Killeen Farm in Loughanroe East, Ballyshrule, Ballinasloe, will be open to the public this weekend as part of the Discover Farmhouse Cheese programme.
Farmhouse cheesemakers around the country are opening their gates this month as part of the Bord Bia programme to allow people to learn more about artisan food production.
All farm visits are free to attend but places must be booked online. The farm visit at Killeen Farm will take place tomorrow Friday May 9, and Saturday May 10 from 11am to 1pm.
People are invited to visit Killeen Goat Farm and experience first hand the story of farmhouse cheese – the milk and goat herds, the small batches, the commitment to taste, and the quality and dedication to making some of the finest artisan products.
Killeen Goat Farm was established in 1990 and has grown to a herd of 200 goats on 75 acres. At Killeen Farm, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about goat milk production and what needs to be done to produce excellent milk. Visitors will also learn about cheesemaking and taste a range of award winning cheeses with cheesemaker Marion Roeleveld.
The Discover Farmhouse Cheese programme, an EU co-funded campaign organised by Bord Bia, is a celebration of farmhouse cheese in Ireland. Bord Bia is encouraging the public to discover the unique character of the individual cheeses and how they are produced on the farm, the transparency of the supply chain, and the story of the makers behind the products.
Farmhouse cheeses are made in a huge variety of styles, from the freshest cheese to the rustic and mature hard cheese that has been carefully minded for years as it edges towards perfect maturity. In Ireland all farmhouse cheeses are unique to each producer. This differs greatly to cheeses available on the Continent which are made by many farms and dairies under strict guidelines to ensure consistent standards (eg, Camembert or Parmigiano Reggiano ). There are currently more than 50 farmhouse cheesemakers in Ireland producing some 150 types of cheese.
For more information on locations and events visit www.DiscoverFarmhouseCheese.ie
