From the glacial karst landscape of the Burren to the fertile plains touching the Golden Vale, Clare and Limerick offer a unique dynamic to the agricultural sector, writes Alison Sinnott.

Clare

The market for land in Clare has stabilised in the last year, having seen much variation in 2015, according to the Irish Farmers Journal 2016 Land Report. Average values and the supply of land fell by over 30% in 2015, with the average price paid for land at €5,391/acre. In 2016, land prices were up 9% year on year, with an average price of €5,856/acre. The supply of land in the county has continued its downward trend. A total of 77 farms incorporating 3,305 acres were brought to the market in 2016, representing a 14.8% drop on the previous year, when 3,882 acres were offered for sale. Contrasting land prices ranged from a big block of winterage-type land selling at €1,900/acre to a top price of almost €13,100/acre for a 70-acre farm in Quin, Co Clare.

Limerick

Consistency is key in Limerick land, with stability seen throughout 2016. Average values saw very little difference, from €8,665/acre in 2015 to €8,654/acre in 2016 - an €11 decrease. To add to this, the supply of land to the market has increased, going from 3,786 acres in 2015 to 4,359 acres last year. This 15% increase places Limerick fourth in terms of the most land offered for sale. Prices varied across the market, from €2,500/acre for a block of land in the Galbally area to a top price of €16,250/acre for a 20-acre residential holding located in Adare that went under the hammer for €325,000.