Field Exchange Brookfield Farm | Tipperary - 2024 + 2025

Field Exchange unites farmers, creatives, and experts, creating a collaborative space to share knowledge and devise solutions for the challenges confronting farmers and rural communities in a shifting climate. 

Field Exchange 2024-2025 is our ambitious 2-year project structured around two agricultural creativity festivals with artists working with farmers and technical partners.

FIELD EXCHANGE HARVEST GATHERING 

Our Field Exchange Festival open to the public takes place on Brookfield Farm, 31st August - 1st September 2024 12-5pm each day.

• Ackroyd & Harvey explore the intersection of history and ecology through photosynthesis artworks.
• "The Company of Trees" is a musical and literary celebration of trees' life cycles and impacts.
• Esther Gerrard from Elements of Action collaborates with the Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland on moss + stone installations that blend nature with architecture.

FESTIVAL INFO

Location

Field Exchange takes place on Brookfield Farm located on the shores of Lough Derg in Co. Tipperary. Farm festival entrance by Eircode - E45 W599.

Parking is available near the venue. | A steward will be present to direct parking.

Nearby Accommodation Options

Hotels

• Ashley Park House (Manor House), Ardcroney, Nenagh // www.ashleypark.com
  

• Abbey Court Hotel and Leisure Centre, Dublin Rd, Nenagh //www.abbeycourt.ie
  
• Fuchsia Lane Farm Holiday Cottages, Roran, Terryglass // www.fuchsialanefarm.com/cottages/
  
• Whitewood Lodges, Coolbaun, Nenagh // whitewoodlodges@gmail.com
• Coolbawn Breaks Self Catering, Kevanstown House, Kevanstown North // +353 (0) 86 4114822
  
• Ardcroney Bed and Breakfast, Ardcroney House, Ardcrony, Nenagh // +353 (0) 67 38240
  
• River Run Cottage Terryglass Self-catering, Cornamult, Terryglass //riverrunhouse.ie/ 

B&B's

• Cora Coen B&B, Ballyscanlon, Coolbawn // 086 3207844, Coracoen22@gmail.com
• Primrose Cottage, Ballyscanlon, Coolbawn // https://www.airbnb.ie/rooms/6584463?source_impression_id=p3_1654684964_9ZS9WQhKDpCgO%2Brv
• Harbour View // Helen Moylan 087 2957910
• Derg View Cottage // 087 2512476
• New Lawn B&B // 086 8229384
• Lake Land Lodge B&B Terryglass // 067 22069
• Egan’s Self Catering // 087 2429130
• Woodview B&B Terryglass // 067 22075
• Maryville B&B Ballycommon // 067 3253

• Stonepark Lodge Caravan Camping Ballinderry // https://www.stoneparklodge.ie/

Field Exchange Days Include:

• Ecology and Biodiversity: Explore the intricate relationship between farming practices, ecology and sustainability. Engage with artists to incorporate creative expressions that foster a holistic approach to nature. 
• Wellbeing and Resilience: Strengthening personal well-being and community resilience. 
• Agroforestry: Discover successful methods of integrating trees into agricultural practices through the exploration of agroforestry.
• Working with the Local Food System: Learn strategies for effective collaboration within the local food system to enhance sustainability of your farm.
• Creative Imagination for Problem Solving: Cultivate innovative thinking to address challenges faced in sustainable agriculture and rural communities
• Building Dry Stone Walls: Develop essential skills in the craft of Dry Stone Wall construction, contributing to farm infrastructure.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for sustainable agriculture and creative farming.

FAQ's:

How do I get to Brookfield Farm?

Brookfield Farm is located on the shores of Lough Derg, near Coolbaun, Co. Tipperary.

By Car or Bicycle

The entrance to Brookfield Farm is located at 53°00'02.2"N 8°16'01.0"W on the R493 between Ballinderry and Puckaun or click this Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUEC9jxoEyB3WCWv5 The cottage beside the entrance (not part of the farm) has Eircode E45W599. The entrance will be well signposted.

