Harvest traditional skills at an Irish heritage farm
If you long to escape to a simpler life, even for a short break, a visit to Willow and Lore farm in Northern Ireland is exactly what you need.
The working heritage farm sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of the famous Glens of Antrim. It is dedicated to traditional farming methods and crops and the idea of meitheal, an Irish word meaning a community coming together to support each other.
Camp or glamp in a comfortable bell tent in a meadow beside the farm and sink into the rhythms of nature. A campfire area is perfect for a communal meal in the evening.
You can take a guided tour of the farm to learn about rural life 100 years ago and the Celtic farming calendar that aligned with the ancient festivals of Imbolc, Bealtaine, Lughnasa and Samhain.
And in the spirit of meitheal, you can help out on the farm, getting hands on with tending crops, caring for the donkeys or even looking after newborn lambs while learning about regenerative, sustainable, community farming.
Throughout the year Willow and Lore farm runs a number of special events.
The TradSkills Fest presents craft workshops teaching a range of skills such as art weaving, natural dyeing, willow craft, restoration and foraging. In 2025, it will run from 31 May to 1 June and incorporate the Furnace Festival will which see smelters, smiths and apprentices from around the world smelt iron from Glenravel iron ore.
Weaving the Sally Rod teaches participants how to propagate and coppice willow, weaving skills, and how to produce your own willow souvenir.
And the Fire, Feast & Folklore experience gives you a glimpse into the way of life for Irish farmers in bygone days. In this immersive experience you will receive a welcome drink and light bite on arrival before taking a walking heritage tour of the Willow and Lore farm. This will include a hands-on seasonal farm activity such as producing butter or harvesting potatoes or wheat. Back at the cottage you will help to cook a traditional meal over the fire using the farm produce before enjoying the food by the open fire with a glass of sloe gin or homemade cordial while listening to tales of local folklore.
Willow and Lore farm is also a great place to use as a base while you explore all that the Glens of Antrim and the spectacular Causeway Coast have to offer.