There are 21 farms taking part in the Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend across Friday 16-Sunday 18 June and they are all looking forward to welcoming visitors and sharing their stories. If you are visiting over the weekend, here are some safety tips from one of our partners, the UK’s leading rural insurer NFU Mutual.
- Follow all signs and instructions: Farms may have specific rules and guidelines for visitors to follow. Make sure you read all signs and listen to any instructions given by the farm staff
- Stay on designated paths: Farms may have areas that are off-limits to visitors for safety reasons. Make sure you stay on designated paths and don’t wander into areas that are not open to the public.
- Watch your step: Farms can be uneven and slippery, especially if it has been raining or if there are animals around. Watch your step and be careful not to trip or slip.
- Respect the animals: Animals can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or cornered. Always keep a safe distance from animals and don’t try to pet or feed them unless instructed to do so by the farm staff.
- Wash your hands: Farms can be dirty and may have germs or bacteria that can make you sick. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after touching animals or anything that may be contaminated.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Avoid loose or dangling jewellery or clothing that could get caught on something.
- If you are permitted to bring pets to one of the venues (please check in advance): please ensure you keep them on a lead and clean up after them.
- Use the bins provided: please ensure you put any litter in the bins provided or take it home with you.
- Park in designated areas being mindful not to block any access points.
- Only eat and drink in designated areas in case of crumbs, wrappers or food etc that an animal could potentially eat and could do them damage. It also further encourages feeding the animals or animals sticking heads over doors or through fences to get the food and doing them damage or biting the person also. Also crumbs and leftover food lying around or dropped could attract vermin and also don’t want children dropping food and potentially eating it if fallen in much or dirt etc.
Stay safe and we hope you have wonderful visits to our farm during Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend!
