Wicklow land prices experienced the greatest price drop in 2018, with values falling almost 25% to just under €9,100/ac. However, the market here was by no means stagnant, with the number of completed transactions trebled last year. The quality of holdings that were sold were lower, which led to a drop in average price.

Auctioneers offering farms in Wicklow will hope the high completion rate of properties here will continue into 2019. One such auctioneer, David Quinn of Quinn Property is confident that the 81-acre farm he has just brought to the market will make headway in the coming weeks.

Offered by private treaty, the farm is located in Ballymanus, near Aughrim in Co Wicklow. Situated in a picturesque part of south Wicklow, the farm is guided for a very reasonable €7,700/ac.

It comes with an extensive farmyard, a range of buildings and certain hill rights. The farm is offered three lots, including the entire.

The farm

The farm is in one block with some frontage onto the public road and an access laneway leading to the farmyard which is set back 300m from the public road.

There is an access stoned road to the left-hand side which allows for accessibility to each field. According to the agent, the farm is well fenced and has all been reseeded in the last 10 years. It is currently laid out in grass. The farm is classified as being in a severely disadvantaged area.

The first lot is 45.5 acres of good ground. This land is located closest to the farmyard. It includes the majority of the farm buildings. This lot is guided for €400,000-€420,000 or €8,800-€9,230/ac. The second lot is almost 38 acres. This lot is adjoining Ballymanus Hill and is best suited for grassland purposes, Quinn outlined. This lot has the benefit of hill grazing rights on Ballymanus Hill which comprise of one eleventh share of 240 acres.

The farmyard on the holding is comprehensive and has a range of sheds and outbuildings including a large 120ft x 70ft multi-purpose storage shed with concrete floors and walls, an insulated roof and four double sliding doors. All of the sheds have the benefit of internal and external lighting and piped water. The livestock accommodation here includes a round-roof shed, two lean-to sheds, a three-span slatted shed with a 45ft x 30ft feeding passage, an on open concrete silage slab, and sheep and cattle handling pens with an accompanying crush.

Potential residence

According to Quinn, full planning was obtained by the current owner for a four-bedroom bungalow residence, however the new owner would have to reapply if they are to maintain the planning on the lands. The farm is offered by private treaty and arrived on the market in mid-March.