10 Farms in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands That You Shouldn't Miss

An authentic insight into hill sheep farming and rural Irish life with working sheepdog demonstrations. Interaction with puppies and sheep shearing demonstration during high season. This is set against some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland. Rest room facilities available along with picnic tables for guest use. Scheduled demonstration times are 11am, 1pm and 3.30 pm Monday -Saturday, however alternative times are available by prior arrangement.

Birr Equestrian Centre has been catering for riders and horse enthusiasts for over forty years under the direction of Noel Cosgrave and his team of dedicated instructors. The centre is open 7 days a week to cater for your every need and there are a range of services from entertainment to sales and breeding. Birr Equestrian Centre is A.I.R.E. and Board Failte approved and all instructors are certified by the British Horse Society. Located in the Midlands we offer riding lessons; cross country treks and tuition; hourly, half day and full day trekking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains; trekking holidays in conjunction with local accommodation providers; pony camps and much much more! Carriage Driving, Archery, Laser Shooting and Clay Pigeon Shooting are also available on site.

contains some of Ireland's most awe-inspiring and dramatic scenery including Killary Fjord. Sheepdog Demonstrations with highly skilled working dogs, feeding the lambs with bottles, Sheep shearing using the hand shears, turf cutting using the traditional method which visitors can try out this ancient method for themselves, walking trails, Great day out for all the family.

When you arrive at Cloncannon Biofarm on the picturesque western slopes of the Devils' Bit mountains, you have really brought yourself close to the 'Earth' on this working organic farm. You will feel the pressures release as you are reconnected to nature and ecological farming. Are you good at communicating with happy farm animals and would you like to be engaged in learning about wildlife? We provide guided tours of the working organic farming enterprises: cows + calves, pigs, chickens, geese, donkeys, and goats. You will also learn about growing organic fruit and vegetables using natural principles. Be prepared to get up close to really fascinating creatures in the various habitats on the farm, ie. woodland, hedgerows, meadows, ponds and rivers. There are stories to be told of local history, gold treasure and another story about murder, but you will be safe in the peace and tranquility of Cloncannon in these times. Refreshments provided. You will leave with pleasant memories.

Oysters have been farmed in Ballinakill Bay, Connemara since 1893. Visitors see how oysters grow from seed to plate and learn about the fascinating history of the farm. A demonstration of the techniques and practices of oyster farming explains how oysters like wine take their taste from the bay they are grown. Visitors are invited to participate in grading, weighing, shucking and tasting the unique flavour of a Connemara Oyster grown in Ballinakill Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way. You can book on a scheduled public tour or a private experience. We are a working farm and offer an authentic hands on experience, in a unique environment.

Experience the landscape of East Galway and learn how it has been shaped by thousands of years of farming. We will walk the patchwork quilt of fields surrounded by stone walls that have stood untouched for hundreds of years.

We offer multiples experiences tailored on you. Are you looking for some relax time? Do you want to meet special animals and know more about them? Are you brave enough to do our "alpaca owner experience"? You'll jump right into the field, meeting our lovely alpacas and horses. You can come here and take photos, weddings, or others special events!