Big farms were plentiful last year, according to the 2014 Irish Farmers Journal Land Price Report (out this week), with almost 170 properties comprising 100 acres or more being brought to the market nationwide.

Cork was no stranger to hosting big holdings, with 25 sizeable properties coming on stream last year.

The 315-acre estate in Lisselan, Clonakilty, was one of the biggest, as was the 185-acre farm at Carrigeen Hall, Conna, which sold recently for circa €3.5m. If this trend continues, then 2015 is set to throw up some fine properties over the next 10 months.

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The arrival of a 109-acre farm in a super location, less than 15 minutes drive to Cork city, is expected to stir up a lot of interest over the next couple of weeks. With an address at Cullen, Riverstick, the farm is just half a mile off the main Kinsale/Cork road and only 10 minutes from the airport.

The owners, who are retired, are offering 109 acres along with a derelict two-storey residence and a range of traditional style buildings for sale.

The property has been rented out for over 10 years to two dairy farmers, who used it to graze replacements. The fact that selling agent Ernest Forde, Hodnett Forde, Clonakilty, is offering the farm in a range of attractive lots will make it even more conducive to neighbouring farmers who may not be in a position to buy all 109 acres, but who might manage 45 to 55 acres.

Described as a “good, sound block”, the land starts out flat and progresses back to a gentle slope.

Laid out in a range of fields, it is said to be well fenced and comes with a private water supply.

Buildings include a three-bay covered silage pit with lean-to, a three-bay loose-bedded shed, an enclosed concrete yard with a cattle-crush, an old cow barn and an old derelict dwelling.

Currently in old pasture, the land is broken by a quiet country road, giving extensive road frontage, which allows it to be offered in lots. These include: the house and yard on 57.2 acres, the 45.2 acres situated directly across the road and a further 5.7-acre field as the final lot.

It’s reported the land could be tilled or suited to other farming enterprises.

Although only brought to the market in the past week, active interest is expected. Given its proximity to the city, dairy farmers who operate on the outskirts, could raise their hand. Apart from neighbouring farmer interest, the selling agent anticipates that a number of farmers’ sons who have jobs in the city and who are eager to acquire land in the vicinity of Riverstick, may express interest too.

This attractive package is for sale by private treaty at a guide price of €12,000/acre (€1.2m to €1.3m for the entire).

It is understood the farm is “there to be sold”.