Open Farm

Step into the heart of Irish farming at Agri Aware’s 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 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 farm-to-fork process. Whether you want to explore farm life through engaging demonstrations, learn about animal welfare and sustainable practices, or discover the journey of your food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Open Farm Weekend 2026

This year, father and son duo Jim and Jake Harlin will host the 2-day event on their dairy farm in Kilmessan, Co. Meath. The Harlins milk 340 cows and are a prime example of the type of innovation and technology that is being implemented on farms to allow for the sustainable production of top-quality food.

Register Below!
84% of Open Farm visitors felt more informed about Irish food production.
Feedback Form ResponsesOpen Farm 2025
"Tirlán is a proud patron of Agri Aware and one of the sponsors of their flagship Open Farm event. Agri Aware’s work is vital in connecting people of all ages to the heart of Irish agriculture. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience life on a family farm, celebrate sustainability, appreciate the hard work and sense of community that underpins our rural heritage. Open Farm is more than just an educational experience - it’s a fantastic day out for the whole family. We extend our sincere thanks to the Doran family for opening their gates this year and showcasing the dedication behind producing high-quality fresh milk for Tirlán."
Tirlán
TirlánOpen Farm 2025 - Kildare
96% of attendees strongly agreed that farmers place a high importance on animal welfare.
Feedback Form ResponsesOpen Farm 2025
"The Agri Aware Open Farms are a great way to showcase Irish farming to the general public who may not have the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes on a working farm. For DLF it is important to show consumers the science, technology and hard work all along the supply chain to produce the highest quality food for consumers."
Dr Thomas Moloney, DLF
Dr Thomas Moloney, DLFOpen Farm 2025 - Kildare
"It’s easy to think milk just comes out of a carton. My children made the biggest connection I think going from seeing the cows in the field then being given recognisable milk cartons. We value it so much more now that we know how much work goes in, both from cow and farmer.”​
Kildare Event AttendeeOpen Farm 2025
"Teagasc was delighted to be involved in Agri Aware's Open Farm on Aonghusa Fahy's farm. Events like this are a fantastic opportunity to connect with the public, showcase best farming practices, and highlight the importance of sustainable agriculture. Aonghusa’s farm provided a perfect setting to engage and inspire the next generation about food, farming, and the environment."
Teagasc
TeagascOpen Farm 2025 - Galway
“It was interesting to hear how the farm and agriculture has improved over the years. My grandchildren loved the sheep shearing and cookery demonstrations and learning about the land. My 12-year-old grandson said he would like to be farmer.”​
Galway Event AttendeeOpen Farm 2025
"ABP were delighted to participate in the recent Agri Aware open farm event held in Galway, on Advantage beef supplier Aonghusa Fahy’s farm. Welcoming adults and children onto a working family beef farm to see first hand how beef is produced in Ireland is a fantastic initiative. Visitors had the opportunity to learn in an interactive setting about farm animals, biodiversity, beef production and farm life. A well-attended event demonstrated a keen interest from the local community to learn more about the process of farm to fork."
ABP
ABPOpen Farm 2025 - Galway

Kildare Open Farm

Galway Open Farm

Saturday, June 14, 2025
Doran Family Dairy Farm - Donadea, Co. Kildare

Sunday, June 15, 2025
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.”

Previous Event Highlights

What to expect at Open Farm.

An outing for all ages - friends and families are welcome to explore an exemplary Irish farm.

General
  • Gates open from 10.30am to 5pm
  • Registration is essential
  • Safety: be mindful that event locations are operational farms and staff advice should be adhered to
  • Only registered guide dogs are permitted at these events
Nature trail & Immersive Educational Activities

Attendees can stroll along our self guided farm tour to learn more about a variety of topics through a series of immersive stations with industry experts.

Talks touch on Animal Welfare, Biodiversity & Sustainability, Water Quality, Beef & Dairy Production, Soil Health, use of Agricultural Technology, and more.

Family Area

Once explorations are ticked off, guests can gather at the farmyard.

  • Meet our hosts and gain further insight at panel discussions.
  • View the machinery on display.
  • Sample local flavours and engage with project partners.
  • Explore farm themed games and activities.
Live Demonstrations:

Attendees can view a range of agriculture and food production focused demonstrations.

Demos include milking, sheep shearing and herding, and cookery.

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.