A recent study conducted by Calor Gas has highlighted Roscommon as one of the top counties in Ireland for starting a farm, ranking fifth overall in a list that includes notable contenders like Cork, Galway, and Mayo. This recognition underscores the potential Roscommon offers for prospective farmers looking to establish a thriving agricultural enterprise.
The research evaluated each county based on several key metrics, including the availability of agricultural land for purchase, annual average sunlight hours, and the amount of government support provided to farming. Each metric received a weighted score out of 100, resulting in a total index score out of 500.
In the rankings, Cork took the top position with an impressive index score of 359, buoyed by a robust agricultural land market and considerable government grant payouts. Galway and Mayo followed closely, with scores of 351 and 285, respectively.
Roscommon secured its fifth-place position with a total index score of 248. The county features 110 listings for agricultural land, which accounts for approximately 2,495 acres. With an average of 3,282 hours of sunlight each year, Roscommon’s climate is well-suited for farming, further enhanced by government grants amounting to nearly €77 million in 2023.
The strength of Roscommon’s farming sector is illustrated by the county’s growing appeal for both local and new farmers. Key statistics for Roscommon in the study include:
- Number of Listings: 110
- Available Land (Acres): 2,495.11
- Average Sunlight Hours: 3,282
- Average Rainfall: 977.60 mm
- Government Grants Received: €77,645,657.99
Louise Carrick, Head of Marketing & CX at Calor, emphasised the vital role farmers play in Ireland’s economy and the challenges they face. She remarked, “The average farmer is likely to be doing manual work well into their seventies at the current rate, so if more younger people are getting interested in the sector, that can only be a good thing for the long-term success of the sector.”
