History
The Story of Leahy’s Open Farm
Leahy’s Open Farm is more than just a place to visit—it’s the result of years of hard work, passion, and a bold leap into the world of agri-tourism. The journey began with Eddie and Eileen Leahy, who, at a young age, married and started their family in a little cottage at the heart of what is now the farm. This cottage, known as Farmer Eddie’s Cottage, dates back over 200 years, and it’s here that their first four children—Linda, Laura, James, and Tina—were born.
Life wasn’t easy, especially in the early days of farming. The land was poor, the work was hard, and the farm was small, with just four cows to begin with. But Eddie and Eileen were determined. They saved, scrimped, and made sacrifices, eventually building a new home for their growing family in the mid-70s. By then, the final three children—Susan, Donal, and Eamon—had arrived, and the old cottage was no longer suitable, with 10 young sows soon to be farrowing inside.
As the years passed, the Leahy family worked tirelessly, gradually transforming their modest farm into a successful Dairy and Pig Farm. Eddie, with his love for vintage farm machinery, often attended festivals with Eileen, collecting a treasure trove of historical machinery. This passion for the past, combined with their growing success in farming, led to a big decision in 1996—they opened the farm to the public.
What started as a modest exhibition of vintage machinery quickly blossomed into something much bigger. With the support of their family and the public’s enthusiasm, the next step was clear: they built a coffee shop, which became an instant success thanks to Eileen’s love for home-baking. Every cake and pastry was freshly made by Eileen and family members, a tradition that continues to this day.
In the years that followed, Eddie and Eileen sought advice and support to help grow the farm further. They reached out to East Cork Area Development (ECAD), a local development group, who provided valuable guidance and funding. This partnership has been crucial in helping the farm expand, adding new attractions and facilities that continue to draw thousands of visitors each year.
Today, Leahy’s Open Farm is a well-known tourist destination in East Cork, and it’s all thanks to Eddie and Eileen’s initial leap of faith into agri-tourism. Their commitment to keeping the family together through their shared business has enabled many of their children to work full time at the farm. It’s an accomplishment they are all immensely proud of.
Eddie and Eileen’s story is a testament to the power of belief, hard work, and determination. They took a risk, diversified their farm, and created something truly special. Their legacy is not only the farm itself but the inspiring example they’ve set for everyone who believes that with passion and perseverance, dreams really can become a reality.
