Kildare had an exceptional 2017. Not only it had the highest average land values in Ireland, but it was the only county to break the €14,000/ac barrier. A testimony to the success of the county last year was the ability of large properties to generate interest and sell at very high prices.

In 2017, holdings such as the 338 acres at Landenstown House in Sallins sold for a significant €13,600/ac, or €4.6m, while a 205-acre holding at Clonaghlis sold for €3m, or €14,600/ac, under the hammer. The latter of those holdings was offered by Paddy Jordan and it is Jordan who has a new, hot-off-the-shelf, 200-acre holding in the county. He and the seller will be hoping for more of the same when it comes to the selling price of this new property.

Located a circa kilometre from Straffan, the lands at Ardrass are situated in an ideal location. Two kilometres from Celbridge, seven kilometres from Maynooth, 15km from Naas and only 30km from Dublin city, location really is king when it comes to this holding.

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The land

The land here is of top quality. Currently all in permanent pasture, it has a good shelter belt for livestock and, according to the auctioneer, the views of the surrounding countryside is spectacular.

The land is fronted by the River Liffey and has road frontage onto two roads. The limestone base and fertile soil here would make this an ideal investment for a dairy or equine buyer. There is no buildings on the holding.

The lots

The first lot is 67 acres. This lot has extensive road frontage and is bounded by the River Liffey. Laid out in three large divisions with great shelter, it has wonderful views towards the Dublin Mountains. It is just over one kilometre to Straffan Village and convenient to Celbridge. This lot is guided for €12,000/ac.

Lot two is just over 87 acres. This holding is laid out in six divisions and is also well sheltered. Also in a prime location, it is adjoining the third lot. This is guided for between €10,000/ac- €12,000/ac.

The third lot, which is across the road from lot one and joins lot two, is 67 acres. It is laid out in 10 divisions. It includes St Patrick’s Hill, believed to have some sand and gravel deposits. There are some superb views, particularly towards the east and west. This is also guided for €10,000/ac to €12,000/ac.

The entire, or lot four, is guided for the same.

The holding was previously owned by a drystock farmer who is retiring. It has been rented out for the last number of years and has been kept in very good condition.

Interest is hard to judge at this early stage, according to Jordan. The holding is just on the market and the next couple of weeks will be interesting. The property is being offered by public auction and will go to the floor on 18 June 2018 at the Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth, Co Kildare.