Social Farming Awareness Week comes to Thomastown

Social farming has been attracting increasing interest from farmers, from services, from potential participants as a fantastic innovation in both farming and in health and social care.

At the Ploughing Championships this year, more people than ever sought out and visited the Social Farming Ireland stand, wanting to hear more about what it involved and the benefits it can offer to participants, to farmers and to rural communities.

The Social Farming Ireland team are involved in a huge range of work to develop Social Farming in Ireland: mentoring and training social farmers, connecting with growing numbers of participants and services to offer this opportunity on ordinary family farms and ensuring that the supports delivered are meaningful, enjoyable and safe.

Plans lodged for ten homes 'for elderly and special needs' in Kilkenny

Now people have a chance to visit active social farms and find out more ‘on the ground’ as part of Social Farming Awareness Week, which runs from October 2 to 6.

On the morning of Tuesday, October 3, the Galway family in Thomastown will open their gates to share their Social Farming story.
Richard and Áine have an organic farm in a quiet and peaceful spot near Thomastown.

They farm beef cattle - including some rare breeds - and sheep but also share some ponies and alpacas with a neighbour. The latter are a particular favourite with all visitors!
There is also some woodland on the farm and a vegetable garden.
Traditional stone walls are another lovely feature of this traditional mixed farm.

Richard and Áine are active in their local community and Áine is both a teacher and member of the committee of the Camphill community.
As you can imagine, there are lots of everyday and seasonal activities on such a diverse farm, from feeding the cattle, to brushing the ponies, to walking in and helping maintain the forest to scraping the yard, to planting and tending to the vegetable garden.

Major book launch takes place in Kilkenny this Friday

Open Day Booking
On the Open Day there will be an opportunity to meet Richard and Áine, have a farm walk in this most lovely setting and meet other local, social farmers and Social Farming Ireland staff.
Whether you are a possible participant, support someone who might like to take part or are an interested farmer, this Open Day is a must for you.

Booking in advance is essential. Please email gillian.mccarthy@wlp.ie to contact Social Farming Ireland, to find out more or to book in: or contact Social Farming Ireland Regional Development Officer Gillian McCarthy on 087 2311061.