 50m from the main farmyard and along the roadway into the yard, the residence would make a perfect farmhouse. However, investment in this project is badly needed.

Price tag

The property is currently being guided at €1.3m, representing circa €9,000 to €9,500/acre. For the quality of the grounds, the auctioneer handling the sale, James Lee of REA Lee, believes it is keenly priced. Speaking with Irish Country Living, he said that this was the finest holding to come to the market in recent times.

This residential property is being offered in one lot. Local interest has been high, and one offer has already been made. The holding is for sale by private treaty and final offers are due on 17 November.

47 acres also up for grabs

Also up for grabs by the same sellers is 47 acres just outside Clonlara town. This 47-acre holding may not be as high a quality as the 140 acres, but it still of very reasonable spec. Offered in one lot, the property contains some heavy patches of ground but would be ideal for a sheep or suckler farmer.

Presented in circa eight good-sized paddocks, the lands are well fenced and supplied with mains water.

Offered at a guide of €300,000, plenty of interest has been shown in the holding to date.