Given the prices achieved by some farms in Tipperary over the summer months and the competition for land parcels here, the guide of between €18,000/ac and €19,000/ac for a 110-acre farm in Cahir does not come as a surprise.

The reason for such dramatic prices for land parcels this size in the county is simple, the customers are there.

Be it private treaty or public auction, certain active buyers are keen for certain types of farms that are coming to the market. The 110 acres just outside the town of Cahir offered by Pat Gannon of Gannon Auctioneers certainly seems to suit the kind of farm that is being bought by these customers.

However, speaking with the auctioneer, interest has been seemingly steady from a multitude of parties.

While prices may have been strong in Tipperary during the summer, so was supply. More than 70 farms are on the market in the county already in 2018.

Bengurragh House on 110 acres in Cahir becomes the 11th farm over 100 acres to hit the market here this year.

While prices may have been strong in Tipperary during the summer, so was supply. More than 70 farms are on the market in the county already in 2018.

The farm itself is quite simply superb. In terms of location, quality and potential, there a few in the area that would be much better.

Highly renowned for its quality, the once-upon-a-time dairy farm is now a predominantly tillage enterprise, but is suited to whatever enterprise one wishes.

It also contains three residences, which would suggest leeway for extra income.

Coming to the market in the last three weeks, the property is up for auction on Thursday 27 September at 3pm in Cahir House Hotel.

Tradition

One thing this farms does not lack is tradition. In the O’Connor family since the 1920s, the farm had a fruitful history, including being burned down during the War of Independence. The farm appeared in the Irish Farmers Journal on 25 February 1961, just four years after John O’Connor bought the property from his cousin.

That article in 1961 highlighted many aspects of the farm, but one was obvious – the high quality and fertility of lands remains the same.

Many of the qualities that Irish Farmers Journal were going to point out in this article were highlighted almost 60 years in the same publication. That article focused on the O’Connor family’s farm being renowned for early grazing, with the high-quality land able to facilitate this.

Back then, the farm was a highly respected dairy enterprise that ran 54 cows and calves. With advances in technology, methodology and a drive for efficiency, the 110 acres on this farm would have the capability of facilitating a far greater level of stock, should the farm be turned out in grass.

The land

Encompassing 110 acres, the majority (70 acres) of the land here is set out in corn, while the remaining ground is used for grazing. Currently in stubble, the tillage land has been kept in good condition and has been actively farmed over the last number of years by David O’Connor, John’s son.

The farm traditionally would have had equine interests, with horses trained there in years gone by. This interest has continued today, with a number of horses currently grazing the lands.

There is also significant road frontage from the lands, a feature which may be highly desirable considering the farms close proximity to Cahir.

The residences

In total, this holding contains three separate residences, including the primary residence in the centre of the farm.

Approached by a long, attractive sweeping avenue, the two-storey traditional farmhouse has a commanding presence as one enters the holding.

Standing circa 3,000 sq ft, the interior is spacious and full of light. With a definite traditional feel, the potential held within the main residence is huge, considering both its proximity to the town and the picturesque scenery of the Galtee mountains and surrounding countryside that encompasses this package.

Two further detached, estate residences are also on the farm. The first is a two-storey coach yard and the second is also a two-storey house located at the back of the farm. The latter has a separate access point if the new owner wishes to sell this in the future.

There are also numerous access points to the farm, which Gannon says greatly increase its practicality.

The holding would be suited to just about any enterprise. The proximity to the M8 motorway, the good land and residences (that could be used as a staff house) would make this ideal for an equine buyer. The land also ensures livestock and tillage farmers would also be suitable purchasers.

The offering

The farm is offered in the entire only. The guide for the property is a substantial €18,000/ac-€19,000/ac, or circa €2m.