Rock Farm Slane Environmental Award BY PATRICK HANLON
or the integrity of the landscape. After all, why do tourists visit Ireland? The beautiful and unique landscape, for one, but also the desire to experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals through the mediums of food and culture. Offering a unique opportunity to experience the food, landscape and culture of the Boyne Valley region, Rock Farm Slane could well provide a blueprint for others to replicate across the land: Ireland experienced by visitors via its farms, hosted by pioneers passionate about protecting the land and preserving it for future generations through environmental practices. Since 2010, the 90-acre organic farm has been built on the principles of permaculture, and is home to a herd of Dexter cattle, Tamworth cross pigs, Bronze turkeys, free roaming hens
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ust over a decade ago, Carina and Alex Conyngham took a chance on an expanse of farmland known locally in Slane, Co. Meath as “The Rock”. Farmed for years by neighbours for barley and pasture, the Conynghams had visions of transforming the space. They wanted to create an intertwined organic farm and ecotourism business that would enable the local community, along with tourists from home and abroad, to engage in back-tonature experiences underpinned by sustainable and environmentally-conscious practices. Their dream: guests connecting with the land, enjoying the great outdoors and understanding the workings of an organic farm, without compromising on modern creature comforts
THE ECO-GLAMPING, SET IN A BEAUTIFUL WOODLAND GLADE, IS SURROUNDED BY A DESIGNATED NATURAL HERITAGE AREA AND SPECIAL AREA OF CONSERVATION, HOME TO IRISH HARES, HERONS, CORMORANTS AND EGRETS.
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