Large blocks are selling well in Tipperary and there seems to be healthy competition between dairy farmers, equine parties and businesspeople. Two major auctions took place in the last two weeks in the county. The first, a 92-acre block in Cahir, gathered a massive €23,600/ac, or €2.175m. The second was Clareville Farm on over 90 acres, which sold under the hammer at €12,250, or over €1.1m, to a dairy farmer.

Pat Quirke of PF Quirke and Co Ltd has brought a holding of similar size to the market over the last six weeks and will be hoping for spectacular results – as seen over the early summer.

The 101-acre block of land is up for grabs near at Clonacody, Co Tipperary. Located in the heart of horse country, the farm is located on the R689 between the towns of Fethard and Clonmel.

A rich history

The property is an outstanding agricultural and equine holding, with a rich history.

Over the years the Clonacody gallops have been used by some of the best trainers to test and prepare horses who have gone on to win prestigious races. In recent years the land and gallops were used for grass and hay making for the first half of the year and reverted to gallops for the latter six months. The property at Clonacody was once home to a prize-winning herd of Angus cattle.

The farm has well-renowned grass gallops and there is the outline of an all-weather gallop also. This has been disused for some years and is gone back into grass, however it is still hedged and easily outlined – so it could be reinstated if required. A sizable sand arena is present and closer to the yard there is a smaller enclosed sand arena.

The buildings

The buildings in the yard consist of stables, an old cow byre and a four-bay hay barn with a lean-to. For the most part the buildings are structurally sound, but the roofs do need replacing. There is no dwelling included in the sale, but there is a separate entrance to the yard and access from the R689. The property has extensive road frontage and mature trees positioned in a parkland setting. There is fabulous scenery with the Comeraghs to the south and Slievenamon to the east. The land has been in the same family for three generations and it shows, with well-maintained fences and hedges. While the farm buildings are in need of renovation, the land is in superb condition, being extremely fertile and suitable for grazing or tillage. It’s top-quality land and all in one big block, offering a range of options to prospective buyers.

This appealing landblock would suit any farmer across most farming enterprises. Given its history and facilities, it will further appeal to anyone looking to create a horse-training establishment in a winning location.

The offering

Pat Quirke guided the fabulous property at €17,500/ac. He is confident of getting this as there is plenty of precedent in an area where big blocks of land up for public sale are rare. The opportunity to buy a decent block like this in south Tipperary doesn’t come too often. The holding, which is offered in the entire only, is sold via private treaty.