Cork farm makes

€15,200/acre

The €15,000/acre trend at public auction hit the south west last week when a 76-acre non-residential farm situated at Ratharoon, Bandon, Co Cork, sold under the hammer in two lots for a combined total of €1,155,000. This was a prime arable/grassland farm situated about four miles from Bandon in a prominent dairy area. There were a lot of viewings on the build up to the auction which generated much speculation about what it would make.

As blocks of this size infrequently appear on the market, the property attracted a big attendance – over 90 people packed into the auction room. Selling agent Ernest Forde from Hodnett Forde, Clonakilty, offered the farm in two main lots but, for the most part, the entire stayed hot on their heels with the help of one eager bidder.

After opening at €500,000, the first lot comprising 51.2 acres went to the market at €690,000 and was later knocked down at €725,000 in trust to a solicitor. The remaining 25.3 acres went to the market at €330,000 and sold for €430,000 in trust to auctioneer Don Brennan from Sherry FitzGerald Brennan Busteed, Bandon. It’s thought that both lots were bought in trust for local farmers. The entire was bid to €1,150,000.

Around 70 bids were taken from seven different customers over the course of the hour-long auction. This gave a combined total of €1,155,000 or almost €15,200/acre.

Meanwhile, it’s understood that the auctioneer has since received instructions to offer a neighbouring 40-acre block of land for sale following last week’s auction.

One of the finest Galway farms in 25 years

A 103-acre non-residential grazing farm situated at Brownesgrove, Tuam, Co Galway, is set to raise active interest in the coming months given its appeal in terms of quality, scale and location.

Described by auctioneer Martin Tyrrell, Tuam, as “probably one of the finest farms to be offered for sale in the region over the past 25 years”, the property was officially brought to the market in the past week and has already started to generate a steady level of inquiries. The owner is retiring from farming.

Used to graze cattle and sheep, the farm is split by a road with c.16 acres situated across from the remaining c.87 acres.

Reported to be “top class land”, Brownesgrove comes with an eight-bay slatted shed and a sheep shed, and has been well maintained down through the years.

With extensive frontage to the Tuam/Dunmore road, the farm can be offered in a range of lots, if desired.

This may suit locals who are eager to acquire a small- to medium-sized parcel to add to their current operation. Alternatively, as it stands, it is suggested that Brownesgrove has the potential for development into a fine dairy unit. Located four miles from Tuam, the farm is for sale by private treaty through joint agents Martin Tyrrell, Tuam, and Joseph Naughton, Ballinalsoe. Offers in excess of €9,000/acre are being invited.