Set adrift on memory bliss around the highways and byways of west Limerick

The private treaty sale of a 160ac West Limerick farm on the outskirts of Newcastlewest and not far from Castlemahon, caused me to drift down memory lane to a time when the only escape from farming was dancing.

As a young lad growing up in West Limerick, Newcastlewest was our Mecca when it came to socialising, glamorising and making a nuisance of ourselves.

The youth of the county would flood into the town on Sunday nights. After slaking our thirst in the local hostelries, we would invariably end up in the Olympic ballroom dancing the night away.

On a good night, you might find someone to ‘stay on’ after a fast set.

On a very good night, the slow set might lead to another and a superb night would see you both sharing a seat at the back of the bus as it snaked its way through Askeaton, Ballysteen and the outer reaches of Pallaskenry.

In summer, the nearby town of Castlemahon held its annual festival where the marquee played host to glitzy showbands and the wandering youth of West Limerick, North Kerry and North Cork.

There was no bus to Castlemahon, but there was always a lift available in a Ford Escort or Hillman Avenger arrayed in spoilers, tail-fins and go-faster stripes. Lights, indicators and brake pads were optional extras.

This 160ac holding situated near the celebrated nightspots of West Limerick is on the market with a guide price of between €1.1m and €1.2m.

Located at Shanrath, outside Newcastlewest on the R222 Dromcollogher Road and not far from the village of Castlemahon, the farm is accessed by a private laneway. It includes a substantial house with an extensive yard at the heart of the holding.

The grass farm is bounded by the river Deel at the northern and eastern sides, and laid out in 15 good-sized fields. According to Tom Crosse of selling agents GVM, the farm is suitable for dairy, beef or equestrian.

The holding has not been farmed for some time and needs tidying and some attention in terms of fertility. But it is surrounded by excellent farms and there is no reason why this holding should not match them, says Mr Crosse.

The substantial yard includes a five-column haybarn with a lean-to, a cubicle house, a holding pen and crush, and a range of useful sheds. While the yard is somewhat dated, it nevertheless has the basic facilities for a good livestock or dairy farm.

The residence is a traditional two-storey farm house in good condition, surrounded by a nice garden. The accommodation indoors includes a hallway, dining room, sitting room, kitchen and utility, while on the first floor are five bedrooms and a bathroom.

The dwelling is heated by oil-fired central heating and the finish includes double glazed PVC windows. While structurally sound, it will need some renovation.

Kildimo farm sale

Closer to my own home sod, a 70ac farm at Knockroe, Kildimo, Co Limerick, is for sale by private treaty with a guide price of €700,000 or

Real Deel:

The 160ac grass farm (top) is bounded by the River Deel at the northern and eastern sides, and laid out in 15 good sized fields; the residence (above) is a traditional farmhouse

‘On a very good night, the slow set might lead to another; a superb night would see you both sharing a seat at the back of the bus home’

€10,000/ac. Located less than 1km from the village, the property is about 10km from Adare and 13km from Limerick City.

All in one block, it is described by Mr Crosse as a holding with some excellent limestone grazing ground and some rougher grazing.

There is good road frontage, particularly on to a side road west of the village

of Old Kildimo adjacent to the local GAA grounds.

Kildimo is within striking distance of Limerick city and while home to a strong farming community, it is also commuter territory. In that regard, Mr Crosse expects interest from farmers, from the business sector, and from people or companies with an eye to residential development.