It was another strong year for land sales in Kilkenny. Average price rose by 9% to €16,509/ac. This was the fourth year in a row with a significant price rise.

For our survey we examined 1,843ac that were placed on the market, an increase on the year before. We did our calculations on a mix of 18 properties that were sold by year end.

The increase in average price last year was €1,488/ac. Smaller holdings and farms got slightly better prices. Those under 40ac averaged €16,965/ac while those over 40ac averaged €16,144/ac.

Milk is driving the increase in land prices.

Good grassland

Dairy farmers are likely to have bought over 40% of the land sold in the county last year. Good grassland of interest to dairy farmers is now likely to fetch €20,000/ac and more.

A number of successful auctions were held. Joe Coogan sold 45.2ac at Danesfort for €28,761/ac. There was a bungalow and a small traditional farmhouse on the property. The buyer is understood to be a dairy farmer.

Pat Gannon Auctioneers sold 35ac at Windgap for €21,285/ac under the hammer while Quinn Property sold 60ac at Slievecarragh for €18,166/ac under the hammer, both non-residential.