We are excited to announce that Inside The Gate will return in 2026 – More info coming soon (keep an eye on our website/social media) – but for now, save the date: 30th August 2026!
First one happened on the 31st August 2025, with 21 Farming for Nature farms open their gates for one day only! 1285 people attended
The Farming For Nature Inside the Gate Open Farm Day (31st August) was a great opportunity to see the work that farmers do for nature in your local community, meet the farmers themselves and see the livestock and habitats that they are working with. We had over 24 events on 21 farms to choose from this year.
This event is for families and individuals – basically anyone with an interest in know more about farming where your food comes from. It will be a fun day out.
We hope to do this again at the end of August 2026. So put the date in the diary and come join us!
Meanwhile here are some photos and feedback from 2025.
Feedback:
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
This Open Farm day is for anyone that is interested in finding out where their food comes from, for families, and others with an interest in farming, nature and how this farming helps the environment. This event provides an opportunity for the general public to come and visit a working farm, to find out more about these farmers vital role in providing healthier soils, cleaner waters and protecting biodiversity for future generations.
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. Whilst it is a free event, there are limited spaces. So please book your space 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 farmgate 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.
