A respected Cork-based potato business, Castlecor Potatoes, has bought a 117-acre farm in Ballylegan, Glanworth, Co Cork, at auction this month. Acting on behalf of Castlecor Potatoes was solicitor David O’Meara.

Run by the Ned English and his family, the company is a renowned potato contractor in the area.

The farm bought is a super 117-acre holding situated 2km from Glanworth and around 10km from Fermoy. Rented to a dairy and tillage farmer for the last number of years, it is a dual-purpose farm with access via a public road.

The super 117-acre farm at Ballylegan, Glanworth, Co Cork, sold for €1.6m.

The land here is described as excellent, free-draining ground. The residence is a two-storey farmhouse, which is nicely set back from the public road and approached by a tree-lined tarmac drive.

The farm buildings include two three-column hay barns with lean-to, a four-column double hay shed, stables and outhouses.

The pre-auction guide was €1.5m, or €12,800/ac, and opened its door at €1m, or €8,500/ac. In front of an attendance of up to 60 people, three bidders chased the holding until it reached €1.4m, or almost €12,000/ac. After slowing at €1.48m, or €12,600/ac, it was withdrawn from auction.

The residence is a two-storey farmhouse.

Negotiations afterwards proved fruitful and it was sold for €1.6m, or almost €13,700/ac. In the past this address has proven popular for certain buyers wanting to invest in residential farms in Cork, and dairy and tillage farms are also prominent here. This most recent result highlights the strong process and high demand in the area. Auctioneer handling the sale was Michael Barry of Dick Barry and Sons.