Four bargains this summer

There have been some top-quality farms on the market this summer. While supply is back across the country, there are still numerous quality holdings for sale. Irish Country Living looks at four reasonably guided farms.

1 Arable Westmeath property guides €7,500/ac

Location: Raharney, Westmeath

Acres: 84

Guide: €630,000 or €7,500/ac

Sale: public auction (20 June)

Agent: Dillion Murtagh, Murtagh Bros

As you head towards the Meath border from Westmeath, you will find the majority of the really top-quality tillage ground. Areas like Kilucan, across to Delvin and down towards Raharney contain some of the best tillage land in the county and, as a result, see some of the top prices.

For those looking for a larger tillage farm, the package at Raharney may be ideal. It contains no buildings or residence, it has no internal fencing and it is laid out in large divisions, divided only by internal hedging. For a tillage farmer, there is a lot of potential here. The farm contains circa 350m of road frontage and is located just outside of Raharney town. While it may be in grass, it can be used for just about any purpose.

The auction for the package takes place in the Greville Arms Hotel in Mullingar on 20 June.

2 Meath farm has prime location

Location: Bardfordstown, Kells, Co Meath

Acres: 74

Guide: €705,000 or €9,500 /ac

Sale: public auction (26 June)

Agent: Thomas Potterton and Robert Nixon

Similar to Raharney, this 74-acre farm is a multi-purpose land parcel. Consisting of 74 acres, the land is in one field. There is no internal fencing or hedgerows and according to agent Thomas Potterton the holding is an ideal tillage enterprise.

The farm was in grass until circa four years ago and it has been in tillage ever since. It is currently set in winter barley.

Located just 2km from Kells, it would be perfect for a once-off residence, though planning would need to be obtained, which is easier said than done in the current environment.

There is substantial road frontage onto the N52. Interest so far has been from both within and outside the locality, with businesspeople from Dublin and Cavan noted to have enquired about the farm.

The guide of between €9,500/ac-€10,000/ac is very reasonable given the location and the quality.

The auction takes place in the Headfort Arms Hotel, Kells, Co Meath on 26 June.

3 Mixed farm sees local interest

Location: Johnstown, Collinstown, Co Meath

Acres: 42

Guide: €300,000 or €7,100/ac (entire)

Sale: private treaty

Agent: Stephen Barry, Raymond Potterton Auctioneers

Of the 42 acres offered for sale, 22 acres are exceptional grassland with the remaining 20 acres currently planted and in mature forestry. The land is all in grass and is livestock proofed.

It has excellent road frontage and is arable, according to the agent. The guide for the grassland is between €190,000 or €8,600/ac and €210,000 or €9,500/ac.

The forestry is predominantly Norwegian Spruce and was planted in 1997. While the premiums are now surpassed, the plantation is soon for thinning and clearfell should be within the next 10-15 years.

The guide on the forestry is between €80,000 or €4,000/ac and €90,000 or €4,500/ac.

4 Offaly farm with renowned tradition

Location: Ballykean, Geashill, Co Offaly

Acres: 55

Guide: €550,000 or €10,000/ac

Sale: public auction (27 June)

Agent: Matt Dunne

“A farm steeped in history” is how agent Matt Dunne described the 55-acre farm at Ballykean near Geashill. Formerly owned by the O’Dempsey clan, the farm was always traditionally renowned as a quality farm.

Today, it is a splendid grass farm that has been maintained in very good condition. It is laid out in circa eight separate fields, two of which were recently reseeded. Accompanying the land is a derelict cottage, which will no doubt spark interest from those looking to renovate, pending the relevant planning permission. The public auction takes place in the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Portarlington on Thursday 27 June at 3pm.