THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step onto Ireland's only commercial blackcurrant farm in Wexford with farmer Des Jeffares and friendly farm animals. Discover berry life cycles, wildlife habitats, and elite sport horses in this unique rural tour.
Step onto Ireland's only commercial blackcurrant farm in Wexford with farmer Des Jeffares and friendly farm animals. Discover berry life cycles, wildlife habitats, and elite sport horses in this unique rural tour.
Book with Good Food Ireland
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Good Food Ireland · Drinagh, County Wexford
Located in the lush rural landscape of Drinagh, County Wexford, Good Food Ireland offers an engaging and uncommon journey through Ireland’s only commercial blackcurrant farm. Led by fourth-generation farmer Des Jeffares and his welcoming golden retrievers, this private tour blends agricultural tradition, wildlife observation, and equine excellence into a hands-on farm experience.
Since 1955, the Jeffares family has cultivated Ireland’s richest blackcurrant fields, sustaining a unique crop vital to local heritage and biodiversity. Visitors walk amid dense rows of glossy blackcurrant bushes, getting an intimate look at the plant’s life cycle—from budding to harvest—while learning how these berries support the wider ecosystem. Nestled within the farm’s patchwork of hedgerows and bird-friendly habitats, you’ll catch sight of wildlife like hedgehogs and native songbirds benefiting from sustainable farming practices.
Beyond berries, the farm doubles as a boutique sport horse breeding operation. The pastureland is home to mares, foals, and two charismatic donkeys—Tom and Sooty—whose gentle curiosity brightens the tour. Des shares stories of breeding for eventing and showjumping success, giving insight into a vibrant equestrian tradition deeply embedded in Wexford's culture.
The experience ends with a fresh blackcurrant cocktail, crafted on-site, inviting guests to savor the flavor of the farm before they leave. Combining heritage agriculture with hands-on learning and animal interaction, this tour offers a rare and authentic slice of Irish rural life. It’s a must for travelers interested in food culture, wildlife, and the rhythms of a working farm that remains a standout destination in Wexford’s outdoor experience landscape.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Suitable for individuals with basic mobility and average fitness due to moderate walking on farm paths.
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times due to farm safety.
No, this tour requires walking on uneven farm terrain and is not suitable for those with impaired mobility.
You may touch animals only with Des’s permission and supervision to ensure safety for you and the animals.
A refreshing non-alcoholic blackcurrant cocktail made from the farm’s produce is served at the end of the tour.
It's recommended to bring water, as the tour involves walking outdoors for 1.5 hours.
Group size is limited to provide an intimate, private experience on the farm.
The Jeffares family have grown blackcurrants on the Ballykelly farm since 1955, maintaining Ireland’s last remaining commercial crop.
The farm integrates wildlife habitats such as bird boxes and hedgehog shelters, promoting biodiversity alongside sustainable agriculture.
Good Food Ireland is a curated network and marketplace for Irish food experiences based in Drinagh, County Wexford. The organisation connects travellers with local producers, chefs and hospitality venues to offer bookable food tours, workshops and tastings across Ireland. Experiences range from coastal oyster farm visits and shucking demonstrations to hands-on cheesemaking, sourdough workshops, farm tours and classic afternoon tea services at established hotels. Good Food Ireland works with generational producers, artisan food businesses and historic hotels to present authentic tasting and learning opportunities. Featured experiences include oyster farm tours in Mayo and Kerry, cheesemaking and heritage tours on the Aran Islands, farm visits and cookery school garden tours in Cork, and a variety of afternoon tea offerings at hotels and castles across several counties. Workshops and private tours provide small-group, experiential formats suited to food-focused travellers and local guests. Booking information, experience descriptions and partner details are provided for each listed trip so guests can choose dates, locations and formats that suit their needs. Good Food Ireland emphasises transparency about hosts, locations and activity types, helping visitors select experiences that match dietary needs, accessibility and scheduling preferences. For visitors seeking a taste of Ireland through producer-led visits, tasting sessions and hands-on food workshops, Good Food Ireland provides a searchable, county-organised catalogue of experiences and direct booking options through its listings. Contact details and the Drinagh, County Wexford headquarters are listed on the site for enquiries and group bookings. Listings are updated regularly with seasonal availability and partner information. Online.
Book with Good Food Ireland