Leahy’s Open Farm in East Cork officially opened to the public in 1996. Offering amenities and activities ranging from a museum and indoor play barn, to petting animals and adventure trails, the family run open farm caters for birthday parties, school tours, communions, company days out, holiday visitors and much more.
Teresa and Donal Leahy, co-owners of Leahy’s Open Farm, showcasing their produce as part of a celebration of the LEADER Food Initiative in Co. Cork – Source: Diane Cusack Photography
Over the years, the business has benefitted greatly from the LEADER programme. In 2018, Leahy’s Open Farm secured funding under the LEADER Food Initiative to support the purchase of production equipment for their on-site ice cream and chocolate factory. As well as contributing to the creation of permanent and seasonal employment, this project has greatly enhanced the farm’s capacity to produce ice cream, has increased the availability and visibility of their ice cream and chocolate products, and has facilitated the development of new events and workshops for all the family in the ice cream and chocolate factory.
To read the full case study, please see here.
This project was supported as part of the LEADER Food Initiative, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU under the Rural Development Programme, to support new and existing food and beverage producers throughout rural Ireland. It is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The Local Action Group is South Cork Local Community Development Committee and the Implementing Partner is SECAD Partnership CLG.
