Kilkenny Free Range

Shellumsrath, Co Kilkenny

Mary and Tony Walsh started out rearing a small number of birds as a hobby, which has grown into a well-known business. Members of the Kilkenny Food Trail, their two main products are Shellumsrath goose and Shellumsrath chicken, which is supplied to restaurants in Kilkenny and Dublin, including Campagne. Individual orders are also met. Visitors welcome by appointment. Call 056-776-3426, or visit www.kilkennyfreerange.com

Goatsbridge Trout Farm

Thomastown, Co Kilkenny

Established in 1961, Goatsbridge Trout Farm is now a thriving family business, providing premium Irish trout to hotels, restaurants, caterers, supermarkets and fish wholesalers around the country. Goatsbridge was named Ireland’s most innovative Irish food company in 2013 and was the first company to produce trout caviar in Ireland. They will launch their new tinned smoked trout in the coming months, as well as their new “Eat Trout” brand. There is also a visitor centre and shop. Call 086-818-8340 or visit www.goatsbridgetrout.ie. Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5.30pm.

Knockdrinna Farmhouse cheese

Stoneyford, Co Kilkenny

Winner of the Eugene Burns trophy for best Irish cheese, Helen Finnegan has come a long way since 2004, when she made the very first batch of what was to become Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese while experimenting in her kitchen. Today, Knockdrinna has a range of goat’s, sheep and organic cow’s cheeses and over 40 international and Irish awards. Helen’s farm shop and cafe serves hot and cold food all day. A highlight is the cheese platter, served on a handmade Irish slate with homemade chutneys and relishes. Helen maintains an always open policy, with her visitor centre open seven days a week. Call 056-772-8446 or visit www.knockdrinna.com

Carlow Free Range Ltd

Kilkea, Fenagh, Co Carlow

In production since 1993, Bertram and Celine Salter’s highly regarded free-range poultry company is well-known nationwide for its quality. Unusually, the Salters have complete control of the whole process right through to delivery. An area of the farm has been developed to function as an EU- licensed slaughterhouse. Although best known for their chickens, they also supply free-range turkey at Christmas. Call 059-9727-851 or visit www.carlowfreerange.ie

Kitty Colchester, Second Nature Oils

Drumeen Farm, Urlingford, Co Kilkenny

Second Nature Oils, the first organic rapeseed oil in Ireland, was launched by Kitty Colchester in 2009. Based on Drumeen Farm, one of the oldest existing certified organic farms in Ireland, they grow, cold press and bottle 100% Irish extra virgin rapeseed oil. With accolades including Best Organic Product at the 2011 Bord Bia national organic awards and Great Taste awards, products range from Happy Heart organic oil to oils infused with garlic, chilli, lemon, rosemary and even mandarin. For a full list of stockists nationwide, see www.secondnatureoils.com or call 087-926-5423.

Gilbert’s Orchards and Farm Shop

Quinagh, Co Carlow

Naturally derived from Irish apples, Gilbert’s Apple Barrel juice supplies Farmleigh House Country Market, Castletown House Market and Carlow Farmers’ Market. The Gilberts are members of the Irish Apple Growers Association and the farm shop also features jams, marmalade, chutney, apple tarts and Irish brown bread, along with other local products. Visitors are welcome to explore the orchards or have a picnic. Open Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm. Call 086-859-8940 or visit www.applebarrel.ie

Malone Fruit Farm

Ballon, Co Carlow

Having started with two acres of strawberries in 1988, Malone Fruit Farm now also grows a range of fruit on 12 acres. Fresh fruit is available in the farm shop from mid May to early October, while frozen fruit and a full range of homemade products, such as preserves, juices and jellies, are available all year round. The shop stocks over 150 products, including those from other local producers. Visit www.malonefruitfarm.com or call 086-847-2765.

Open Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 1-5pm.