October 24, 2025 @ 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Tom & Michael Keane are brothers farming 135 hectares (334 ac) along a Special Area of Conservation at the Shannon Estuary in Co. Limerick. Michael focuses on dairy production whilst Tom focuses on beef and sheep.
They are big proponents of rare breeds and exclusively rear natives such as Droimeann and Shorthorn cattle and Galway sheep. Tom has been observing Droimeann traits over time to improve the herds genetics and have noted that they are low maintenance and can ‘mind themselves’. They have ‘good longevity, are fertile and have plenty of milk when crossbred’. The dairy farm has been organic for over two decades and supplies the Little Milk Company. The beef and sheep farm, also organic, supplies weanlings to finishers. Livestock are all completely grass-fed.
Their farms are located in a landscape similar to the Burren, with a vast array of habitats, including a very rare brackish lagoon situated on karst limestones. Most of the unique flora found in the Burren can be found on their land too and they have hosted many botanists and researchers interested in these rare species. They are in ACRES and are actively engaged with conservation efforts through the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme. Amongst other things, they have installed otter holts and provided accommodation for the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. Rare plants such as the Bee and Butterfly Orchids, thrive in their species rich grasslands. They propagate native trees from seed, particularly Hazel and plant them into scrub.
They both have a deep connection to nature and are incredibly knowledgeable about the ecological and cultural history of their area.
To learn more on their various strategies for farming for nature, join us on their farm walk.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gx3m7g84Lm8
Are you starting out on your nature-friendly farming journey and don’t know where to start? Apply to the Horse’s Mouth Mentorship Scheme and get specific advice for your farm from a fellow farmer. For more info https://www.farmingfornature.ie/your-farm/advice/the-horses-mouth/
WHAT ARE THE FARM WALKS:
- This will be a 2.5 hour (approx.) visit to the farm and will include a walk around with the farmer, a look at some of the habitats/species, as well as the livestock and/or crops. Feel free to engage with the farmer about how they manage the land in support of nature.
- These walks are for farmers and people with an interest in farming for nature. They are meant to be an interactive knowledge exchange. They are not suitable for children, or for people/groups looking for an ‘organised walk’ in the countryside.
- These walks are non-profit but a booking fee is necessary to minimise no-shows. It costs €12 to register and all funds are circulated back into the farming community.
- Please wear suitable footwear for uneven and potentially muddy conditions.
- Dogs are not welcome. You will be turned away if you arrive with one. We would ask that you please respect these farmers, their land and livestock when visiting.
- Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk commences.
Thank you to the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for supporting these farm walks.
For more info on FFN events, resources, programmes – go to www.farmingfornature.ie
