Inside The Gate: Morgans North Organic Farm, Co.Limerick

This Inside The Gate Open Farm Day is organised by Farming For Nature and is an opportunity to see visit a farm and see the important work that farmers do for nature in your local community. This is a free event, open to families, and will be held on different farms across the country on Sunday August 31st. But you must register to attend as numbers are limited (first come, first served).

What to expect

Tom & Michael Keane are brothers farming on the Shannon Estuary in Co. Limerick. Michael focuses on dairy production whilst Tom focuses on beef and sheep.  Most of the unique flora found in the Burren can be found on their land too.  Amongst other things, they have installed otter holts and provided accommodation for the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. Rare plants such as the Bee and Butterfly Orchids, thrive in their species rich grasslands. They propagate native trees from seed, particularly Hazel and plant them into scrub.  They both have a deep connection to nature and are incredibly knowledgeable about the ecological and cultural history of their area.

Some highlights may include:

• Meet the farmer and tour the farm. 
• Collect seeds.
• Find out more about how they constructed of bat houses and otter holts.
• As well as measure to help more flowers such as late mowing. 
• They will also introduce you to other actions they have done on their land such as tree planting, scrub management and harvesting tree seed for propagation.
• Things you might see include: Livestock, polytunnels, tree nursery, limestone and saltmarsh landscapes with ponds and scrub and pollarded trees. Also, man made structures such as the remains of lime kilns, medieval bawn and ring fort.

Other information:

• We have a suitable place outside for a picnic so bring some if you wish.
• We will be offering tea/coffee/scones refreshments in lieu of a donation.
• There will be a loo available.
• This event is suitable for buggies around the farm yard.