Open farm a wonderful example of rural development, says Coveney

A project sponsored by the South and East Cork Area Development (Secad) organisation that created 10 jobs at Rumleys Open Farm in Waterfall, Co Cork, was opened yesterday by Simon Coveney, the agriculture minister.

It is a completely working open farm which has been developed by farmer and animal lover Ivan Rumley and his partner Sandie.

The 20-acre farm is now home to over 200 animals, ranging from chickens and pheasants, Angus cattle, pigs, and sheep to llamas, camels, emu, prairie dogs, and more. Some of the animals on Rumleys farm cannot be seen anywhere else in Ireland.

Mr Coveney said: “I am delighted to officially open Rumleys Open Farm, which is a model for rural development today. The evolution from working farm to farm shop and café, and now this incredible mile-long trail of family fun and education, from play areas and tractor rides to the huge variety of creatures, great and small, makes this open farm a wonderful example of rural development and a thriving agribusiness.”

Secad chief executive Ryan Howard said: “In the last year, Secad has funded a number of significant projects that add enormous value to the South and East Cork area, from a tourism and community perspective. Attractions such as Movie Junction, the Titanic Experience, and Rumleys Open Farm have all created an impressive number of jobs in rural areas, and stimulate sustainable rural development businesses.”

Mr Rumley said. “Both adults and children will learn a lot when they spend some time on this farm. We wanted learning to be fun and engaging, and the rides and play areas for children ensure that there is a huge variety of fun to be had here in this beautiful rural setting.”

* More information is available at www.rumleysfarm.ie