Inside the Gate 2026
What a fantastic day Inside the Gate 2026 was! One day, 20 farm across the country, over 1,200 people signed up and most of our events completely sold out.
The event gave families and visitors the chance to step behind the farm gate, meet the farmers producing their food, explore working farms and learn more about the nature and biodiversity that can thrive alongside food production. From discovering wildlife and habitats to hearing about different farming practices and the practical steps farmers are taking to care for their land, it was a wonderful opportunity to connect people with farming, food and nature.
A huge thank you to all our host farmers, volunteers and visitors for opening the gates, sharing your stories and making Inside the Gate 2026 such a memorable day. We hope to see you all again next year!
This event is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Services.
Inside the Gate 2025 & 2026 – Feedback and Image Gallery
The visit exceeded my expectations. I expected to learn about alpaca farming, but came away with a much broader understanding of sustainable farming, the environment, and natural processes. I’ve never seen a farm so well integrated with nature. A fantastic visit that gave me and my family a much greater appreciation of farming in Ireland. Attendee at Knockvicar Alpaca Farm, Co. Roscommon
The farm history and it’s heritage. The thoughts on soil health and how past farming systems impacted it. The train ride! Tasting the farm produce! The beautiful farm shop. Attendee at Highbank Organic Orchard, Co. Kilkenny
Very knowledgeable farmer and staff, gorgeous animals and lovely insight into the reality of modern day farming with a regenerative lense. Attendee at Dunnes Farm, Co. Kildare.
Very friendly atmosphere, informative talk and great engagement from the farmer. Attendee at Derrymullen Farm, Co. Kildare.
Extremely educational event, superb hosts, beautiful environment. Very inspirational in every sense. Attendee at Glasraí Organic Farm, Co. Mayo.
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.
