It is rare to see almost 120 acres of good-quality ground come to the market in the west of Ireland. For John Dolan, the Galway-based auctioneer handling the sale, it is as big as he can remember in recent times in this area.

Located at Skenageehy, circa 4km from Laurencetown, Co Galway, this parcel of land is substantial. Including a residence and a farmyard, the property packs a punch. Previously farmed by a beef and sheep farmer, this good east Galway ground is equally suited to dairying.

While many may be blue in the face with the drive to dairy, this land has the potential to be converted to such an enterprise quite easily. A centrally located farmyard is complemented by a residence just off from it, ideal for a farmhouse.

A roadway leading from the main road to the heart of the farmyard and residence would aid this conversion if necessary. The roadway extends from the yard to neighbouring fields, but stops short of what would be deemed comprehensive. A dairy farm would possibly require an extension of this roadway through the heart of the farm to maximise convenience.

The farmyard

A circa 300m roadway leads from the main road to the yard area. The roadway is wide enough to comfortably fit heavy machinery. The farmyard itself is spacious and open and there is plenty of storage around the yard. Buildings on the farm include a four-bay lean-to and a cubicle shed with the capabilities of holding around 60 cattle. Attached to this is a hay barn. Both are in need of some TLC and modernisation.

Towards the back of the farmyard area is a silage slab and an area for storing farmyard manure. A handling facility and cattle crush make up the balance.

The yard area itself is in need of some work. Interest has been expressed from dairy farmers and, should this be the outcome, the yard would require infrastructural investment to get it to the level of a functional dairy enterprise.

The land

The land consist of circa 119 acres. The holding is divided into around 15 paddocks, with fields of varying sizes. Rented out for over 20 years, the ground is well maintained. Currently rented by a beef and sheep farmer, the land is fenced with sheep wire and is predominantly well fenced throughout. Water is supplied by a private water supply.

Also present in close proximity to the yard is a phone mast that is currently being leased to a notable Irish mobile operator. This will provide a substantial off-farm income.

Residence

The residence is an old-style four-bed bungalow. Built in the 1960s, the home is in need of modernisation. Located circa 400m from the main road, it is located just off the farmyard. This would maximise convenience for a farmer living here.

Surrounding the house are mature pine trees and a spacious driveway. The pine trees provide some nice shelter as well as privacy.

Interest

Due to the location, size and quality of the holding, there has been a substantial level of interest. According to John Dolan of John Dolan Auctioneers, Ballinasloe, numerous offers have been made for the property already, which are now under consideration. The seller in question is retired and has moved out of the area. The lands have been rented out for almost 20 years.

The sale is up for private treaty and is guided in the region of €1.1m (circa €9,250/acre), which is reflective of the size and quality on show here in east Galway.