The Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) has announced that the National Open Day 2026 will take place on Wednesday, July 8, hosted by Cedarmore Holsteins of Kanturk, Co. Cork.

While this prestigious event is a highlight for the agricultural community, it also offers a fascinating, eye-opening look for non-members, tech enthusiasts, and families into what a modern dairy enterprise actually looks like.

Admission to the event is completely free, and all are welcome to come and explore one of Ireland’s most progressive and accomplished dairy farms.

Here is what makes Cedarmore Holsteins such a unique and interesting place to visit:

International design: The facility was personally designed by John and Bryan O’Connor, who gathered the best best-practice ideas from cutting-edge farms across Ireland and the Netherlands;
Robotic milking: The herd of over 180 cows is milked using three 'Lely Astronaut' robotic stations, which allow the cows a high degree of flexibility and comfort;
Automated kitchen: A 'Lely Vector' automatic feeding system works with pinpoint accuracy to ensure the cattle receive a perfectly balanced, consistent diet;
Green energy: Innovation here goes hand-in-hand with sustainability; in 2023, the farm installed a massive solar power system on the roofs of their silage pits to generate a significant portion of their own clean energy;
High-tech farming - Robots and Solar Power: Cedarmore is a far cry from the old-fashioned barns of the past. It stands as a brilliant example of modern technological innovation, featuring a state-of-the-art robotic dairy unit completed in 2021.

Meet the 'supermodels'

For those outside the industry, it is a rare treat to see animals bred to the absolute highest global standards.

The O’Connor family focuses on elite genetics, cow comfort, and physical excellence, resulting in an incredibly beautiful, high-performance herd.

The elite EX96 club: The sheer quality of the farm is proved by the fact that they currently have three "EX96" scored cows (a rare, top-tier score for physical perfection and excellence) scored in just the last 12 months;
National royalty: The farm is home to Bawnmore Pepper Almeric, who took the Supreme Senior Holstein Friesian Champion title at the Tullamore National Livestock Show and was named the Irish Holstein Cow of the Year in 2023. In an incredible display of family consistency, her mother (Clongowes Sid Almeric 2) won the exact same National title back in 2016.

A 70-year family legacy

Behind the high-tech robots is a deeply rooted family story. Operated today by brothers John and Bryan O’Connor, the farm's legacy traces back to the 1950s when it was founded by Bryan O'Connor (Snr) under the "Bawnmore" prefix.

Between 2013 and 2014, John began expanding the family's long-standing herd, creating the "Cedarmore" prefix.

Today, those two proud family histories are combined. Day-to-day operations remain a true family commitment, supported by a skilled team dedicated to the highest standards of animal welfare and grassland management.

A great family day out

The National Open Day is designed as a welcoming farm family day out, making it the perfect opportunity for non-members to experience the countryside.

Visitors can expect an educational and enjoyable day suitable for all ages, featuring:

Guided looks at the modern robotic facilities;
Livestock judging and a youngstock sale;
A vibrant range of trade exhibits and educational presentations.

Whether you are interested in robotics, sustainable energy, championship animals, or simply want to see where your food comes from, the O'Connor family invites you to experience their forward-driven vision firsthand.