Tirlán Milk Suppliers to Host Agri Aware Open Farm in Co. Meath

Agri Aware is offering the general public a taste of what life is like on a farm this August. Taking place on the weekend of 29 and 30 August, Agri Aware's flagship event, Open Farm, is returning, this time to Co. Meath on the dairy farm of Tirlán milk suppliers Jim and Jake Harlin in Kilmessan, near the renowned Bellinter House.

The Harlins milk 340 cows and are a prime example of the innovation and technology being adopted on Irish dairy farms to support the sustainable production of high-quality food.

Open Farm is a unique event where the gates of a family-run farm are opened to the public, providing an opportunity to learn more about modern farming and food production.

Visitors will get an opportunity to see first-hand how milk is produced on a modern family dairy farm through milking demonstrations with the Harlin family. Not only that, some of the delicious produce made from milk will be available to sample, from fresh milk itself to cheese and ice cream.

To add to that, cooking demonstrations will also be on the schedule, showcasing some of the other fine produce grown and reared on Irish farms, including beef and lamb.

Bringing it back to the farm, visitors will have the opportunity to see the Harlin herd of cows, learn how the family is working with nature to ensure a sustainable future for the farm and experience at close quarters the process involved in producing high-quality milk.

Due to demand over the past three years, Open Farm will take place over two days, on Saturday and Sunday, 29 and 30 August, offering people of all ages the chance to attend and gain a closer understanding of how food is produced on Irish farms.

On arrival through the gates, visitors will begin a self-guided audio tour of the farm, walking through grazing paddocks and taking in the rich biodiversity of the farm, from trees and hedgerows to native wildlife. Returning to the main yard, guests can enjoy a family area that will be a hive of activity, with livestock and cookery demonstrations, panel discussions, games and entertainment for children.

Speaking ahead of the Open Farm event on his farm, host Jake Harlin said:

"The opportunity to open the farm to the general public excited us as a family. We are very passionate about what we do here, from caring for our livestock and enhancing biodiversity on the farm to producing a food product that we can stand behind and be proud of in the form of milk. We look forward to welcoming people over the two days, engaging with visitors and answering any questions they may have about what we do as a family here on the farm."

Chair of Agri Aware Shay Galvin echoed Jake's comments, adding:

"Once again we are delighted to offer the general public an opportunity to attend our Open Farm event, this year on the Harlin farm, and see for themselves exactly how food is produced. Open Farm is a unique opportunity to visit a family-run farm where three generations of the Harlin family are involved in the day-to-day running of the business. This is an event for people of all ages to attend and gain an understanding of the work, care and passion that goes into producing food that Ireland is renowned for around the world. This event is not to be missed, so be sure to mark it in your diary and join us on the Harlin farm on 29 and 30 August."

Ger O'Brien, Tirlán Chairperson, said:

"Tirlán is proud to be a long-standing patron of Agri Aware and a sponsor of its flagship Open Farm initiative. Events like Open Farm play a vital role in helping consumers connect with modern Irish farming and better understand where their food comes from. They provide a unique opportunity to see first-hand the dedication that farm families bring to producing high-quality food while caring for animals and the environment. We're especially proud that this year's event will be hosted by our milk suppliers, Jim and Jake Harlin, and we wish Agri Aware every success as it celebrates 30 years of promoting agricultural education and awareness."

As a long-standing patron of Agri Aware and proud sponsor of Open Farm, Tirlán is delighted to support this important initiative, which helps connect consumers with modern farming and the people who produce Ireland's high-quality food.

Agri Aware would also like to acknowledge the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Irish Farmers Association and the National Dairy Council.

To order your Open Farm tickets, please visit https://agriaware.ie/open-farm/ Gates open to the public from 10:30am – 5pm.

First Published: 5 August 2026