Paddy Jordan and Clive Kavanagh from Jordan Auctioneers, Newbridge, have a number of fine properties on the market and among them is a circa 205-acre residential grass farm situated at Clonaghlis, Ardclough, Straffan, Co Kildare.

Most people will be familiar with the renowned Lyons Estate located outside Newcastle and this property adjoins Lyons at the boundary. Used for both beef and sheep over the years, but mostly for sheep, the Ardclough farm is set out in one large expansive 205-acre block that features 12 sprawling fields, characterised by towering mature trees. Formerly used as a training centre, an all-weather gallop (now disused) was constructed on the land a number of years ago, which gives an indication of the combination of level plains and gradual rises found at various locations throughout the farm.

Currently in permanent pasture, the land is classified under the Elton and Straffan series, and mostly comprises limestone with a small admixture of shale and sandstone. Although in pasture, the agent reports that the farm is suitable for tillage and describes it as “some of the best limestone land in the area”. It has been rented out in recent years.

While benefiting from a main entrance and a secondary access point, the land also features a small amount of road frontage. In a derelict state, the residence is a period house positioned on a nice site overlooking the farm, giving potential for a possible replacement house subject to planning. The farmyard is traditional, comprising haysheds, a machinery shed and some stone outbuildings. The location is superb, just 2.5 miles from Celbridge, Kill and Newcastle, less than two miles from Straffan and just over six miles from Maynooth. It’s also convenient to the M7 Dublin-Limerick and M4 Dublin-Sligo motorways.

Jordan Auctioneers will auction the farm in one lot only on 28 June in the Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth, at 3pm. It’s understood that there has been a steady level of viewings to date, and these should accelerate as the auction approaches.

Interest is expected across the board from bloodstock owners to tillage and livestock farmers. The entire is guided in the region of €2.75m, or €13,500/acre.

40 acres on edge of village

Elsewhere, the same agent is handling the sale of a circa 40-acre parcel of land situated on the edge of the village of Kilmead, which is five miles north of Athy and nine miles south of Kilcullen. Complete with 500 metres of road frontage, plus narrow access to a cul de sac, the land is mostly in tillage (just one field in grass) and adjoins the development boundary for the village, possibly offering some form of future potential.

Jordan Auctioneers will auction the property on 27 June in the Clanard Court Hotel, Athy, at 3pm. The land is guided at €10,000/acre. CL