One of the things I love most about living in the North West of Ireland is finding out about the wonderful enterprises that surround us. Family run businesses that are at the heart of our community, and they really deserve to be shouted about. One of those is Carrowgarry Farm in Beltra, Sligo, and I went along to visit, so that I could tell you all about it.
Imagine a farm overlooking the Wild Atlantic Way, in the shadow of Knocknarea, there’s a little bit of magic in the air at Carrowgarry Farm. Paola and Andrew grow chemical-free vegetables in their polytunnels and beautiful walled garden, surrounded by apple trees. Seasonality is key to their ethos and they would like to see more people eating what is available in each season.
It makes a lot of sense when you think about it. The vegetables at Carrowgarry Farm are just as they are meant to be, no nasty chemicals, just as nature intended. They also don’t have to travel for miles, and days before they reach your table, you really can’t get much fresher than this.
The walled garden is stunning, I felt like I was in the Secret Garden when I went through the door. The garden has a mix of vegetables and flowers, Paola told me that the flowers keep the bees happy, and they also look beautiful too.
Paola showed me vegetables that I had never even heard of before, and of course I’ve forgotten their names (note to self – bring a pen!) It was totally fascinating that such a place is just ten minutes away from where I live.
I was also surprised at how huge the sprout plants are. I thought they were giant cabbages, when when I took a closer look I could see all the sprouts.
You can order vegetable boxes from the farm, and you can collect, or avail of delivery within certain areas in Sligo. You will also find some of their produce in Tir Na nOg.
Not only do Paola and Andrew run the farm, but they also founded a coffee roasting business – Carrow Coffee. Their passion for coffee grew in Colombia where they lived for four years, they travelled throughout the countryside to visit farms and learn about coffee production and the different processing methods. Sligo Food Trail have a great video where you can find out more about the coffee:
So, not only did I have a wonderful visit to the farm, but I was also given a delicious cup of Carrow Coffee. What a dream of a day!
Paola kindly gave me a box of vegetables and two pumpkins when I left, and Andrew gave me a bag of coffee. It was so kind of them, and I really appreciate it, what a lovely gesture. Also thanks to them for taking time out of their busy days to tell me about their businesses. Find the Carrowgarry Farm website here, and Carrow Coffee website here.
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