The farmland market in Meath was stable last year. The supply of land for sale was unchanged and prices averaged €14,321/ac, down by €547/ac or 3.6% on the previous year.

Our survey examined 3,472ac in 78 holdings that were placed on the market – this was the same as was looked at in 2022 Our calculations were based on 48 farms, which met our criteria and had sold by year end.

Once again, the most active class of buyer was the business category, which includes part-time farmers and investors.

Auctions are always popular in Co Meath. Forty farms were offered by auction last year – the highest for any county – and the majority of them sold under the hammer.

Notable sales

Raymond Potterton Auctioneers had a number of strong auction sales. The standout sale was a 36ac non-residential farm at Philpotstown, Dunderry, which made €925,000 or €25,694/ac.

Among the other notable sales, Jordan Auctioneers sold 143ac at Cooltown House, Enfield for €2.18m or €15,244/ac. The property included a house in need of full renovation.

Sherry FitzGerald Brady O’Flaherty sold a 145ac dairy farm at Springvalley, Summerhill, with a cottage, for €2.875m or €19,827/ac. REA TE Potterton sold 81ac at Clondalee, Hill of Down for €1.21m or €14,938/ac.