Nicky Livingston pulls over the multi-teat feeder and 30 black Angus calves rush towards it in delight, jostling for space. Nicky is the farm manager in charge of the cattle at the Redmond family farm in Craanford, Co Wexford, just five miles from the market town of Gorey.

The farm produce is destined for the Redmond Hotel Group, where farm to fork is very definitely the ethos. Some 600 Angus cross cattle and 30 acres of potatoes and vegetables, grown without pesticides, are produced solely for the plates in the restaurants of the hotels. The farm is made up of parcels of land both owned and leased by Tommy and Paddy Redmond, proprietors of the four-star Ashdown Park and Amber Springs hotels in Gorey.

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The Story

Tommy and Paddy grew up on a farm. They got involved in the building trade, moving from farmyards to houses. In 2001, they built the Ashdown Park Hotel. The Amber Springs Hotel followed in 2006 and the Redmond Hotel Group was born. The Redmond brothers have continued to build the family business. They have gathered excellent staff around them who are committed to giving customers a top-class experience of food, leisure and entertainment during their stay in north Co Wexford. In fact, their friendliness and willingness to engage with guests is of note.

Beef production

Chris Farrell, kitchen and food purchasing manager for the group, Nicky Livingston, farm manager, and Paul Finegan, general manager at the Ashdown Park are in discussion with Tommy and Paddy about the challenges of supplying beef to both hotels when Irish Country Living arrives.

“It’s the dips that cause us the problem,” Tommy explains. “That’s why most of the cattle are finished from grass. In order to spread the supply, some are finished on a silage mix of potatoes, maize, beef nuts and sugar beet.”

All the ingredients for the mix are grown on the farm. The beef is dry-aged using traditional methods, providing succulent steaks and meat full of flavour.

Horticulturist Hugh O’Hara, outlines the group’s commitment to growing vegetables, salad leaves and herbs without using pesticides. Hugh tends his vegetables under nets in the fields which protect them from birds and pests.

“The weeding is the biggest headache,” he admits. “I know I can’t supply everything on the plate but I aim to have at least one item on every plate.”

Much of the leaves and herbs are grown in tunnels. The farm operation is dedicated solely to providing the raw materials for the kitchen.

“This is a work in progress and we are committed to producing as much of the hotels’ raw food produce requirements as we can,” Tommy says.

They have started vegetable and potato preparation on the farm.

“Now the veg comes in ready for the pot,” says Chris.

“When guests are holidaying or working, the one thing they want is a good meal.”

Chris strives to deliver a wide variety of homegrown, excellent quality food with premium flavours and honesty in the food.

The two hotels have offerings catering for all ages. Both have fine leisure centres and health and beauty spas for those in need of pampering. The Amber Springs Hotel is particularly geared towards families with a play park, petting farm, pizzeria and lots of activities.

Eibhear Coyle, general manager, tries to host as many activities as possible to bring a varied experience to the guests.

Both hotels offer live music entertainment. They cater for weddings with very competitive packages and are also ideal destinations for conferences, accommodating up to 650 people.

The Redmond hotels provide an ideal base to explore the southeastern corner of Ireland. Wexford has miles of long, clean and safe beaches that include five Blue Flag winners.

Kite surfing is available at Duncannon beach, with the Wexford kite surfing festival taking place on 25 and 26 August. Water sports take place in several locations.

For garden lovers, the Wexford garden trail includes 21 stops at beautiful gardens. Similarly, there is a craft trail that will take you to a choice of 19 studios embracing sculpture, art, weaving, wood turning and pottery.

Places to visit include the Irish Agricultural Museum and Gardens at Johnstown Castle and Tintern Abbey. Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains National Park and the Vale of Avoca are all within driving distance.