In last week’s Irish Country Living, it was discussed that there is a market for large non-residential farms in Ireland this year with quite a number of these coming to the market in 2018.

The 225 acres at Rathcoffey, Co Kildare, the 180 acres in Lucan, the 179-acre Greenogue Farm on the Meath-Dublin border and the 188 acres at Ashbourne, Co Meath, are all examples of larger non-residential farms that have sparked interest around the market since the summer. However, of all the farms on the market this year, the 320-acre Rowlestown Farm on the Dublin-Meath border is one of the finest.

From pillar to post, this farm is sensational. Encompassing over 320 acres, a modern spacious farmyard, circa 3km of road frontage and a super location, the overall package is as comprehensive as it is extensive.

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Of all the farms on the market this year, the 320-acre Rowlestown Farm on the Dublin-Meath border is one of the finest

The guide of €20,000/ac reflects this. This may seem steep but there are a number of justifications for this price tag.

Firstly, its north Dublin location and the fact there are a number of strong agricultural outfits that neighbour the farm. A specific buyer is needed for a farm like this and Rowlestown Farm is situated in the middle of a few.

Secondly, the farm itself; all in one block, practical, ample access and excellent quality, the property ticks all boxes.

‘14t DM/ha for grass and 5t/ac for winter wheat’

The farm is all in one block with almost 130 acres in tillage and 192 acres in grass. Running through the heart of the property is a roadway that diverges in numerous places, ensuring you can drive every inch of the farm. It is also worth noting that the condition of this roadway would challenge that of any primary road.

The condition and fencing of each paddock is super, while the layout and practicality is second to none.

In terms of the land, we are in fertile country in north Dublin and the yields here are impressive. The land has the capability of yielding 4t/ac of winter barley and 4.8t/ac - 5t/ac of winter wheat.

In terms of grassland, the farm can grow between 12t and 14t of DM/ha. The challenges of this year saw the farm grow between 11t and 12t of DM/ha. The farm is in rotation, with three years set in tillage before it is returned to grass. This crop rotation was implemented in the last eight years, meaning 70% of the land has been reseeded in just under a decade. This also ensures that it qualifies for the three-crop rule.

A shelter belt across the farm makes it ideal for livestock. It is divided into almost 25 fields of various sizes and there is piped water to all the land.

The yard area

The farmyard contains a recently constructed slatted unit that can facilitate up to 200 cattle. It also includes an extensive concrete yard, cattle handling pens with a cattle crush, silage pits, and an office, while a large machinery/grain store completes the facility.

The sale

Offered by Andrew Nolan of Goffs Property, the farm is guided for €6.4m or €20,000/ac. The vendor is Richard McDonagh, the same vendor who sold the 179-acre Greenogue Farm for €2.71m last week. The sale is by private treaty but Irish Country Living believes that progress has been made since the farm came the market in the last month.