Social Farm

• Doon Social Farm is a 33 acre organic farm which provides wellness programmes in a farm setting. It is aimed at those who are experiencing social isolation, particularly young people. The farm was inspired by the success of social farms abroad which have proven successful in addressing the causes of isolation and exclusion.
• Ballyhoura Rural Services Local Training Initiative (LTI) is a community based education and training project focused on organic horticulture. The project runs over the academic year from October to May. It is targeted at learners who may have difficulties accessing education and training.
• BRS Social Farm delivers its services through the Community Services Programme (CSP) and the Limerick and Clare Educational Training Board (LCETB) funded Local Training Initiative. We are also partners with the LCETB and where possible provide free classes to the local community.
• Doon Social Farm provides wellness services to local community groups across Limerick and Tipperary. Many of these groups are disadvantaged. We apply for grants every year to support our programmes. 100% of our services are dependent on grant aid.
• Café and Farm Shop: Open every Friday, 10am to 2pm (café) and 10am to 4pm (farm shop). The café provides a space for the local community to meet. We use our own organic produce where possible, and all items are homemade. Funds raised go towards supporting the farm.
• Sensory room and garden: Our latest project is to provide sensory space for the people of Doon and surrounding areas. This project will depend on fundraising and we hope to work with the local community to provide this very important amenity
• Social Farm Participants include early school leavers, people who are not employed or in education, people recovering from drug and alcohol misuse, young offenders, people with various disabilities, people with mental health issues, marginalised youths and young people who may have an interest in gaining knowledge about farming.
• Camps for children and young people: We now provide farm and biodiversity camps for children and young people. Our camps for children are inclusive of all abilities and we run camps for young people with additional needs. Check our Doon Social Farm Facebook page for updates.
• This project is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Pobal through the Community Services Programme.

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Upcoming Courses

Gardening for Health: Starts 12th May for 8 weeks. Contact Marian at 061-380808 or manager@ballyhourars.org

Main Street
Doon
Co. Limerick
V94 12T0

Telephone: 061-380808

Email: admin@ballyhourars.org or manager@ballyhourars.org

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Careers

The farm currently has the following vacancies.

WPEP (Workplace Placement and Experience Programme) This 30 hour a week position is currently available through www.jobsireland.ie (posted June 2024)

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Volunteers

The farm offers a range of volunteering opportunities from farm work/planting, educational supports, social care, work experience and administration through to retail sales in our Farm Shop. Click here to register your interest.

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Corporate Social Responsibility

We are actively seeking to work with business in the Limerick area who are looking to take part in philanthropic causes and provide positive social value for their employees. We feel through the farm there is a real opportunity to make a difference for employees and help build positive brand image around supporting the work on Doon Social Farm. If you are interested in this area please contact Tom Kent on 0870564369 or email manager@ballyhourars.org

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Resources

LTI Autumn 2021 Flyer – Download Here

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Gifts and Donations

Doon Social Farm welcome financial donations as well as items such as;

• Farm tools and equipment
• Fencing
• Gardening tools
• Safety and outdoor equipment such as boots, wellies and rain-gear

If you would like to make a donation, please contact us by phone 061380808/ email manager@ballyhourars.org or click the Donate Now button below.