Meet you at the farmers’ market! We’re skipping the Big Shop and picking up fresh produce at these family farms specialising in local, seasonal produce that tastes as good as it looks
There’s something very wholesome about doing your grocery shop business and getting produce that’s fresher and with a far smaller carbon footprint than anything you’ll find in the supermarket. We seek out some of the best around Ireland …
Fat Tomato, Co Wexford
In the garden of his parents’ house in Co Wexford, chef and gardener Anthony O’Toole has established his Fat Tomato edible garden and honesty farm shop. The garden is small but highly diverse, so quantities and availability vary. “As the shop is tiny and the demand for some unusual items can be limited,” he says, “I try to encourage anyone looking for something specific to get in touch in advance. We can harvest to order and ensure everything is as fresh as possible.”
For his regular customers, Anthony runs a small local WhatsApp group where he posts updates about what’s available; he also sends out a bi-monthly newsletter to keep subscribers informed. You won’t find Fat Tomato’s jams, jellies and cordials anywhere else – although you can buy them online – and they are beautifully packaged so make ideal gifts.
As well as his own fresh and preserved produce, potted plants and seeds, Anthony stocks a small selection from other like-minded producers including Bean and Goose chocolate, Saltrock butter and yoghurt, and Bread & Weather geranium soap. The shop is open seven days a week, from 10am to 8pm over the summer months. Customers, some of whom travel from other counties, can pay by cash, card or Revolut. In time, Anthony hopes to find more land and establish a retreat centre where producers and chefs can come for inspiration, but for now he is happy to be sharing the bounty of his prolific polytunnel and happy birds with those who make the trip to Camolin, Co Wexford, Y21 RD60; @fattomato__
McNally’s Family Farm, Co Dublin
A place of pilgrimage for chefs and food-minded Dubliners who know the good stuff when they taste it, an excursion to the McNally family’s wonderful shop is guaranteed to put you in a good mood. Th e organic vegetables – the family grow over 50 varieties each year – form the core of the off ering, and there is no better lesson in seasonal eating than a weekly trip to see how the vegetables available change over time. Salad leaves that actually taste of something are a year-round staple, and tomato season at McNally’s is one of the best things about the Irish summer.
As well as their own produce, there’s a nicely curated selection of pantry goods, picky bits and cheese from Lilliput Stores, and meat from Broughgammon Farm. The on-site bakery and café mean you can stock up on bread and meet a pal for (excellent) coffee or lunch too. Balrickard, North County Dublin; @mcnallyfamilyfarm
Beechpark Eco Farm, Dublin 15
Beechpark Eco Farm sells only fresh, organic vegetables grown on site, so don’t rock up expecting to buy avocados. The shop, located beside Clonsilla train station, is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9.30am to 2.30pm, and there’s an on-site café where you can find sandwiches filled with Persian spiced carrot and onion fritters, beetroot borani, pickled peppers, sumac mayo, mint, and coriander; or duck gyoza, pickled cucumber, scallions, mixed leaves, and hoisin mayo. Yum! Beechpark, Clonsilla, Dublin 15; @beechpark_eco_farm
Moyleabbey Organic Farm, Co Kildare
Liam Ryan and Yuki Kobayashi grow 18 different fruit and vegetable crops including kale, leeks, spinach, salad greens, strawberries and Brussels sprouts on their 13.5-acre organic farm. The home farm shop opens every Friday from 12pm to 7pm, and because Moyleabbey supports its local community by donating organic fruits and vegetables to the Saint Vincent De Paul project for those living in food poverty, by shopping here, you in turn support their good work. Ballitore, Co Kildare; @moyleabbeyorganicfarm
An Tairseach, Co Wicklow
The forward-thinking Dominican sisters established their 70-acre organic mixed farm, farm shop and ecology centre in the fields above Wicklow Town nearly 30 years ago. As well as a few pigs and some cattle, the farm grows a wide range of organic vegetables.
The farm shop, located in a former milking parlour and open seven days a week, stocks meat, vegetables and fruit, as well as environmentally friendly cleaning products, wholefoods, and local artisanal produce, including honey and chocolate, organic milk and eggs. Th e coffee is good too. Kilmantin Hill, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow; @antairseach_farm_ecologycentre
Lunasa Farm Butchery, Co Clare
Cass Amundsen and Nick McCarthy moved to Co Clare from Byron Bay, Australia in 2021 and established a regenerative farm outside Quin. Here they rear their heritage breed pigs outdoors, feeding them organic, soy-free wholegrains fermented in local whey. They also have a small herd of organic beef cattle which are 100 per cent pasture-fed and finished.
As well as fresh meat worth clearing out the freezer for, Cass and Nick off er bones for broth, sausages (do try the gluten-free Italians), meatballs and their own charcuterie. You can order from their website for delivery nationwide, or click and collect from their shop on Saturdays between 9am and 1pm. 1 Main Street, Clare Commons, Clarecastle, Co Clare; @lunasafarm
The Apple Farm, Co Tipperary
Con Traas is one of Ireland’s most dedicated apple farmers, growing a host of varieties, and his shop has a year-round supply of Irish apples. He also grows pears, plums, cherries, strawberries and raspberries, and the farm shop sells apple and mixed juices made on site, as well as Con’s cider and cider vinegar. If you do make the trip, you can book an overnight stay at the farm’s campsite. Moorstown, Cahir, Co Tipperary; @theapplefarm
Síol Farm Shop, Co Galway
Cait Curran’s Síol Farm Shop opens on Fridays from 1pm to 5pm to sell its own organically and biodynamically grown vegetables. In the summer you’ll find home-grown sweetpeas and elderflower cordial, as well as all the Irish seasonal crops. Make a note if you are holidaying in the locality. Moycullen, Co Galway; @siol_farmshop
SEE MORE: Irish Female Farmers Making Strides In Sustainability