Nature-friendly farm to host open day for Inside the Gate initiative
The public is invited to step inside the farm gate as Limerick farmers open their doors as part of Inside the Gate
FARMING for Nature have invited visitors to experience farming and nature up close at their Inside the Gate event.
The public is invited to step inside the farm gate as Limerick farmers open their doors as part of Inside the Gate, a nationwide family-friendly open farm day organised by Farming For Nature.
Taking place on Sunday, August 30, the initiative gives visitors a unique opportunity to explore a working farm, meet the farmers and experience first-hand how food can be produced while supporting wildlife, healthy soils, clean water and biodiversity.
With guided walks, demonstrations and the chance to learn about a variety of farming systems, each farm – with 20 farms participating across 12 counties - offers its own unique insight into the practical ways farmers are working with nature while producing nutritious food.
The Limerick farmers taking part in this year’s event are brothers Michael and Tom Keane of Morgans House Farm near Askeaton, County Limerick.
Tom Keane said the brothers are “looking forward to opening our farm gates and showing people the work we are doing here.”
"We are farming on species-rich grassland with a mix of calcareous grassland and salt marsh on the south shore of the Shannon Estuary. There is a diverse range of habitats, including islands and brackish lagoons. Michael has a dairy herd, and I have a suckler herd and a small flock of sheep, all organic and rare-breed livestock.
"We are working hard on our farm to maintain existing habitats and create and improve new habitats with measures such as tree planting, bat house and otter holt construction," Tom Keane explained.
Tom and Michael's open farm event will run from 11am - 5pm, offering morning and afternoon walks.
Adult tickets cost just €5, while children go free.
Places are limited for each event, so early booking is recommended.
Brigid Barry, co-founder of Farming for Nature, said the event is all about “creating a connection between people and the farms that produce their food.”
"For many people, especially those living in towns and cities, opportunities to visit a working farm are few and far between. This event gives visitors the chance to meet farmers, ask questions and see first-hand how farming and nature can thrive together.
"Every farm taking part has its own story, but they all share a commitment to caring for the land while producing food. We hope people leave inspired by what they've seen and with a greater appreciation of the role farmers play in protecting nature,” Ms Barry concluded.
Inside the Gate is a family-friendly event and welcomes visitors of all ages, whether you're interested in farming, food, wildlife or simply looking for a memorable day out.
Every visit offers a chance to connect with the people behind our food and experience how nature-friendly farming is making a difference across Ireland.
More information on events and booking can be found on the Farming for Nature website.