About

We, Bridget and Andy, live in the Arigna valley, about two miles from Arigna village. We have three acres of land which we work in an earth-friendly and sustainable way. Most of our vegetables are grown in the two polytunnels and some outside beds. We have a donkey, Daphne, who does a great job making manure for the garden. We also make our own compost and liquid feeds for the crops. Three goats also live here, Smokie, Enid and her daughter Bella, and provide our milk. Our other animals are two dogs, Lettie and Alice. Andy did a beekeeping course in 2009 and we now have two beehives.

Lots of fruit trees have been planted in recent years. Apples, Plums, Pear and Cherry will hopefully begin to bear fruit in the near future. Blackcurrants, a Victoria Plum tree, a Peach tree in the polytunnel, Jostaberries and a Grapevine are already producing good crops. What is not eaten fresh is frozen and used throughout the year to make jams and chutneys. These are sold locally and at any occasional local markets. We also sell produce from home. Our motto is “Local Food for Local people,” we believe this is the only way to live as sustainably as possible on this island of Ireland. We are both vegetarian and believe that to be a more sustainable way of feeding the growing population on this planet. We also have no wish to be involved in the intensive and cruel farming practices that come with meat eating.

Our home is called Prospect Cottage.

Why the name Prospect Cottage?  The word prospect has many meanings, one being “view from a place.” As we live in the valley we have spectacular views from every direction. To the north we have Corry Mountain and Kilronan Mountain is to the south.

Prospect also means “something anticipated.” In gardening there is always anticipation.

Another meaning is “explore esp. for gold.”  We are definitely explorers, but not for gold. We love to explore old and interesting places and believe life is a continuous exploration of places, people and ideas.