A number of auctioneers around the country tell me that it can be easier to sell 70- to 100-acre blocks in the current market than it is to sell 20- to 30-acre parcels. Latest reports suggest that the momentum for smaller parcels (in certain regions) has eased over the past six to eight weeks but the demand for large 100-acre blocks remains strong. This is an unusual turnaround as smaller parcels, although generally costing more on a per-acre basis, are more affordable for a wider number of customers. However, a combination of vast sums of money still on deposit (including roads money) coupled with the concept of expansion, especially among dairy farmers, is driving a real demand for big blocks. This demand is also being underpinned by overseas interest, particularly in the country estates market. The difficulty for agents is finding these big blocks; some clients are looking to buy 200 to 300 acres, which infrequently arrive on the market.

I am aware, however, that some agents who had large farms and estates retained on their books for the past two to three years are after selling all these and are now eager to acquire a new inventory of suitable properties for clients. The challenge is sourcing them.

However, despite the fact that December is almost upon us, a number of large blocks are currently for sale around the country.

100-acre farmer’s farm near Ladysbridge

Two of what are described as “farmers’ farms” have arrived on the Cork market. The first is a 100-acre non-residential property situated in an area where land is rarely offered for sale at Ightermurragh, Ladysbridge, Co Cork. Set out in one block, the land is described as top-class and suited to grass or tillage with 13 acres after maize while the rest is under grass. Laid out in four big fields, the property features extensive road frontage and is just a mile from Ladysbridge village and eight miles from Midleton.

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For sale through Micheal Barry from Barry Auctioneers, Fermoy, by auction on 11 December next in the Garryvoe Hotel, the property is guided at €10,000 to €12,000/acre.

The property also comes with the remains of Ightermurragh Castle.

108 acres with new cow shed at Lombardstown

A 108-acre non-residential farm situated at Lombardstown village, Mallow, Co Cork, is currently for sale by private treaty. This property has been on the market for a number of weeks and is currently bid to €1,125,000. Used as an outfarm by the owner, it was intended to develop the property as a self-contained dairy operation over a number of years. With that in mind, part of the farm has been returned to grass and a new slatted cow shed was built five years ago that can accommodate 150,000 gallons of slurry. Suitable for 300 cattle, the shed is open plan and is currently divided into various pens but, as it stands, doesn’t have any cubicles fitted (but there is the capacity to do this). There is also a traditional farmyard which features a disused milking parlour, cubicle shed, machinery shed and hayshed.

Set out in one 108-acre block, the land is bordered on one side by the railway line and has two access points from the road. Around 40 acres are in tillage while the rest is in grass. Fields are accessed from a farm roadway and water is supplied from a private well and from the mains.

Selling agent Daniel Fleming, Blarney, is handling the sale by private treaty and is guiding in the region of €1.3 million for the entire.

84-acre farm near Athleague

Elsewhere, Connaughton Auctioneers, Athleague, will auction an 84-acre farm situated a mile from Athleague village on the Roscommon/Galway border at Gorteencloogh & Corramore. For those familiar with the area, the farm is in close proximity to the Kepak beef factory and will be offered in a range of lots, making it more attractive to local farmers who may want to acquire a small parcel of land in the area.

Primarily set out in two main blocks, a hayshed on circa 10.8 acres is located down the road from the remaining circa 73 acres. Described as a “fine farm”, the property has frontage to the river Suck and has been used over the years for grazing purposes. It goes to auction on 12 December in a number of lots that include 5.1 acres with potential for a house site, 5.7 acres, 31.5 acres, 26.5 acres and 15 acres. A guide in the region of €500,000 is quoted for the entire.