A number of events have been announced for Social Farming Awareness Week.

Taking place from October 1 to October 7, these farm visits will promote social farming as a viable option for both those in need of this support and for farmers.  

Social Farming Ireland said a variety of different farm settings will open their gates in counties Limerick, Mayo, Cavan, Cork, Waterford and Laois.

Kicking off on Limerick dairy farm

On Thursday, October 1 from 10:30a.m-12:30p.m, Social Farming Awareness Week kicks off on the Fitzgeralds Farm, run by Kieran and Liz Fitzgerald, Effin, Co. Limerick.

The farm is a dairy farm on 180 acres that consists of 100 cattle.

Participants can get involved in milking cows, feeding calves and cattle, potting plants, cooking, carpentry and cleaning out pens. 

On Friday, October 2 from 10:30a.m-12:30p.m, an event will take place at Grauen Farm, run by Christina Brady, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo.

The farm consists of two parts: one being a busy sheep farm and the other a pet farm.

The 14-acre pet farm has been open to the public since 2008 and includes sheep, alpacas, ducks, goats, chickens, horses and donkeys.

Participants can get involved in feeding the animals, cleaning, maintenance, gardening, walking animals, collecting eggs and watering flowers 

Stud farm

On Monday, October 5 from 10:30a.m-12:30p.m, it’s over to Achadh an lúir Stud Farm, run by Philip and Kerri Morgan, Virginia, Co. Cavan.

The farm is mainly based around Connemara ponies.

The farm has six breeding mares, and offspring are kept until they are four years old.

Horses are trained to ride and compete in jumping competitions.

Participants can get involved in feeding, cleaning, general husbandry, grassland management, fencing, forestry work, gardening and stone work.

On Tuesday, October 6 from 10:30a.m-12:30p.m, the next event will take place at Corrin View Farm run by JP Murphy, Rathcormac, Co. Cork.

The farm is on approximately 20 acres with mixed breeds of sheep, goats and suckler cow replacements.

The farm is laid out in paddocks with one slatted shed.

Participants can get involved in feeding animals, herding, working with raised beds, tending to laying hens, and general farm maintenance.

Farm visits

Also on Tuesday, October 6 from 2pm–4pm, an event will take place at Nire Valley Farm run by Liam Mcgoldrick, Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford.

The farm consists of 36 sheep, hens, two horses and two dogs.

The farm is in the Comeragh Mountains, surrounded by lots of wildlife, birds and red squirrels.

Participants can get involved in feeding, fencing, woodland work, dog walking, cleaning, farm maintenance and horticulture.      

On Wednesday, October 7 from 10:30a.m-12:30p.m, there will be a visit to Coolfin Farm, run by Ruth Young, Rathdowney, Co. Laois.

The farm is a 90-hectare organic farm which contains cattle and horses.

The main enterprise is the weanling-to-beef system.

The farm emphasises improving soil, growing biodiversity, and improving water quality.

Participants can get involved in fencing, caring for animals, hedging, cleaning, nature walks, growing vegetables, baking and gathering timber. 

Social Farming Ireland said all participants, families, farmers, service providers, or anyone interested in learning more about social farming are welcome to the events.

Registration for any of the events can be done online.