Trio of mature forestry plantations in West Cork cutting a new trend

The three similar plantations in the area are indicative of a recent trend of mature plantations coming on the market, according to the agent

The 28-acre forestry plantation for sale at Clondrohid, Macroom, West Cork.

New to the market with Macroom-based auctioneer Killian Lynch is a 28-acre forestry holding at Derryleigh, near Clondrohid, Macroom, West Cork. 

It’s one of three similar plantations in the area he currently has on the books, and it is indicative of a recent trend of mature plantations coming on the market.

“There’s not much land ready to plant going up for sale,” said Mr Lynch. “But we’re seeing more and more forestry land for sale where the premiums have finished.”

The other two similar-sized holdings consist of a 24.5-acre mature spruce plantation at Gortanimill, Macroom (€4,900/acre) and a 32-acre plantation at Cahir, Ballingeary (€5,200/acre). The former is a mature spruce plantation, while the latter consists of 21 acres of spruce and 11 acres of mountain land.

Like those two properties, the Derryleigh plantation is composed of Sitka spruce and is about 20 years old, with another 10-15 years to run before maturity.

“It seems to be a good quality plantation,” said Mr Lynch. “With access via a right-of-way from a minor public roadway.”

The price guide is €110,000, or €3,900/acre — certainly a reasonable amount for a mature plantation of this type.