Open Farm
Step into the heart of Irish farming at Agri Aware’s free flagship event held every summer. It’s your chance to explore some of Ireland’s best farms, with activities that promise fun, discovery, and learning for all ages.
Discover Irish
farming at its best
Every year, Agri Aware partners with some of Ireland’s most exceptional farms to offer a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the world of farming.
This free immersive farming experience allows visitors of all ages and backgrounds to connect with the land, animals, and producers who play a vital role in the harvest-to-home process.
Whether you want to explore farm life through engaging demonstrations, learn about sustainable practices, or discover the journey of your food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
We hosted two Open Farm Events this summer, opening to the public on June 14 & June 15, find out more below.
Event Highlights
Kildare Open Farm
Galway Open Farm
Saturday, June 14
Doran Family Dairy Farm - Donadea, Co. Kildare
Sunday, June 15
Fahy Family Beef Farm - Ardrahan, Co. Galway
Established in 1964, Dondale Farm is made up of 160 pedigree Holstein Friesian dairy cows. Father and son duo Joe and Kevin Doran, work in partnership together along with help from their extended family.
Operating a liquid milk system is no easy feat - the milk they produce will likely end up in the milk cartons on our shelves 365 days per year. They were named Master Breeder by the Irish Holstein Friesian Association last year, a testament to years of dedication, genetics, and passion for quality milk produce.
Speaking on the initiative, Kevin noted: “When I was approached about hosting Open Farm I immediately said yes. I’ve always wanted to give children the chance to learn where their food comes from and there’s no better classroom than the farm itself. Hands-on learning is what makes the biggest impact.”
Aonghusa Fahy operates a herd of approximately 35 spring calving suckler cows with his wife Olivia and their two daughters. He is a part-time farmer, working full-time off farm as a secondary school teacher, with subjects including Agricultural Science, DGC and Construction.
As a Teagasc Future Beef Farmer, he strives to produce quality as efficiently as possible making it more environmentally and socially sustainable.
At the launch, Aonghusa noted: “As generations pass, the connection between food and its origins is increasingly being lost, even in rural communities. We take immense pride in what we do, from the care we give our animals to the quality of food we produce. Through Open Farm, we want to share our story and show the public how we’re farming sustainably for the future.”
Visitors enjoyed a range of activities:
An outing for all ages, friends and families joined us for a day out on the farm of their choosing.
Important
- Gates open from 10.30am to 5pm
- Attendees register for free tickets (now closed)
- Safety: these event locations are operational farms
- Note that only registered guide dogs are permitted at these events
Nature Trail & Immersive Educational Activities:
Attendees strolled along our self guided farm tour to learn more about a variety of topics through a series of immersive stations with industry experts.
Talks touched on Animal Welfare, Biodiversity & Sustainability, Water Quality, Beef & Dairy Production, Soil Health, use of Agricultural Technology, and more.
Family Area:
Once the explorations were ticked off, guests joined us at the farmyard. Attendees had a chance to...
- Meet our hosts and gain further insight at our panel discussions
- View the machinery on display (and try it out at a pop-up by Farmtoyz)
- Get involved with other games and activities including woodland toys, and face painting.
- Event partners provided samples while local food vendors served up a storm
Live Demonstrations:
Depending on which farm guests visited, they had the chance to attend agriculture and food production focused demonstrations.
Demos will include: Shearing & Sheep Dog Herding with Karol Devaney of EweTube, and Cookery with well-known chef, Eoin Sheehan.
Previous Events
Sneak peak of what to expect
In 2025 we extended our reach for the Open Farm series by hosting two free public events across one weekend alongside our schools days. The Doran Family welcomed us to their Dairy Farm in Kildare on June 14, meanwhile, the Fahy Family opened up the gates to their Beef Farm on June 15. Thanks to our hosts, industry partners and suppliers who made this a great weekend out for our attendees.
The Byrne family in Kildare welcomed thousands of visitors to experience the work behind Irish dairy farming firsthand. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including farm tours, cooking demos, and engaging discussions, all showcasing the blend of quality food production and environmental care. There was something for everyone, and our farm-tastic Kids Zone played host to the Agri Aware Mobile Farm, games and face painting.
The Fitzgerald’s dairy farm in Kilmagemogue, Co. Waterford, hosted a fun, family-friendly day with activities for all ages. Attendees explored a biodiversity trail, enjoyed Chef Paul Flynn’s cooking demos, as well as panel discussions on dairy farming and sustainability. Kids had fun in the sun with farm machinery simulators and the Agri Aware Mobile Farm. The day closed with an evening milking demonstration, highlighting the farm’s commitment to quality and sustainable dairy production.
