Rod with hat on looking over red Gate to a lovely field of yellow oats

Educational Tours for Groups

Highbank Orchards offers a variety of Educational Advice & Tasting Tours for different age groups tailored to suit requirements. ' 

 

Price
€35pp
Duration
1.5-2 hrs
Group Size
20-72
Natures not broken so don't try and fix it !

Rod Calder-Potts

We cover topics such as local heritage, the circular economy, sustainability through to biodiversity, farm management, the orchard biome, organic farming , nutritional health, product branding and marketing.the role of hospitality and development if agri-tourism.

There has never been such a divide between urban and rural understanding than at the present. At Highbank we address and demonstrate the importance, not only the historical  traces of our farm and produce but, how we have added value to the Farmers Primary Crop by using the circular economy to maintain the smaller farm unit. 

Meet the owner, travel on the tractor train through the orchards to the magical oak tree to taste some of the Highbank award winning products finishing in the stone-built farm shop for questions and answers. 

Our Educational Tailored Tours suit

  • School & University Groups
  • Culinary, Cookery School, Chef & Hospitality Groups
  • Agri student & Horticultural Student Groups
  • Language school outings
Whether you're an organic grower, or a conventional farmer curious about integrating organic practices on part of your farm, these farm walks will offer valuable insights, practical advice, and a chance to connect with fellow farmers.

Martin Bourke, Teagasc Organic Tillage Specialist

farmer smiling with hat on looking over red gate at front of the house
group tasting product around giant oak tree
two lines of trees in the orchard heavily laden with red apples, mowed green grass between the rows.
two trailer trains between tow long rows of apple trees in blossom with 5 people on trailers
Highbank Orchards farm shop with traditional counter. Barrels of product and shelves stacked with Highbank bottles.
Rod Calder-Potts conducting Red Gate Tour
single red apple hanging from the dark green leaves
Aerial shot of Highbank Driveway. Trees to the left & Orchard to the right
I loved each and every detail of your orchard. Thank you for taking the time to give us your tours and explain how it all came to be... from the stones, to the equipment, the history - it was wonderful and the highlight of my trip!
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Getting Here

Our Location

We are on the N76. 7km south of Kilkenny City on the main road to Callan.

By Car

We are an hour and a half from Cork, an hour and half from Dublin and half an hour from Waterford. We are approx 45 mins from Rosslare harbour.

By Train

Nearest Train Station is Kilkenny  City Centre (McDonagh). Due to our rural location you would need to take a taxi from the station (approx 10 mins)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station is Kilkenny City Centre. Due to our rural location you would need to take a taxi from the station (approx 10 mins)

Aerial View of orchard. Trees in bloom with blue sky

Your Visit FAQs

Some answers to typical questions you may have. Can't find what you are looking for? Contact us know and we'll assist you in any way we can.

Is there a Farm Shop on site and when can we visit?

Yes. Our farm shop is open during all opening hours and is free to drop in to visit and maybe a chance of a cup of coffee or tea.

How long do the self-guided walks take?

All our self-guided tours are at your own pace…Slow Tourism’ we call it!... Take your time and don’t be rushed. The average time for the Red Gated Orchard QR coded Walk is 1 hour and for the Wellness Walk a little longer.

How long does the Highbank Experience Taste & Tour take?

The average time for this is 1.5 hours – 2 hours

Is there free parking?

Yes. There is ample free parking on the farm and beside the farm shop. There is also dedicated space for buses.

Are dogs permitted?

We are dog lovers but dogs on only permitted strictly on the leash whilst visiting the Farm Shop. Unfortunately, absolutely no dogs are allowed on the walks due to our delicate wildlife habitats which need no disturbance.

are there toilets on site

yes there are toilets on site