Farmland prices have been on an upward trajectory in Co Clare over the past four years. Last year’s average was €10,530/ac, an increase of 16% on the €9,076/ac the year before.

Some fine, large farms were placed on the market last year and they met keen interest.

Good grassland in the county with water laid on is now fetching €8,000/ac to €11,000/ac. Top quality land in prime locations is now making €15,000/ac and over.

Our survey looked at 123 farms and holdings that were placed on the market totalled 5,508ac. The properties were a mix of all land types. We did our calculations on 23 farms that were sold by year end. Prices ranged from a minimum of €3,391/ac to a maximum of €28,125/ac.

GVM Auctioneers sold a split holding that totalled 175ac. It was centred around Broadford and Tulla. An 80ac lot located near Broadford sold for €770,000 or €9,625/ac. A smaller parcel of 40ac near Tulla sold for €490,000 or €12,250/ac.

GVM also sold Hurdlestown House, on 74ac, at Broadford in September. The opening bid was €1m and the property was knocked down soon after to a business buyer for just over €1.12m.

Pat Considine also sold a 60ac holding at Leadmore, Kilrush for €525,000, or €8,750/ac.

Vital statistics

Average*: €10,530/ac

% change on 2022: +16%

Acres offered: 5,508

Total number of farms: 123

Price range: €3,391/ac to €28,125/ac

Most active buyers: Suckler/beef

Weighted average: €10,270/ac

*Number of transactions: 23