Farms to go under the hammer

Tom Spillane has two Kerry farms for auction on consecutive weeks and both are attractive propositions for farmers or non-farmers.

The first up, on Mar 23, is at Ardaneanig, Killarney, just two miles from the tourist town, on the Rathmore-Mallow road.

Set in a fairly residential area, with quarries nearby, this farm has a number of attractive attributes, not least proven sand and gravel deposits. The potential for extraction may add long-term value to the property, subject to planning.

A residential farm, it’s in old-fashioned fields with a farmhouse near the cul-de-sac entrance.

Including the traditional house and yard, the Ardaneanig farm has 41.25 acres and at its highest point, has stunning views over the lakes of Killarney, says Spillane, who suggests a hobby farmer buyer might site a house where the view is best.

Because residential properties such as this are rare sales, the agent expects strong interest: “We are expecting good interest locally. Sites in this area were making nearly €400,000 in the past, and now we’re selling farms at that price. We’re looking for €400,000 for the entire property.”

Most of the land is good quality, says Spillane, with about 15% of waste.

Another holding, this time 63 acres at Grenagh, Killarney, will also be offered by auction, on Mar 30.

Spillane says: “It’s top quality Beaufort land, in a strong agricultural area, located close to Beaufort Bridge on the Killorglin road, with road and river frontage, in four divisions.”

The agent expects strong, local farmers to be in the fray for this farm, and while he gives a €10,000 per acre guide price prior to auction, he expects to realise a sum “north of that figure”.

“Land like this rarely comes up for sale. It’s beautiful, in a good farming area.”