CAFRE welcomes large crowds to Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend at Enniskillen and Greenmount

Date published: 17 June 2026

The annual event provided an opportunity for members of the public to step behind the gates of CAFRE offering educational insights into Northern Ireland’s land-based industries.

Visitors gained insights into sustainable farming practices, the role of agriculture in everyday life, and the journey of food from farm to fork.

A fun-filled start for schools

The weekend began on Friday with a dedicated Schools’ Day, as Primary School pupils travelled to both Enniskillen and Greenmount campuses.

Despite morning showers, spirits remained high as children arrived equipped with wellies and waterproofs, eager to take part in the day’s activities. For many children, it was their first visit to a farm, making the experience both educational and inspiring.

Throughout the day, pupils engaged in a wide range of hands-on experiences. Many had the chance to meet the college’s animals up close, including sheep, calves, and horses. Interactive games and activities kept energy levels high, and the day concluded with picnics on the campus grounds.

Sunny skies brought crowds to Enniskillen Campus 

On Saturday, the gates opened to the public, and sunny weather saw large crowds attend both campuses.

At Enniskillen campus, visitors enjoyed a diverse programme of equine-themed activities. Highlights included meeting the campus horses, watching a farrier at work, and enjoying impressive displays by local Pony Clubs in the outdoor arena. Families also explored the scenic nature trail leading to the stunning Devenish viewpoint, while the Fermanagh Beekeepers shared insights into the world of pollinators.

Interactive attractions proved especially popular, including the seed potting station, milking ‘Daisy’ the cow, trying out the equine simulators, and a fun ‘mystery box’ challenge tested visitors’ knowledge of common horse equipment.

Discovering food, farming and horticulture at Greenmount Campus

Meanwhile, Greenmount Campus, Antrim offered visitors the chance to explore its farm and horticulture facilities on both Saturday and Sunday. Guests viewed beef and dairy cattle, watched calves being born by the calving simulator, and tried their hand at milking ‘Clover’ the cow.

The campus also showcased an impressive machinery display and offered all ages the chance to test their skills on the tractor driving simulators. The ever-popular sheep shearing demonstrations drew in the crowds. A variety of informative displays highlighted sustainable farming practices. Visitors were able to deepen their understanding of the farm-to-fork journey with staff from Loughry Campus with many enjoying samples of ‘Loughry ice cream’ along the way.

In the Walled Garden, visitors enjoyed taking part in floristry and planting activities, while also exploring educational displays from the RSPB and Randalstown Beekeepers. Visitors also had the opportunity to explore the machinery used in maintaining CAFRE’s sports turf facilities. Families relaxed playing garden games in the picturesque surroundings of the estate. The annual plant sale proved extremely popular, giving visitors the chance to purchase a piece of CAFRE for their own gardens. 

Exploring education options

Over the weekend visitors had the chance to hear about the range of courses offered at CAFRE supporting the agriculture, equine, food, horticulture, and land-based sectors. These talks provided insights into student life, showcasing campus facilities and the hands-on, practical teaching approach adopted by the college. 

Open Farm Weekend at CAFRE once again proved to be a success, combining education and community engagement. By opening gates to the public, Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend continues to inspire future generations ensuring that agriculture is accessible for all. If you would like more information about our facilities, future events or courses, including our Autumn Open Week (6-10 October), visit the CAFRE website.