€5,700 sought for 87-acre residential farm near Emly, Co Tipperary

A sizeable land parcel in the Golden Vale has just been brought to the market by Matt Ryan & Son Auctioneers of Tipperary Town.

The substantial residential holding consists of 87 acres in one of the most sought-after agricultural zones in Ireland, offering a rare opportunity for someone to gain a foothold by buying a farmstead with strong potential.

Located in the townland of Ballyhoulihan, the property is just southeast of the R515 that connects the villages of Emly in Co Tipperary and Knocklong in Co Limerick.

The River Camoge forms the northern boundary of the land, while a railway line runs just beyond its southern flanks.

The area is rich in Civil War history; one of the more famous incidents is directly associated with this stretch of train track. It was along here that the rescue of Seán Hogan took place in 1919.

Almost 100 years on, the only battle now will be to see who makes a move on this interesting farm.

One of the farm’s selling points is that the dwelling house is in a very good state of repair and décor, according to selling agent Matt Ryan.

“It’s a fine old country-style residence. It has three reception rooms; sitting room, kitchen and living room. Upstairs, there are four bedrooms and a bathroom.

"The kitchen and downstairs bathroom would have been part of an extension about 30 years ago. It has oil-fired central heating and a group scheme water supply.”

There is a neat mature lawn to the front and around the back lies the main farmyard with a collection of outbuildings in reasonable condition, according to the agents.

"These include a three-bay lean-to slatted shed, old-style milking parlour and dairy. There are also some stone out-offices in need of repair, as is the lean-to slatted shed.

Access to the farm is via a public-road access that ends in a cul-de-sac.

The land itself is currently all under grass, in one block. According to the agents, this is land that has not realised its full potential for some time and is awaiting some remedial works in order for it to take its place again amongst the finest of pastures of the Golden Vale.

“The land has been neglected,” says Matt, who adds that the farm would benefit greatly from some drainage work, making use of the very long section of river frontage that the land enjoys, offering a “natural outlet for the water… There is potential for the land but it does need remedial work”.

Emly village is just 2.5km to the northeast, while Knocklong is about 3km in the opposite direction.

The more significant town of Tipperary is 16km away, while Kilmallock is 16km and Limerick is 35km.

Interest so far is lively, according to the agents. Dairying concerns are plentiful and large in the area but there is also a very strong hunt scene nearby, with the famous Scarteen Hunt being not a million miles away.

So the equestrian sector is another strong presence from which a likely bidder may yet emerge.

“It’s only on the market since last week, but we’ve already had a good number of enquiries,” confirms Matt.

The property is being sold in one lot and is guiding at €500,000. It’s a farm in a top-class area with a per-acre tag of €5,700 that comes with a good quality residence.

According to Matt, the apparently reasonable price is a reflection of its current state: “We’ve taken into account that there is a good deal of remedial work to be done.”

He adds that they also have a further 34 acres of “excellent quality” land for sale with the same vendor in the nearby townland of Bartoose at a price guide of €325,000 (€9,600/acre).