Interest expected in 47 acres near Riverstick, Co Cork

A 227-acre farm at Coolkirky, Riverstick, Co Cork, was put up for sale back in 2008, just as the market went south, and it was subsequently withdrawn.

Now, however, a 47-acre portion of the same farm is back up for sale. The south Cork holding is on offer through Ernest Forde of Hodnett Forde Auctioneers, and he says it’s located in an area with some of the best quality farmland in the country.

There are 31 acres of excellent quality ground, all under new pasture, he says, but part of the land, some 10 acres, is quite heavy, and has never been remediated.

It would respond to drainage, according to Mr Forde, making the property a good value purchase, because of the potential to improve it: “It’s in one block with access from its own private roadway, and while some of it is marshy, it could be made good.

“It’s a great buy for someone who wanted to put a bit of work into it.

“We’re looking for offers of €380,000, and it’s priced fairly right allowing for the wet land,” he says.

This property is situated 10 minutes from Kinsale, 15 minutes from Cork city, and less than a mile from the main Cork-Kinsale road — which may make it attractive to hobby farmers.

However, a number of substantial dairy farmers in the area might also bite at the opportunity to expand, says Forde.

The holding includes 31 acres of reseeded pasture, five acres of forestry, and 10 acres of heavy ground which may also be suitable for forestry.

* Meanwhile, the sale of a 42-acre farm at Ballyfinnane, Carrigaline, Co Cork, is still under negotiation, following its withdrawal from auction at the end of March.

According to John Hodnett, of Hodnett Forde Auctioneers, there has been interest in the property since, and it would be ideal for a local farmer or hobby farmer.

The property is less than three miles from Carrigaline, in the direction of Riverstick, and has good quality land in six fields. It has a guide price in the region of €10,000 per acre.