There was no shortage of bidders at last week’s auction of a 55-acre farm situated in Kilrush, Athy, Co Kildare. Land in the region has recently attracted active interest from a mix of genuine farmers, and from those who have cash reserves and can go that extra mile. Just two weeks ago, a 92-acre tillage farm at Bert Demesne, less than two miles from Athy, sold for a whooping €19,100/acre. At the Kilrush auction, selling agent Jordan Auctioneers, Newbridge, opened the bidding at €300,000. With four bidders in contention, the sale price steadily progressed to €600,000, at which stage the farm was placed on the market.

With no one willing to concede, the sale price went all the way up to €690,000 (€12,500/acre), at which stage the hammer fell to a local farmer. It’s suggested that among the other bidders were some genuine farmers who were clearly willing to go as far as €12,000/acre.

The land, which is currently in grass, has a small section of road frontage, but the primary access is up a shared laneway. The residence, which is not adjoining, sold as a separate lot for €70,000.

21 acres at Tankardstown

Elsewhere, the same agent sold a 21-acre parcel of land situated in Tankardstown, Athy, after last week’s auction in a private deal.

It was guided in the region of €150,000 prior to auction.