Inside the Gate – 30th August 2026
Step Inside the Gate and discover the stories behind Ireland’s most inspiring nature-friendly farms. For one day only, Farming for Nature farmers across the country will open their gates, inviting you to experience how farming and nature go hand in hand.
Meet the farmers, explore beautiful working landscapes, learn about where your food comes from and see first-hand the practical ways farming can support biodiversity, wildlife, healthy soils and clean water. Whether you’re a family, food lover, nature enthusiast or simply curious, Inside the Gate is a unique opportunity to connect with the people and places shaping the future of farming.
Booking is essential and tickets can be purchased below. You can see each event and what to expect on the day by clicking on the links below. Tickets cost €5 per adult and kids (under 16) go free, but you must let us know (via the booking link) how many children you are bringing so we can track numbers for the day. Spaces are limited so we advise early booking to avoid disappointment.
Please see below for frequently asked questions or contact Lucy at [email protected] if you wish to speak to someone about the event.
This event is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Services.
Inside the Gate 2025 – Feedback and Image Gallery
At Inside the Gate, by actually meeting ‘a’ farmer who was really passionate about what they do was much more effective than just having an open farm with masses of people. Having a farm walk was brilliant — getting showed around, digging up soil samples, introduced to farm animals, and talking about why they farm and how they connect with nature. Lydia Lishman, attended with her family to Norman Dunnes’s farm, Co. Kildare
Tom was an extremely welcoming host . The walk was very informative and extremely helpful. Well worth the trip and we’re very happy to have had the opportunity to attend. Billy Morrissey, attended Tommy Reidy’s farm in Co. Kerry
I went to Hartwell Farm yesterday. The farm tour was excellent – I gained lots of new knowledge, met interesting people and have many ideas for our family’s land. Absolutely worth while visit. They have made an incredible space for nature with so many varied habitats, woodlands, pasture, river glens, fens, ponds. Eye-opening I would say. Christina McCann, attended Stephen Morrison’s farm in Co. Kildare
Frequently Asked Questions:
All they all the same event?
No every farm is different and every landscape is different. It might be a dairy farm, an orchard, a beef farm, a sheep farm etc. It might be mountainous, it might be hay meadows. Some events might be looking at a beehive, others might be learning about the cows in their field. Each event is different so read the descriptions of the farm you are interested in and make your decision based on that.
Is it suitable for children?
Whilst it is open for children to attend. It is a not a children’s event. It is an opportunity for anyone in the general public to see a farm, see how food is produced and learn how these farmers do it with nature in mind. As it is a working farm, all children must be the responsibility of the parent and respect that livestock may be present, wires may be electric, and nettles may sting;)!
What should I bring?
As it is a farm, you can bring good walking boots or wellies – basically something you don’t mind the mud getting on! Bring a rain jacket just in case we get the August showers. Finally bring a picnic. Many of the farmers have offered a space indoors or outdoors for people to convene afterwards and have a picnic together. Why not get the full farmlife experience and sit outside in nature having a sandwich or two!
Do I need to book?
Yes. Tickets cost €5 per adult and kids go free. Spaces are limited so please book in advance on the above link. If you are bringing children please book them under the children section. Once you have booked you will receive a confirmation email. Bring in this on your phone to the farm gate for access to the event. This confirmation email will also give the address and Eircode of the event.
Can I bring my dog?
As these are working farms, many of them have dogs on site and/or livestock. Our farmers have asked that dogs are not allowed for this event. Please leave them at home.
