Blossom Walks - Open Day at Irish Apple Farms Nationwide
~ Bord Bia and Irish Apple Grower Association to host series of Blossom Walks ~
Twitter: @Bordbia
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| Con Traas of The Apple Farm, Cahir. |
Bord Bia, in conjunction with the Irish Apple Growers Association, is delighted to announce details of the inaugural ‘Blossom Walk’ which will take place on Saturday, 3rd May. As part of the event, seven apple farms and orchards nationwide will open their doors and gates to the public. From Cahir to Cappoquin, members of the public will be invited to enjoy guided walks, engage with the growers, learn about the history of the individual farms and discover apple growing techniques. There will also be an opportunity to purchase some of the grower’s produce.
The value of Irish apple production is almost €4 million according to Bord Bia and trade estimates. Culinary and dessert apple production accounts for 80% of the production value (€3.15 million), while cider apple production accounts for 20% (€0.78 million). Approximately 15,000 tonnes of Irish apples are sold each year with culinary apples representing 47% of total sales. There are currently 83 commercial apple growers in Ireland.
Speaking ahead of ‘Blossom Walk’, Olan McNeece from the Irish Apple Growers Association said “We look forward to offering visitors a unique opportunity to see how the Irish apple growing industry works first-hand. While no entrance fee will be charged, any donations made on the day will be given to “Blossom Ireland”, a very worthwhile charity who provide dedicated, therapy-led camps and after school activities for children with intellectual disabilities.”
For more information, event listings and recipes visit www.bordbia.ie
Participating Apple Farms:
Farm
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Name
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Address
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Contact
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The Apple Farm
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Con Traas
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Moorstown, Cahir, Co. Tipperary
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Melalgulla Orchard
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James Scannell
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Lnockane, Ovens, Co. Cork
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Gilbert’s Orchard & Farm Shop
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Alan Gilbert
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Quinagh, Co.Carlow
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Askinamoe Orchard
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Sean Gahan
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Ferns, Enniscorthy, Co.Wexford
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David Quinn
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David Quinn
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Cappoquin Estate, Cappoquin,Co.Waterford
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Boyne Grove Fruit Farm
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Olan McNeece
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Stameen, Drogheda, Co.Meath
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Highbank Orchard
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Rod Calderpot
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Farmley, Cuffesgrange,
Co Kilkenny, |
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Blossom Ireland:
Blossom Ireland was founded by two mothers passionate in the belief that their boys with special needs deserve the same opportunities as all children. Their goal is to go some way towards filling the gap between the available public services and the actual needs of the child and their family, particularly during out of school hours. Currently we provide dedicated, therapy led camps and after school activities for children with intellectual disabilities aged between 8 and 15 years.
Blossom Ireland is a very young charity financed 100% by donations and fundraising.
