Free CAFRE open farm weekend to bring family fun to Antrim and Enniskillen

Colman Byrne, Laura Murray and Michael Graham invite you to Discover CAFRE during Open Farm Weekend at Greenmount Campus, Antrim and Enniskillen Campus.

Families across Northern Ireland are being invited to step behind the scenes of rural life next month as CAFRE opens two of its major campuses to the public for a free weekend packed with hands-on activities, food experiences and live farming demonstrations.

From sheep shearing and tractor simulators in Antrim to equestrian displays and farrier demonstrations in Enniskillen, the Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend promises a rare chance for visitors to explore how local food is produced while enjoying a family day out across two of Northern Ireland’s best-known rural campuses.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is opening both Greenmount Campus in Antrim and Enniskillen Campus in County Fermanagh as part of the annual initiative, which aims to connect the public with farming, food production and land-based industries.

The events are free to attend and are expected to attract families, prospective students and visitors interested in agriculture, horticulture, equine studies and the wider agri-food sector.

Greenmount Campus to showcase farming and food production

Greenmount Campus in Antrim will open across two days on Saturday 13 June and Sunday 14 June 2026 from 11am to 4pm.

Visitors will be able to watch live sheep-shearing demonstrations, explore agriculture and horticulture exhibits and try tractor simulators designed to give younger visitors a taste of life on the farm.

Families will also have the chance to milk ‘Clover’ the cow, enjoy floristry demonstrations and explore activities within Greenmount’s popular Walled Garden.

CAFRE said the event is designed to help people better understand the “farm-to-fork” journey and the importance of Northern Ireland’s local food supply chain.

Ice cream produced at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus will also be available for sampling during the weekend.

Plants will be available to purchase on site, while conservation and environmental groups including the RSPB and the Ulster Beekeepers Association will provide information stands and educational displays.

Visitors are welcome to bring picnics, although refreshments will also be available to purchase throughout the event.

Only assistance dogs on a lead will be permitted on site.

Equestrian experiences planned at Enniskillen Campus

CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus will open on Saturday 13 June from 11am until 4pm.

The County Fermanagh campus will place a strong focus on equine activities, with visitors able to meet campus horses, explore specialist equine facilities and watch farriers at work.

Equine simulators and riding displays are also planned as part of the day’s attractions.

Younger visitors will be able to take part in seed planting activities aimed at encouraging pollinator-friendly gardening and can also try milking ‘Daisy’ the cow.

The Fermanagh Beekeepers Association will host information stands during the event.

CAFRE said visitors are encouraged to explore the campus trails and enjoy the rural setting while learning more about the land-based industries that support Northern Ireland’s economy and food production sector.

Tea and coffee will be available to purchase on site and visitors may also bring their own picnic.

Only assistance dogs on a lead will be permitted.

Opportunity for prospective students

CAFRE said the weekend also offers an important opportunity for young people and adults considering future study or career opportunities within agriculture, food production, horticulture or equine industries.

Staff will be available throughout the events to discuss CAFRE courses, entry routes and career pathways available across the agri-food and land-based sectors.

The college said the open weekend is suitable for school leavers considering GCSE or A-Level pathways, as well as people thinking about changing careers later in life.

Major industry backing behind annual event

Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend is led by the Ulster Farmers’ Union and supported by title sponsor Bank of Ireland.

Additional sponsors include NFU Mutual, Asda, Dale Farm, Livestock & Meat Commission NI, Pilgrim’s Europe, Thompson’s and the Irish Farmers Journal.

CAFRE said the initiative is designed to strengthen public understanding of farming and food production while encouraging greater awareness of the role agriculture plays within everyday life across Northern Ireland.

More information about participating farms and venues is available at: www.openfarmweekend.com