The supply of farmland for sale fell in Roscommon but prices rose by 11%. Thirty-four holdings were placed on the market, down from 38 the year before. The total area involved was 1,351ac, down from 1,656ac.

Many of these holdings were good quality, and that no doubt helped lift average price to €8,882/ac, up from €7,968/ac the year before. The increase was €914/ac. In all, 28 of the 34 holdings put on the market were sold by year end.

Twenty were under 40ac and averaged €8,972/ac on sale. Twelve were in the range of 40ac to 99ac and two were over 100ac.

The most active buyers in Roscommon were suckler/beef farmers and the business category, but equestrian operators also bought a number of properties.

Twenty-nine of the farms were offered for sale by private treaty, with five sent for public auction. Connaughton Auctioneers brought the fine 59ac holding at Curry, Brideswell, near Athlone to auction. It sold for €950,000 or €16,102/ac. REMAX Team Earley had a very busy year. They sold a 134ac holding at Elphin to a number of local farmers for a total of €1.68m.

Average: €8,882

% change on 2021: 11

Acres offered: 1,351

Total number of farms: 34

Price range: €2,273 to €16,102

Most active buyers: suckler/beef farmers and the business category

Weighted average: €9,004

Number of transactions: 28