By Public Transport

The Local Link Bus Route 322 goes from Nenagh to Portumna and stops at Coolbawn Quay, which is a 5 minute walk from Brookfield Farm.

Iarnród Éireann operates train services to Nenagh from Dublin (change at Ballybrophy) and Limerick.

JJ Kavanagh operates a bus service to Nenagh from Limerick and Dublin, Route 735.

Local Link Galway operates bus services from Loughrea and Ballinasloe to Portumna on Saturdays only. Ballinasloe has train connections to Galway and Dublin.

Is there parking available?

Parking is available on Brookfield Farm and is free for attendees. Drive in the entrance and once your tickets are checked, you will be directed by stewards to the parking field. It is an approximately 200m walk from the parking field to the activities.

 

Is it possible to camp at the festival?

There are no camping facilities available at Brookfield farm. The nearest campsites are both approximately 20km away:

• Tua Campsite, The Friars Tavern, Lorrha, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, E45 V651, 0871935844
• Podumna Village, Dominick Street, Portumna, Co.Galway, https://www.podumnavillage.ie/

Is the site accessible to those with disabilities?

Brookfield Farm is a working farm and the activities take place on grass which may be uneven in places. The gradient across the farm is moderate in places and those with mobility difficulties or wheelchair users should be able to navigate with minimal assistance. There will be an accessible toilet with handwashing facilities available. If you have any particular accessibility needs, please get in touch.

Are dogs allowed?

No dogs allowed please, at the Festival. This is a working farm with livestock, and neighbouring farms have livestock too. Dogs cannot be accommodated.

Will there be food and drink available?

Yes, there will be stalls selling local hot food and drinks. There will be drinking water available so please bring a refillable water bottle. You may also bring a picnic. The festival does not have a license to sell or serve alcohol.

What time does the festival start and end?

The Field Exchange Festival is open from 12 noon to 5pm on Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September 2024 at Brookfield Farm. 

The Ackroyd and Harvey art launch is at 6pm on Saturday at Kings Hill Farm - which is a 5 minute drive from Brookfield Farm.

The Feast is at 7.30 on Saturday at Kings Hill Barn.

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets are available here https://www.brookfield.farm/pages/about-field-exchange

How much are the tickets?

Adult tickets are €20 for 1 day (Saturday or Sunday) or €30 for both days.

Children 18 and under are free but each child must have a ticket and be accompanied by an adult with a ticket. Children must remain under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian at all times.

The art launch and the Company of Trees music performance, these events are free but places are limited.

Can I pay when I arrive?

No. All tickets must be booked in advance at https://www.brookfield.farm/pages/about-field-exchange

ABOUT THE ORGANISERS

This two year innovation project, is led by farmer and creative climate ambassador Ailbhe Gerrard, with coaching and expertise provided by Davie Philip and Cultivate.

We are working in collaboration with the Irish Agroforestry Forum, and Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland.

Contributions from renowned international and Irish artists include Ackroyd and Harvey, The Company of Trees, designers Elements of Action - Esther Gerrard, and others.

 

EVENT SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

Field Exchange is one of 43 Creative Climate Action Fund projects taking place across the country. 

Field Exchange is a recipient of the Creative Climate Action fund, an initiative from the Creative Ireland Programme. It is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in collaboration with the Department of the Taoiseach. The fund supports creative, cultural and artistic projects that build awareness around climate change and empower citizens to make meaningful behavioural transformations.

The Creative Ireland Programme is a five-year programme which connects people, creativity and wellbeing. It is an all-of-government culture and wellbeing programme that inspires and transforms people, places and communities through creativity. The programme is committed to the vision that every person in Ireland should have the opportunity to realise their full creative potential.
Further information on the Climate Action Fund is available at the following link: www.creativeireland.gov.ie

CREATIVE FARMING AMBASSADORS - COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

Eleven farmers have joined a dedicated Community of Practice, focused on sustainable farming practices and skill-building, creatively addressing the challenges through a series of Field Exchange Days and the two Festivals.

These capacity-building workshops and visits take place over two years and offer a unique blend of knowledge, creativity, and community, empowering participants to implement positive changes on their farms and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient rural future.