This weekend, visit one of these gorgeous farm shops with a café for an organic shopping excursion, followed by a delicious bite to eat…
Swainstown Farm, Kilmessan, Co. Meath
It’s not just all about the flowers at Swainstown Farm in Co. Meath, although the flowers might be the first thing to grab your attention. The Piggery farm shop at Swainstown is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am – 5pm for all of your seasonal shopping needs. Stock up on organic vegetables, freshly harvested flowers, free range eggs from the chickens, apple juice from the orchard and grass fed lamb and pork sausages. The Piggery also stocks a range of local and sustainable produce from honey and cheeses to cured meats, organic beef and ice cream. Shopping done, delicious locally baked pastries and sausage rolls and Ethiopian coffee can be enjoyed on the outdoor picnic tables. www.swainstownfarm.com
Beechpark Eco Farm, Clonsilla, Dublin 15
Located beside the train station in Clonsilla village, Beechpark Eco Farm is a very welcome addition to the Dublin 15 area, which is notoriously lacking when it comes to good food offerings. The café and sandwich shop is open 9.30 – 3pm from Wednesday to Sunday while the farm shop itself is open from 9.30am – 3pm Saturday and Sunday. There is a large range of seasonal vegetables, Irish cheese’s, fresh bread from the local bakery (sourdough and beyond), plus, organic eggs and jams and chutneys. The café serves tea, coffee and pastries from 9.30am with a selection of sandwiches available from 11.30am. Choices include innovative options such as the vegan ‘Prince of Persia’ with Persian spiced carrot and onion fritters, beetroot borani, pickled peppers, sumac mayo, mint and coriander, while carnivores will enjoy the ‘Beef me up Scotty’ with braised beef, pico de gallo and crispy onions. You can also buy homemade ice cream with flavours such as vanilla, strawberry, chocolate or salted caramel or splash out with a ice cream-y affogato. www.beechparkfarm.com
Castlewood Organic Farm, Durrow, Co. Laois
Located on the banks of the river Nore near Durrow, Co Laois, Castlewood Farm is a family business run by Dominic Leonard and his family. The farm produce pigs, sheep and cattle and all the organic meat is available to buy from the farm. There are walking trails and guided farm tours available. When a spot of tea is called for, The Tea Rooms is the place to be. Open Friday and Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 11am – 5pm, Castlewood is a great place to while away an afternoon while stocking up on some great organic, locally reared meats. www.castlewoodfarm.ie
McNally Family Farm Shop & Café, Co. Dublin
The top choice of many Irish based chefs, and anyone with even a passing interest in Irish food will likely have heard of McNally Family Farm in north Co. Dublin. Even more likely – they will probably have enjoyed the stellar produce grown there at any number of Irish restaurants and bought said produce at one of the farmers market stalls operated by the McNally family. The farm shop is located, unsurprisingly, at the 77 acre farm and is a wonderland of all things home grown. Open on Wednesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 4pm. The café serves a range of sweet and savoury treats including the famous courgette bun along with sandwiches, salad pots and pizza slices. www.mcnallyfamilyfarm.ie
Ballymaloe Garden Shop, Shanagarry, Co. Cork
Of course the garden shop at Ballymaloe Cookery school is going to be a great place to fill your larder, that’s a given. Fill your boots with organic farm produce, fresh eggs, baked goods, raw milk from the farm, natural wines and artisan cheese and meats to name but a few. Shopping done, visit the Food Truck and Field Cafe for a light lunch and seasonal treats which are open from 10am – 4.30pm Monday – Saturday until the end of September. The Garden Shop is open all year round from Monday – Saturday from 9.30am – 5.30pm. www.ballymaloecookeryschool.ie