La Chatte Gitane (or The Gypsy Cat) was the name we chose for our cottage in France at the time. We chose it while on the road, moving house the first time round, from Ireland to France with 2 dogs and 7 cats in the car.
This blog began its insignificant life as a recipe book for friends and family who would ask me repeatedly for a recipe of this, that and the other.
Since then it has taken many different directions, like we did and like gypsies tend to do. Sometimes making a U-turn and revisiting familiar roads and taking a break when necessary.
You'll find recipes here, but also musings about the places we've called home, the gardens that we've established, not always successfully, the homes we've improved and the environments we've lived in. Currently, after yet another stint in Ireland, we're back in France @ Le Mas d'Ayen

Monday, April 28, 2014

Blueberry Hill Farm - Sneem - Ireland

A disgrace is what I am !
I was going to write something about Blueberry Hill Farm yonks ago, but up till now I didn't get to it yet.
But NOW is the most appropriate time, as our friends Sigi and Yvonne came to Ireland from Germany 20 years ago. They had a big party over the Easter weekend to celebrate this with their friends and family.

They chose Sneem as a new home for themselves and their 3 lovely children, who have now grown up into beautiful (in and out) young adults. And my word, have they worked hard to create this heavenly place that they named Blueberry Hill Farm (You can find their full story on their website when you click link on the left)

Blueberry Hill Farm opened its doors to the public 2 or 3 years ago. It is a must see for all ages. Young kids and old kids (90+) and everyone in between.

We booked a tour last summer for ourselves (Bert & myself) my mother, brother, sis in law, 2 y/o Sarah and 6 y/o Mathias (my niece and nephew)
What do you get ? A full tour of the farm and interaction with the livestock.  Yes, livestock.  This is a smallholding that is largely self sufficient and organic.  And the farm animals are not pets as on any other pet farm, but meant for food, be it for meat, eggs or milk.  Don't worry, no animal is being killed for the table while you are there.
There really shouldn't be any other meat on the market than from animals that have had such a fantastic and stress free live.
After the tour you get freshly made scones with homemade butter and homemade blueberry jam, coffee and tea. Obviously with lovely flowing conversation with Sigi and Yvonne themselves. The kids got to help making the scones and while they were in the oven (the scones, I mean), Sigi took the kids to make them a candle in the workshop.

Just a few photos of our fab time we had last year to get you in the mood for visiting Blueberry Hill Farm when you're next in the area.

 Feeding the wild boar
 Yvonne, Sigi, the best hosts.
 Ever milked a cow or goat before ? Here is how you learn it.
 Mathias feeding the kid goats.


 On the tractor
 Off the tractor
 aaand, back on !

 Time to feed the chooks and ducks.


 Fun for young.  And old (sorry mum)
 With the wabbits.

 Some people go all soft when they see kittens.
 Making scones with Yvonne

 And then there is some time to admire the Bearded Dragon, called Nacea (from Echinacea)
...and to wear some crocs, that are not yours, not a pair and too large.

The 20 year anniversary party took place on the Easter weekend.  Saturday night was the big event.  Their family and friends from Germany came over, as did a lot of local and not so local friends. There was live music, BBQ and lots of craic (that is Irish for fun and has nothing to do with the drug, just to clarify).
Sunday afternoon was a relaxing and peaceful event, as you can see from the next set of photos.






I can't close off this post without showing off the cake I made for their party (with the help of our lovely HelpX-er, Pat)









Don't you ever, EVER leave Sneem without visiting this magical place that is Blueberry Hill Farm.

Thanks for reading.  Till next post.
Patricia xxx...x

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