Located in Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, which is just a 10-minute drive away from Waterford City, is a little patch of sunshine delight. Robins Glen Organic Farm has a field, when weather allows, flush with towering (over me anyhow) blossoming sunflowers for visitors to pick and admire.
I can’t tell you how much I adore sunflowers and made the journey from Dublin down to Robins Glen in late July several weeks before their plans to officially open their Sunflower Field to the public.
My heart skipped as soon as I saw the rows of yellow heads sticking out over the wall as we drove in to their designated carpark, which is a field located just on the left beyond the two houses where the owners live.
I couldn’t hide my excitement on the walk up as the line of yellow helmeted soldiers welcomed me and I felt like a giddy little girl swaying between them. It was so much fun as butterflies fluttered around me, until there was a series of buzzing and I realised I’d disturbed a couple of resident bees. They’re not quite as cheerful as the sunflowers but thankfully there were no stings to be had, just an occasional shriek.
It was a pleasure talking to the friendly and welcoming owners and learn that they initially started farming sunflowers three years ago to add to their product range of Robins Glen wild birdseed mix. However, because the flowers have proven to be such a popular attraction, and really are beautiful when you’re standing before the long stretch of yellow, the fields have been made open to the public.
I thoroughly enjoyed the visit. How could I not when I was allowed to frolic around to my heart’s content? There are sunflower walks available and the visiting public are allowed to cut their own sunflowers. Robins Glen’s owners don’t ask for payment, it is there for you to enjoy, but it is courteous to give a donation as the owners do go through quite a bit of hassle battling the elements, the pain of replanting after crop failure and dealing with those pesky crows to create this natural and limited time attraction.
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ooooh I went there with a friend to take pictures last year too. It felt sureal to be surrounded by these holly flowers. I wanted to go this year too but unfortunately i was told there won’t be any sunflowers this summer because of the wet weather last spring.