Animal magic at St Anne’s Park

ONE of the Northside’s top amenities has added a new attraction that will be enjoyed by hundreds of visitors this summer. 

Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring officially opened the city’s first urban farm at St Anne’s Park, Raheny.  

The farm, which is free to visit, is open to the public five days a week all year round. It is typical of community led farms in other international cities in that it is entirely run by volunteers from the local community on a non-profit basis. 

Volunteers manage and care for the animals, which include two pigs, chickens, three goats, a guinea pig and ‘Moses’ the Shetland pony.

The ethos of St Anne’s City Farm is not to be a ‘petting farm’ but a place where people can learn first-hand about animal husbandry, growing food, cooking food, sustainable living and reconnecting with nature. It is intended that the operations of the farm will be fully sustainable with a zero carbon footprint.

The Lord Mayor said the farm will be an incredible amenity for the local community and Dublin city. 

“The farm will give children and adults from the city an opportunity to learn about raising animals, growing food and seeing other farm based activities in an urban setting,” he said. 

“The farm adds yet another brilliant amenity to the wonderful recreational facilities that already exist in St Anne’s Park and we should all congratulate Dublin City Council and the volunteers who gave such commitment to ensuring the delivery of this great project.”

Marion Kelly, from St Anne’s City Farm, said: “We believe that every child and grown-up should have access to a garden and that everyone in the garden is equal. 

“By providing a safe and open space for people to share what they know and learn from others, we strive to empower people through knowledge and creating. We are so excited to open our doors.”

Leslie Moore, Head of Parks Services in Dublin City Council, said: “There were many submissions to the recent Dublin Climate Change Action Plan public consultation that recommended promoting community initiatives around local food production. 

“The urban farm in St Anne’s Park responds to that desire in the community.”