Brothers in ‘farms’ open up their unique Limerick farm with a rare lagoon to the public

LIMERICK brothers Tom and Michael Keane will open their gates to the public for a Farming for Nature farm walk this Friday, October 24 from 11am to 1.30pm. 

This is an opportunity to see first-hand how productive farming and nature conservation can thrive side by side near Askeaton.

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The Keanes’ farm 334 acres of spectacular species-rich grassland, much of which lies within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA).

Their land boasts a unique mix of habitats including turloughs, saltmarsh and a rare brackish lagoon which supports an extraordinary diversity of plants and wildlife.

Many of the same rare flora found in the Burren can also be found here in their limestone grasslands, and the brothers have long welcomed botanists and researchers eager to study these treasures.

Farming has been in the Keane family for generations, and today the brothers continue that tradition with a deeply modern sense of stewarding the land. 

Michael runs an organic dairy enterprise, being a founding member and supplier of the Little Milk Company. His herd of native Shorthorn cows produces high-quality milk while being entirely grass-fed. 

Tom, meanwhile, manages the organic beef and sheep enterprises, rearing Droimeann cattle and Galway sheep; both rare Irish native breeds

Tom, a founder-member of the Native and Rare Breed Society and the Droimeann Cattle Society, has spent years observing and improving Droimeann genetics. 

“They’re low-maintenance cattle,” he says, “able to mind themselves, with good fertility, longevity and plenty of milk when crossbred.” 

Together, the brothers are helping safeguard Ireland’s agricultural heritage by keeping these ancient breeds alive and thriving.

Their commitment to conservation goes well beyond their livestock. Through participation in the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme and ACRES, the Keanes have enhanced habitats for otters, endangered bat species and their species-rich grasslands are home to rare Bee and Butterfly Orchids. 

Dr Barry O’Donoghue of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, who nominated the Keanes for the Farming for Nature Ambassador Award, described their land as “some of the most outstanding species-rich grassland habitat in Ireland,” noting that “much can be learned from the way they balance productivity with biodiversity.”

This Friday’s walk is an opportunity for farmers, landowners and advisors to meet Tom and Michael, hear about their work in organic and nature-friendly farming, and explore one of the Shannon Estuary’s most remarkable landscapes.

Pre-booking is essential for the Farming for Nature Walk entitled The Value in Working with Heritage Beef, Dairy and Sheep Breeds with the Keane brothers near Askeaton (Eircode V94K462) this Friday.

Pre-booking is essential via the Farming for Nature website. All proceeds raised will be circulated back into the farming community.