Two auctions are on the horizon in Westmeath in the next two weeks, as 160 acres are up for grabs.

The first of the two auctions will take place next Thursday, 26 April, at the Greville Arms Hotel. A substantial 120 acres of grassland located in Ballinacor, Ballymore, Co Westmeath, are on offer.

Described by auctioneer handling the sale, Dillion Murtagh of Murtagh Bros, as a good, solid farm, 80 acres of the holding are of good quality, with the remainder of mixed quality. However, it is vital to note that this farm has been severely neglected for quite some time. Rented as conacre for a number of years, it has been used intensively without much being put back in. For this reason major investment, such as reseeding, drainage, fencing, reclamation, etc, must be carried out on the lands. The lands also require fencing.

Laid out in one block, it was set stocked. Historically, the lands were once a part of a large estate. This is an executive sale and the guide price is €700,000.

The second auction is for 39 acres in Emper near Ballynacargy in Westmeath. This residential farm is being guided for circa €300,000. It contains a traditional, two-bed cottage which was built circa 50 years ago. The land here is good grazing ground and similar to Ballinacor, it requires some TLC. Previously a beef farm, this farm is up for auction on 3 May and also takes place at the Greville Arms Hotel in Mullingar.