Newbarn Farm

Overview

Newbarn Farm sits just outside Ashbourne in the heart of County Meath, offering a genuine slice of Irish rural life within easy reach of Dublin. The estate combines a working vegetable farm, a well‑stocked farm shop, the Donkey Shed restaurant, and Neddy’s Coffee Shop, plus an open‑farm area where visitors can meet a menagerie of friendly animals. Whether you’re hunting for the season’s freshest strawberries, craving a soup made from the farm’s own leeks, or simply looking for a safe place for children to explore, Newbarn Farm delivers a wholesome experience that feels both authentic and welcoming.

History

The story of Newbarn Farm begins with William Ruiter, who ran a large broccoli operation near Dublin Airport in the 1990s. When the family decided to scale back, they purchased land in Ashbourne and, in the early 2000s, opened a vegetable shop that sold produce directly to the public. The shop operated alone until 2011, when the on‑site restaurant – now known as the Donkey Shed – opened its doors. Andrew Puiter and his sister Saskia Lynch have since expanded the venture, adding a coffee shop (Neddy’s) and an open‑farm area that showcases the farm’s growing collection of animals. Today, the farm spans roughly 25 acres of brassicas, onions, leeks, beetroot and potatoes, all cultivated with a focus on seasonal quality.

What to See & Do

Farm Shop

The shop is a treasure trove of home‑grown and locally sourced produce. You’ll find a rotating selection of vegetables – leeks, beetroot, sprouts, carrots, potatoes, kale, onions, scallions, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, French beans, peas and broad beans – harvested daily when in season. Seasonal fruit such as Irish apples, strawberries and raspberries appear on the shelves, alongside imported varieties for those craving something extra. The shop also stocks free‑range eggs from the farm’s own chickens, fresh bread, jams, juices, and Newbarn sausages supplied by R & J Meats.

The Donkey Shed Restaurant & Neddy’s Coffee Shop

Meals at the Donkey Shed celebrate the farm’s bounty. Soups are crafted from the day’s vegetables – think cauliflower or carrot‑turnip blends – while the chicken pie showcases farm‑grown carrots and turnips. Seasonal sweet treats, from mince pies in winter to fresh cakes in summer, rotate throughout the year. Neddy’s Coffee Shop offers lighter fare, sandwiches and a range of hot drinks, all prepared with ingredients sourced directly from the fields.

Open Farm

The open‑farm area is a delight for families. Visitors can greet Neddy the donkey – the original resident that inspired the café’s name – and meet a second donkey, a flock of chickens, ducks, geese, goats, a Shetland pony and a lively group of pigs. A clearly marked path winds through the paddocks, allowing children to feed the birds and get up close with the animals. The farm’s owners stress that the animals are accustomed to visitors, making the experience both safe and educational.

Food & Menu Highlights

Reviews on Restaurant Guru note that the Donkey Shed serves popular items such as chicken wings, duck, filet américain, tasty ice‑cream and French toast. The menu is deliberately seasonal – soups and pies change with the harvest, and sweet treats are swapped for mince pies in winter or fresh cakes in summer. Prices are described as reasonable, with most dishes falling in the €9‑€21 range.

Educational Value

Andrew Puiter explains that open farms give city families a rare glimpse of modern Irish agriculture, a sector that has shrunk dramatically in recent decades. Children can see where food comes from, learn about animal husbandry and understand the work behind the produce they buy. The farm also works with local schools, offering organised tours that align with the Irish curriculum on food production and sustainability.

Seasonal Highlights

During the autumn months, the farm’s vegetable box – currently featuring cauliflower, turnips, leeks, onions and carrots – is available for €4, offering a convenient way to take the farm’s freshness home. In winter, the shop stocks Christmas trees, and the restaurant adds festive dishes such as turkey and ham sandwiches. The ever‑changing menu reflects the farm’s commitment to seasonality.

Recognition

Newbarn Farm was featured in RTE’s 2025 list of “10 Farm Shops to Visit Around Ireland”, praised for its fresh produce, family‑friendly open farm and on‑site dining options.

Getting There & Parking

Newbarn Farm is located on the Dublin‑M2 corridor, about 15 minutes from the M50 and a short drive from Ashbourne town centre. It is easily reachable by car, with free on‑site parking for visitors. Public transport options include a regular Bus Éireann service to Ashbourne; from the town centre a short taxi ride or a 10‑minute walk brings you to the farm entrance. Cyclists will find bike racks near the shop entrance.

Dog Friendly

The Donkey Shed and Neddy’s Coffee Shop welcome well‑behaved dogs on the outdoor seating area, making it a popular stop for families travelling with pets. Dogs are not permitted inside the animal paddocks for safety reasons, but they can accompany you on the surrounding paths and in the parking area. No extra fee is charged for dogs.

Practical Information

Tips for Families

• Arrive early on weekends to avoid the busiest periods and to secure a good spot for the open‑farm visit.
• Bring a small bag of animal feed (available at the shop) to keep the chickens and ducks happy.
• Keep a receipt from the farm shop or Neddy’s Coffee Shop handy – it doubles as your free entry ticket.
• Dress for the weather; the open‑farm area is outdoors and can be windy.
• Check the farm’s social media for any special events, such as seasonal harvest festivals or school‑group tours.

Nearby Attractions

If you have time, combine your visit with other Meath highlights:

• Explore the historic Donaghmore Round Tower & Church just a short walk away.
• Visit the medieval ruins of Bective Abbey – a 13th‑century Cistercian site set in beautiful parkland.
• Take a scenic drive to the Boyne River and its famous archaeological sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage complex at Brú na Bóinne.
• Stop in the bustling market town of Ashbourne for additional shops, cafés and the annual Ashbourne Festival.

Newbarn Farm is more than a stop‑over; it’s a living showcase of Irish agriculture, a place where the scent of fresh soil mingles with the laughter of children and the cluck of chickens. Whether you’re a food lover, a family looking for a day out, or simply curious about modern Irish farming, the farm offers a warm, authentic experience that stays with you long after you’ve left the fields.