Farm Walk in Leitrim Village

Participants from Leitrim Sustainable Agricultural Group and Ulster Wildlife will hear about two farms bordering the River Shannon that are steeped in history and heritage with the 12th century Portsham Castle, an ancient orchard, the old main road from Carrick to Manorhamilton, and a unique ancient spring well on the banks of the river. We will start our visit with a trip up the river by boat to reach the farms.

Christine Mackey is a visual artist who is interested in how she can explore complex environmental issues by working across processes and materials, time and place. Her approach is cultivated and pursued through the subject of the seed and the agency of plant matter. Seeds may be tiny capsules of potential information that can merge a range of disciplines such as botany, science, art, and philosophy. This approach opens a series of creative tactics — digging, drawing, planting, saving, and harvesting — activities parallel that of the gardener (or farmer) as a world-builder.

As part of the Creative Ireland Shared Island Programme, Leitrim County Council and The Dock are working with Leitrim Sustainable Agriculture Group and Ulster Wildlife to present a series of six creative Farm Walks curated by Natalia Beylis throughout 2024.

As part of each Farm Walk, farmers will lead a talk about their farm, current practices and future plans alongside a talk by an invited artist whose work resonates with that farm, its environment, heritage and other special characteristics.

The project draws attention to the synergies and common interests between artists and farmers and highlights common farming, environmental and creative interests in such themes as biodiversity, farming in harmony with nature, water quality and climate action. This project builds on the partnership between the project partners, farmers and artists - fostering goodwill, friendship and collaboration.