Inside the Gate: Morgans House Farm, Co. Limerick

This Inside the Gate Open Farm Day is organised by Farming For Nature and is an opportunity to visit a farm and see the important work that farmers do for nature in your local community. This event is open to families, and will be held on different farms across the country on Sunday August 30th. You must purchase a ticket to attend as numbers are limited (first come, first served). Adult tickets cost €5 and kids (under 16 y/o) go free!

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.

What to expect

We will assemble at 11:00 and have light refreshments. Activities divided into 2 Farm Walks. One in the morning, starting at 11:30 covering the Western part of the land, taking in the dairy, replacement dairy heifers and some beef cattle the habitats including brackish lagoons on karst and limestone pavement leading on to the salt-marsh. Calcaerous rich land with an NPWS devised bat roost on site. Lunch, soup, sandwiches, tea, coffee served at 1:30 back at the farmhouse. While at the farmhouse, the tree nursery can be seen, along with vintage farm machinery. The second Farm Walk to begin at 2:30, taking in the Eastern part of the land, looking at the livestock, dairy and beef herds along with the sheep flock. This land includes meadows, a tree pollard, calcaerous rich grassland, salt-marsh and an isthmus with two NPWS devised otter holts on site.

• Meet the farmer and tour the farm.
• There are archaeological (medieval bawn, ringfort) and natural heritage feature on the land, some of which is designated SAC/SPA. 
• There is also a collection of vintage machinery on site. 
• See the animals.
• Learn about different farmland habitats and the wildlife/insects they support. 

Other information:

• We can offer simple refreshments (i.e. tea, coffee, homemade sandwiches) in exchange for a donation on the day.
• We have a suitable place for a picnic so bring some if you wish.
• There will be a toilet available.
• This event is suitable for buggies around the farm yard.
• No dogs allowed.
• Please wear suitable clothing and footwear (this is a working farm). Dress for the weather.

FFN is a non-profit organisation and any money raised is circulated back into the farming community. FFN is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Services.

You have to book a ticket in order to get the location and car parking details.