Learning beyond the classroom at Leahy’s

For more than 20 years, Leahy’s has welcomed schools and developed educational experiences that combine learning, teamwork and hands-on activities in a real working farm and business environment.

Their new Education Centre offers schools the opportunity to take learning outside the classroom, with practical, curriculum-linked programmes for students from first year through to Leaving Certificate and beyond.

First year students can take part in team-building activities focusing on communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. Junior cycle programmes include Business Studies, Home Economics and Ecology, while transition year programmes can explore topics such as food, tourism, business and the environment.

For Leaving Certificate students, programmes can complement Biology and Ecological Studies, Business Studies, and Home Economics, while LCA students can explore Agriculture/Horticulture, Hotel Catering, Science and Tourism in a practical setting.

They also support third-level learning, with programmes tailored to individual subjects and learning objectives. Classes of all sizes are welcome, and we have recently developed content to support early learning and care.

One of the most popular offerings is the Story of Chocolate Experience, which includes interactive chocolate-making activities and a farm tour. They also offer the Story of Ice Cream Experience, featuring ice cream making and a farm tour.

The Environmental Science fieldwork combines classroom theory with hands-on learning. Led by an environmental science graduate, students begin with a focused session before heading outdoors to identify species, investigate the environmental factors that affect their survival and use professional fieldwork equipment. Live demonstrations using mammal traps and Tullgren funnels give students the opportunity to see real sampling techniques in action.

Students work in small groups across designated forest study areas, ensuring a focused and engaging experience. There is also plenty of time to relax, with a farm tour, barrel train ride and visit to our petting area included.

Leahy’s also supports Gaisce participants, offering walking routes and overnight accommodation, as well as programmes for early learning and care and LCVP students.

The Education Centre’s flexible approach means schools can combine subjects and activities during a single visit, helping to make the most of both the educational experience and transport costs.

With prices from €18.50 per student, Leahy’s Open Farm Education Centre offers an enjoyable, practical, and memorable way to bring the curriculum to life.