The Roscommon land market has been busy in 2018. Lots of land has come up for sale, with early indication suggesting that prices have remained steady in the county.

In terms of quantity, over 100 farms have hit the shelves here this year, accumulating to 3,500 acres. This is more or less in line with 2017 figures. Having visited numerous farms that have been up for sale in Roscommon this year, it can be said with a relative degree of certainty that few, if any, farms come close to that of the 168-acre holding in Rathconnor, Four Mile House, Co Roscommon.

Close to sale

The farm has been on the market since earlier this year as a private treaty sale. When I visited back in June, it was clear that the quality justified the attention it gathered when it hit the market. Numerous enquiries were made on the farm then and it soon became apparent that a sale was close.

The property had appeared to have been snapped up over the summer, with one bidder reportedly placing a substantial bid on the holding. However, it came under the lens once more circa six weeks ago when it was announced it was back on the market.

A decision has now been taken in the last week to put the property to auction on 31 October. The move will no doubt get the action moving even faster, with a number of strong enquiries made already on the farm, auctioneer John Earley of Property Partners Earley confirmed to Irish Country Living.

Few if any farms come close to that of the 168-acre holding in Rathconnor, Four Mile House, Co Roscommon.

The farm

The farm itself is located at Rathconnor, Four Mile House, Co Roscommon. Encompassing 168 acres, it is simply a top-class holding. All in one block, the ground contains limestone soils and is situated in a well-renowned agricultural area. It is laid out in eight large paddocks and is currently all in grass. It is surrounded by stone walls5 and is well fenced around the perimeter. The land is connected to a mains water supply.

The yard area is also top notch. There is over €500,000-worth of sheds on the property, all of which are kept in good order, Earley said. These consist of circa 28 bays of slatted units with lie-backs in three barns, 20 bays of dry stock sheds and approximately 12 bays of general storage sheds.

There is also a six-bay machinery shed, a five-bay hay barn and a grain bin. A large concrete yard ensures practicality when operating heavy machinery.

The 150 acres at Grange, Fourmilehouse, Co Roscommon.

These sheds have been a big appeal for some parties that have already enquired. For cattle dealers, these sheds would be a major selling point, especially for those buying cattle in the west and looking for a place to house them. In addition, a dairy farmer looking for substantial acreages in one block with a number of sheds on the property would also find this farm attractive.

Influence of dairy

Over the last five years, some really high-quality farms with substantial acreage have sold in the surrounding area, predominantly to dairy farmers. Earley has predicted that a number of good-sized farms are due to come on the market in the coming 18 months. The possibility of expanding in the locality may entice a dairy buyer for this 168-acre property.

Guide

The guide is up for negotiation, but offers in the region of €1.5m to €1.6m, or €9,000 to €9,500/ac, have already been received. The land also comes with the benefit of €25,000-worth of entitlements and Greening payments, Earley confirmed.

The guide is up for negotiation, but offers in the region of €1.5m to €1.6m, or €9,000 to €9,500/ac, have already been received

150-acre farm in Roscommon for auction

Located at Grange, Fourmilehouse, Co Roscommon, this 150-acre holding is 5km from the 168-acre farm at Rathconnor. Guided for in the region of €850,000, or over €5,600/ac, it represents great value. The farm is well renowned in the area.

Historically regarded as a fine fattening farm by locals, it was previously part of an over 230-acre farm owned by two brothers until 150 acres was purchased by a farmer circa 12 years ago.

That farmer invested in the farm and upgraded it further. Of the total 150 acres, 100 would be really good quality.

As one goes towards the end of the farm, the ground becomes heavier and slightly rushy. This 50 acres would be prone to flooding during the winter months as it slopes down towards a lake, which supplies the land.

In terms of buildings, this package wouldn’t be as comprehensive as that of Rathconnor, but has some nice features.

There is a yard way which incorporates a four-bay, straw-bedded calving shed with a cattle crush and pen.

There is also a three-bay hay storage barn with lean-tos, a holding pen and a crush set to the side, Earley told Irish Country Living.

Interest for this farm has also been good, with one offer received already that is believed to be in around the guide.

When are the auctions?

Both auctions will take place on 31 October at the Central Bar in Roscommon town square. Each farm is offered in the entire. The announcement was made early last week that both auctions will take place together and local anticipation has been building since. CL