There is a market for large blocks of land in Ireland. The majority of this interest comes from dairy farmers in the south of the country, mainly Cork, Kilkenny and Tipperary. However, over the last 12 months, dairy interest from less-traditional dairy counties are beginning to weigh in on this market.

Farmers from the west and north who have eyes on converting to dairy are looking at larger swards of land across Ireland. For counties like Westmeath and Roscommon, where the guide price is not as high as some traditional dairy counties and land quality can be very good, dairy farmers are interested.

This is the case for a very good-quality 225-acre farm in Moyvore in Westmeath.

Offered by Dillon Murtagh of Murtagh Bros, the farm has been on the market since earlier this year. It is located in two areas, with the main block of 138 acres located circa 2km from the other section (87 acres).

The land is very good quality according to Murtagh. Currently in grass, it could be used for tillage. It is 225 acres of bare land and there are no buildings attached to the sale. For the agent, this is an attractive feature as those with dairy interests can build facilities from scratch without having to renovate or upgrade buildings to their own specification.

The guide on the farm is €1.8m or €8,000/ac. It is being offered by private treaty.

Interest is steady so far. Unlike public auctions, there is less of a focus on time when it comes to private treaty sales. The money involved ensures that time will be taken to get the ducks in a row, so to speak.

Given the reasonable guide, the opportunity for a dairy farmer to purchase this big block may be too good to turn down.