For a day out with a difference, visit Airfield urban farm and estate in south county Dublin …
Airfield, a 38-acre estate in Dundrum in south Dublin, comprises a working farm, extensive organic gardens, twice-weekly farmers market, Overends Kitchen restaurant and the Victorian house which was home to Letitia and Naomi Overend who bequeathed the estate to the nation for the purpose of education and recreation. Airfield, held in deep affection by those who know and love it, yet it is still undiscovered by many. Those yet to visit have a treat in store. Wide-open spaces, so unusual in the heart of suburbia, and countless areas of interest for diversion and play, mean there is something new to do and discover every time you visit. Dublin-based visitors are surprised to have an experience they would usually have to travel to Wicklow or Kildare for, so close to home, while those from further afield find making a trip more than worthwhile. You can easily spend a day at Airfield.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Start the day with a walk around the outskirts of the estate, following the tree-lined paths past the pretty wildlife pond to the urban farmyard, where Airfield’s famous Jersey herd still live. Take care not to get diverted for too long at the zipwire and play areas – you can go back there later! You can also see the gorgeous Oxford Sandy and Black pigs rolling around in the mud, as you near the farmyard. Once in the farmyard, visitors can see the herd, as well as sheep and goats, and chat to one of the friendly farmers who will tell you all about their busy day.
Then it’s just a short walk via Airfield’s big green barn and polytunnels to the kitchen garden where beds are extensively planted with vegetables and herbs. You might meet one of the Overends’ Kitchen chefs cutting some herbs to add to their dishes that day. Take time to linger and enjoy the beds, full of kale and cabbage, potatoes and pumpkins, depending on the time of year, and don’t miss the rows of vines. The growers at Airfield are always trying something new. An orchard is also becoming established in this area – if you come in early summer, you’ll see pretty confetti trails of apple blossom. A big enclosure keeps Mr Fox and family away from the hens roaming happily. You can even watch the egg collection if you arrive at 10am.
In keeping with the Overends’ bequest, Airfield provides a place for recreation and education. (Look out for brilliant school holiday workshops and adult courses.) In the old stable blocks, there are classrooms and conference spaces where workshops for schoolchildren and adults underpin the hands-on experience provided by the Airfield team. Walk a little further (past the garage with Letitia and Naomi’s beautifully preserved vintage cars) and arrive at the wildflower meadow, Victorian glasshouse and beehives, at the entrance to the walled garden. The herbaceous borders of the walled garden have interest in every season, and the enclosed space really does feel like a secret garden. In front of the house, there is a smooth lawn and a wonderful variety of specimen trees. In the house, a charming exhibition, complete with sound effects and historical vignettes, takes visitors into the lives of the Overend sisters.
A SUSTAINABILITY HUB
Very much of the “make do and mend” mindset, the hardworking Overend sisters ran Airfield sustainably. Every scrap of food was grown or raised on the farm or in the garden. Items were repaired and reused. Virtually nothing was thrown away. It is Airfield’s intention that the estate become a national sustainability “hub”. The award-winning Overends Kitchen operates on principles of seasonal, local, sustainable, and champions zero waste. From freshly baked cakes and granola for breakfast, to the best of local Irish produce, supplemented by the estate’s own harvest, for lunch, eating at Airfield is a pleasure. The newly installed Neff Inspiration Kitchen will allow more culinary magic to happen. Look out for details of dining events at www.airfield.ie.
Airfield is on a mission to become a leading voice in food sustainability beyond the walls of the estate in Dundrum. Airfield wants people to learn more about what they eat, how it’s produced, the impact it has on their body and the world around them and help them understand the role they can play in creating a healthier, more sustainable food system for all.
THE YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
Airfield Estate knows young people are the future so it is calling on would-be activists between the ages of 15 and 18 who would like to help revolutionise the future of food. The new Youth Advisory Board will work alongside the team at Airfield Estate to shape its ambition to be at the cutting edge of food production and write the recipe for a sustainable food future in Ireland. Airfield will look to the youth board for their ideas and develop the young board members, thereby cultivating the next generation of food sustainability experts. Find out more at www.airfield.ie/our-team/youth-board.
BECOME A MEMBER
Airfield Estate is about making memories. With an annual pass, you can pop up for coffee with a friend, stroll around the grounds with Mum, spend Saturday morning in the playground with the kids. The landscape changes dramatically as the seasons change, dishes in the restaurant change based on the harvest from the farm. You’ll experience something new each time you visit.
EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Readers of THE GLOSS can enjoy two months free when they purchase or renew their annual pass. Quote GlossPass when purchasing over the phone or from one of our representatives on site (not available online). Offer ends Friday January 6 2023.
Airfield, Overend Avenue, Dundrum, Dublin 14, 01 969 6666; www.airfield.ie.
