The public are being invited to step inside the farm gate this August as Clare farmers open their farm gates as part of Inside the Gate, a nationwide family-friendly open farm day organised by Farming For Nature.
Taking place on Sunday, 30 August, Inside the Gate gives visitors a unique opportunity to explore a working farm, meet the farmers and experience first-hand how food can be produced while supporting wildlife, healthy soils, clean water and biodiversity. With guided walks, demonstrations and the chance to learn about a variety of farming systems, each participating farm offers its own unique insight into the practical ways farmers are working with nature while producing nutritious food.
The Clare farmer taking part in this years event is Fergal Smith of Moyhill Farm in Lahinch. Moy hill farm is a regenerative agriculture farm. They run two no dig market gardens and a small flerd of cows and hens. Fergal said: “I feel it’s very important to welcome people onto our farm to show and explain our farming systems. There is such a disconnect from the land and where food comes from so I feel it’s very important for farms to allow all walks of life come and see what happens inside the gate.” Two events will run on Moyhill as part of Inside the Gate, one at 10am and the other at 2pm; both have a capacity of up to 40 people.
Adult tickets cost just €5, children go free and places are limited for each event, so early booking is recommended. Please read about the different events on offer to get an understanding of what you can expect on the day, as well as timings, ticket booking options and FAQs. All info is available here: www.farmingfornature.ie/inside-the-gate.
Brigid Barry, co-founder of Farming for Nature, said: “Inside the Gate is all about creating a connection between people and the farms that produce their food. For many people, especially those living in towns and cities, opportunities to visit a working farm are few and far between. This event gives visitors the chance to meet farmers, ask questions and see first-hand how farming and nature can thrive together.
Every farm taking part has its own story, but they all share a commitment to caring for the land while producing food. We hope people leave inspired by what they’ve seen and with a greater appreciation of the role farmers play in protecting nature. Following the success of Inside the Gate 2025, we are excited to run this special event again this year.”
Inside the Gate is a family-friendly event and welcomes visitors of all ages, whether you’re interested in farming, food, wildlife or simply looking for a memorable day out. Every visit offers a chance to connect with the people behind our food and experience how nature-friendly farming is making a difference across Ireland.
For tickets and more information, visit www.farmingfornature.ie/inside-the-gate
Farming for Nature is supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
