| Beds | |
| Price | Sold |
| Property Type | Site |
| Size | 0 meters2 |
| Energy Rating | BER-Exempt |
| Refreshed on | |
| Eircode |
Description
The most important and largest Agricultural Estate and Organic Farm to come to the Irish market this century. A vast expanse of prime fertile and productive land on the shores of Lough Swilly in the picturesque north coast of Donegal. Grianán Estate is one of the most interesting and sizable farming enterprises to come to the market for many years. It comprises a substantial agricultural farm of approximately 970 hectares / 2,400 acres to include arable and grazing land and the lake and foreshore. The farm is laid out in large easily accessible divisions currently in arable crops, vegetables and grass. They are maintained to a high standard creating a successful commercial opportunity with a proven income stream. Under the present arrangement a substantial portion of the land is leased out to one party, who operates the largest organic dairy farm in the country. What makes this farm different is that it was reclaimed from the sea at the end of the 19th century and subsequently drawn into one estate by a Dr McDonald in the late 1950's. A sophisticated drainage system was installed at this time by a specialist Dutch firm. Its operation has been copied by other similarly located farms and works very well. The farm was further developed by two other parties until it came into the hands of the current owners. Attached to the land is Inch Lake which is a lagoon cut out from Lough Swilly by embankments, and pinned between Inch Island and Grianán Estate. Grianan farm is largely reclaimed from the sea which gives the land such richness and a high state of fertility. Water levels are carefully monitored and controlled by a well maintained pumping system. The fact that it is the largest farm to come to market in Ireland in over a decade, coupled with its high state of fertility, makes it a most exciting proposition. Key features of Grianán Estate Extensive, predominantly arable farmland which has been managed on a commercial basis, with a strong focus on environmental and sustainable management techniques. Prominent location on the North coast of Ireland strategically situated on the shores of Lough Swilly between Letterkenny town and Derry city with Belfast city only 1.5 hours' drive away. An excellent farm road network giving access to all sectors, large field sizes, and overwintering for over 400 head of cattle makes its management more efficient. Extensive drainage system in place with 4 large capacity pumps which deal with the climatic conditions both in summer and winter owing to portions of the land being below sea level. Lands are favourable for tillage; Current organic crops include potatoes, carrots, beetroot, swede, leeks and oats. In previous year's parsnip, cabbage, wheat and barley have all been grown successfully. Conventional crops include potatoes wheat oats barley and grazing lands. The size and scale of Grianán Estate is one of its most unique features having over approx. 970 hectares / 2,400 acres of arable and grazing land, including lake and foreshore. Excellent quality arable land, with stock-proof fencing and road frontage to every field. Special Protected Area-SPA The farm is also located within a Special Protected Area (SPA), which is also an area of outstanding beauty with spectacular and panoramic views from Grianán an Aileach over the farm and coastline below. The objective of this designation is the protection of natural habitats, fauna and flora. This designation type confers protection against any project which is likely to have significant adverse impacts on the integrity of the site. It is only reasons of overriding public interest that will allow a project to impact upon a SPA. The SPA Regulations prohibit pollution, deterioration of habitat, and disturbance to birds using the area. Current organic status: May 2016 The approx. 1290 acres which is organically farmed supplies milk, vegetables and cereals into a growing number of markets in Ireland. Approx. 437 acres grazing platform has full organic status. Approx. 267.5 acres are in conversion / rotation planted in red clover Approx. 586 acres hold full symbol used for cropping-arable lands (red clover, oats, potatoes, carrots, beetroot, swede, leeks) The remaining lands are conventional Grianán Farmyard The farm yard covers a very large area with a concrete surface and includes aprons around the buildings, open silage clamps and general circulation areas. The overall area of covered buildings currently in use for the running of the farm is approximately 7,500sq m. One group of buildings is currently used for washing and storage of vegetables with one of the sheds in that block used as a salt store. The next group of 3 large adjacent sheds are used for storage of fodder and some as cattle accommodation. A further 2 sheds are in cubicles each housing 160 head with slurry facilities with an adjoining milking parlour. There are temporary portacabins which are currently used by the NPWS. The main Yard/ Farm buildings; Washing plant 150ft x 40ft. (6,000sq.ft/560 sq m) Cold storage 75ft x 40ft (3,000 sq ft / 280 sq. m) Salt store 75ft x 40ft. (3,000sq.ft/ 280 sq m) Open ended shed used as store and extra winter housing 120ft x 50ft (6,000sq.ft/560sq m) Three interconnected fodder sheds 120ft x 90ft each (32,400sq.ft/ 3,010sq m) Two interconnected cubicle sheds 180ft x 70ft (25,200sq.ft/ 2,430sq m) Milking Parlour 110ft x 35ft (3,850sq.ft/ 358sq m) with 34 point parlour and adjacent dairy room and a 25,500 litre bulk tank and a full plant room. Long shed including 8 stables 120ft x 30ft (3,600sq.ft/334sq m) Large open silage clamp with slurry/ effluent run off into tank. Layout of the farm; The majority of the farm lies along the coast and the large farm yard and farm buildings are centrally located in that section. However there are some portions of the farm which are slightly detached from the main farm and these , while included in the main description above, are set out below for identification purposes only. The Main Block extends to about 2,271 acres, is located along the coast and runs between Burnfoot, Bridge End and generally along the main N 13 road leading from Derry city towards Letterkenny town and with the Swilly forming the 4th boundary. There are 4 other portions located a short distance from the main farm as follows; Hill lands located beside and below the Rath extending to about 16.65ha/41.14 acres. To the west of the farm and running along the N13 are a further 17.7ha / 43.73 acres. About 13.38ha / 33.06 acres run along the western boundary beside the causeway, and finally, 6.44 ha / 15.91 acres being the strip of land just above the Grianan Church beside the new houses off the side road. The sales map shows these areas clearly. The Farm leases There are several leases and con acre agreements in place on the farm and full details are available through the protected data room. Services Water supply for the yard comes from a mains supply and a private well. The well supplies the bulk of the water and the balance is made up from the mains supply. There is slurry storage beyond the silage pit with a half a million gallon capacity
Accommodation
Features
BER Details
Exempt
Negotiator
Pat O'Hagan
Date created: Jun 8, 2016
