A 108.6-acre residential farm at Kilcrea, Ovens, Co Cork, has been sold. The property, which only arrived on the market in late November, generated a tremendous level of interest during the course of the selling campaign. Apart from local inquiries, a range of parties from Tipperary, Kilkenny and Kerry also expressed interest in the property, which is situated just four miles from Ballincollig – a thriving suburban hub to Cork city.

It’s believed that a number of local farmers in the area were particularly eager to acquire part of the 108 acres in a bid to extend their existing operation.

However, auctioneer David Keane, Midleton only offered the property in its entirety which ruled out those who were looking for a nice 30- or 40-acre block. As private treaty sales go, this proved to be one of the quicker ones as a deal was only agreed in the past few weeks.

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Although undisclosed, it’s understood that the farm made significantly more than the €1.5m guide price. Even at €1.5m (€14,000/acre), the Kilcrea farm certainly represented the upper end of the market.

It’s believed the buyer is a local person and there were a total of four active bidders.

Land around the Ovens/Ballincollig area and further back towards Macroom/Coachford, tends to attract tremendous interest whenever it arrives on the market.

This was clearly reflected at the auction of a 49-acre residential holding at Aghabollogue, Coachford, which sold under the hammer back in November for a cool €18,500/acre.

The key selling point for the Kilcrea farm was the calibre of the land. Although the farm had been leased out for a long number of years, it had been well maintained. Spilt by the road, circa 30 acres were situated directly across from the house, yard and the remaining circa 79 acres.

Some of the land was just after a crop of maize while the rest was sown to winter cereals. A small section was nurturing some vegetables.

The farm buildings at Kilcrea included a slatted shed suitable to accommodate 60 cattle, a cubicle shed with 30 spaces, a machinery shed and a range of smaller outhouses. The two-storey four-bedroom residence was in need of renovation.

Selling agent David Keane, Midleton, is actively seeking similar type properties in the area for a number of disappointed underbidders.

Choice of two in Co Clare

DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, Ennis, is handling the private sale of two farms in Co Clare. First up is a well-located 72-acre farm on Shanaway Road, Ennis, which is just over a mile from the town and close to a residential area. Set out in a 72-acre block, the land is partially zoned and possibly offers excellent long-term potential in the future. Described as “good quality”, the land is laid out in a range of fields that slope down to the road. The guide is excess €400,000.

The second property is situated at Kilmaley, Co Clare. Extending to 33 acres, this is a non-residential block of land and is described as “very good summer grazing”. The guide is €209,000.