The amount of plain and marginal land coming to market dragged down average land prices in Mayo in 2023.

Our survey examined over 9,000 acres that was on sale, a big increase on 2022 This land was in 174 holdings, again a big increase. We based our calculations on the 51 holdings, which met our criteria and had sold by year end.

The average price was €6,283/ac, down by €2,291/ac (26%) on 2022. The bulk of holdings offered for sale were under 40ac and these averaged €6,953/ac on sale. Holdings over 40ac averaged €3,848/ac on sale.

The average price above reflects the mix of land sold in 2023, which includes marginal land.

It’s worth looking behind the average at going rates for different types of land in the county.

Good farmyard

Good agricultural land is generally fetching €6,000/ac to €8,000/ac, more where there is a residence or good farmyard.

Exceptional properties are making up to €12,000/ac. Marginal land including land suited for forestry planting is making €4,000/ac to €5,000/ac.

Commonage is making up to €1,200/ac, an increase on three or four years ago. Designated land can fetch €1,000/ac to €2,000/ac. Clear felled forestry land is fetching €1,500/ac to €2,500/ac.

In auctions, Fox & Gallagher sold 20ac non-residential at Rosserk, Killala for €240,000 or €12,000/ac. Gerry Rowland sold 33.1ac with a derelict house at Corlummin, Foxford for €140,000 or €4,229/ac.

The same auctioneer sold 21.2ac at Rathroeen, Ballina for €165,000 or €7,783/ac. He also sold 21.5ac non-residential at Farrannoo, Ballina for €385,000 or €17,906/ac.

Brendan French Auctioneers sold 13ac with a derelict house at Knockaunakill, Mayo Abbey for €200,000 or €15,384/ac. DNG Michael Boland and DNG Gilligan sold a 61.1ac farm at Facefield, Claremorris, with a fine yard and a derelict house, for €480,000 or €7,855/ac.