If you have never been to a Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend event before, you might want to know how to prepare for your visit and what to expect. So, here are our top tips!
- Wear suitable footwear. Farms can be muddy and have uneven surfaces so flat shoes, water proof shoes or welly boots would be most appropriate. Open toed shoes and high heels are not recommended.
- Because our weather has a tendency to be wet, please do also bring some rainwear!
- Park your cars where the stewards advise you to park.
- Toilets will be provided at the farms. Follow the signs or ask a steward if you need help to find them.
- To help celebrate the Year of Food and Drink, all farms will be providing food sampling and on some farms, special cookery demonstrations. All farms will have hand washing equipment so use them after handling animals and before eating.
- If you are bringing a picnic please ask one of the volunteers if there is an area provided to eat your picnic – again, please wash your hands before and after you eat.
- Each farm has arranged specific activities planned to make your visit extra special. These range from treasure hunts for kids to various farming related demonstrations. You can find out about these on each of the farm pages on the website.
- Wash boots and prams in areas provided.
- Put litter in bins provided – if there are not bins nearby please store your rubbish until you find a bin, or take your rubbish home with you. Keep our farms tidy!
- Leave gates as you find them.
- Alert volunteers if you identify any problems.
- Follow signs, pathways and advice given by the host farmer and volunteers.
- Be considerate of other visitors and animals, drive slowly or stop where appropriate for walkers, horse riders and farm animals.
- Children should be supervised at all times as these farms are real working farms and not leisure areas.
And finally, some ‘do nots’ to be aware of, for your safety and comfort!
- Do not feed the animals, unless provisions have been made to do so.
- Do not touch the animals unless permission has been given.
- Do not touch the farm machinery unless permission has been given, e.g. to take a photo beside a tractor.
- You are advised not to bring family pets, including dogs, to the farm you are visiting.
Be vigilant & be safe.
Enjoy your day out on the farm!
