There was a surge in the level of activity in Co Mayo last year. The supply of land to the market more than doubled, while the number of completed transactions also doubled to 35 sales. Land values, on the other hand, remained extremely steady.

A total of 84 farms incorporating 3,212 acres arrived on the market in Mayo last year – significantly up from the 1,418 acres that were offered for sale in 2015. Supply was substantially helped by the sale of Westport House, which stands on 455 acres of parkland, lakes and grazing ground. Guided at €10m, it sold recently for an undisclosed sum.

The average price for land in the county last year was €5,701/acre, almost identical to the 2015 average of €5,699/acre. Mayo is the third least expensive county in which to buy land. Leitrim is the least expensive at €4,560/acre.

Prices ranged from €1,600/acre for a parcel of land in the Kiltimagh region to a top price of €12,300/acre for a 14.3-acre residential holding situated at Rockfield, Turlough, Castlebar, which sold under the hammer for €176,000. Other properties that sold at auction included a 27.1-acre parcel located at Tullybeg, Castlebar, which made €140,750 or €5,100/acre; a 16.5-acre piece of good-quality land near Ayle, Westport, averaged €161,000 or €9,700/acre; another 23-acre parcel at Drimeen, Ayle, sold for €202,000 or €8,700/acre; while a 42.3-acre residential farm at Bracklaghboy, Ballyhaunis, was knocked down at €350,000 or €8,200/acre.

Other prices include €10,000/acre for a small parcel near Belcarra; a top-quality parcel in the Mayo Abbey made €8,500/acre; a large hill farm near Balla sold for €4,100/acre; 20 acres of average quality land fetched €3,300/acre, while an attractive residential farm with buildings in the Claremorris area sold for €8,000/acre.

Good-quality land was keenly contested by locals. Almost 10 properties, mostly comprising 10 to 30 acres, fetched €8,000/acre or more.