Experience
THE ART OF TRADITIONAL SPINNING WITH 5TH GENERATION SHEEP FARMER, ALISON FULLAM GOGAN ON HER FAMILY FARM IN THE BOYNE VALLEY
Set in the heart of the Boyne Valley countryside near the rural village of Donore in county Meath, The Leck family farm is just minutes from the World Heritage Site of Brú na Boinne with a wondrous view of the Neolithic Cairn of Newgrange across the field and the river Boyne. The farm itself has a cemetery dating back to the 12 th century with its very own standing stone!
Fifth generation farmer, Alison warmly welcomes visitors to her farm and loves to share her story and family tradition of spinning. Learned from her grandmother, Alison is a wool enthusiast and demonstrates the traditional methods used to create a ball of wool from the Jacob sheep, specially selected for their beautiful natural colours. This is a truly immersive experience where visitors meet the sheep and have an opportunity to touch, feel and smell the wool at different stages of the process. Learn how to felt your very own sheep under Alison’s gentle guidance and take home as a memory of this highly engaging and grounding experience.
Through our experiences we share the art of spinning using traditional methods
The wool is from our Jacob sheep on the farm and everything we do by hand
Highlights include:
Alison Fullam Gogan
Sheep farmer | expert spinner, weaver and felter | wool enthusiast
Location
family farm | Donore, Co. Meath | 500 metres from Newgrange (Brú Na Boinne)
landscape
World UNESCO site | ancient lands | countryside | neolithic burial site
The Sheep
Jacob sheep | reared for the natural beauty of their wool | friendly and cuddly
Methods
traditional | hands on | spinning | carding of the wool (brushing) | hand washing
Heritage & Tradition
5th generation sheep farmer | skills passed down through generations
Working Farm
get up close with the friendly sheep | take a selfie | farm life
The View
clear view of Newgrange from the farm | across the field and the river Boyne
Farm Shop
hand spun wool | woollen scarves & hats | 100% Irish made crafts- local artists
Spin me a Yarn
Experience
Meet 5 th generation Sheep Farmer, Alison Fullam Gogan and her flock for an immersive traditional spinning experience with opportunity to craft your very own felt sheep.
Scheduled & Private Groups
Scheduled Group:
2min – 10 max
Private Group:
4 min – 10 max
Duration & Price
45 – 60 mins
€45
Spin me a Yarn
Meet 5th generation sheep farmer, Alison Fullam Gogan on the Leck family farm and learn about the age-old tradition of spinning. Meet the Jacob sheep who happily graze against the backdrop of the ancient Neolithic Cairn of Newgrange before joining Alison in her craft shop for an immersive demonstration of the traditional processes, from fleece, washing, carding, spinning to completed garment. Work with the wool to felt your very own sheep under Alison’s gentle guidance and take time to browse the extensive mix of wool and local crafts in Alison’s beautiful craft shop.
Inclusions:
● Meet the Jacob sheep on the Leck Family Farm- opportunity to feed and pet
● View of World Heritage Site, Newgrange Passage tomb from the farm
● Hands on demonstration of wool spinning with 5th generation sheep farmer, Alison Fullam
● Craft a felt sheep using wool from the farm and take home as a memento of your visit
● Opportunity to browse the eclectic mix of craft from local artists in the farm shop
Important Information:
● Scheduled experiences can be booked online at www.boynevalleywools.com
● Private experiences are subject to minimum numbers or the equivalent in charges
● Free parking available on site | up to 10 cars | coach parking available 1 x 50 seater coach or 4 x 36 seater
● Accessibility
– There is a stone pathway into the field with access to the sheep- the surface is relatively smooth under foot and should not cause concern for those with mobility issues
– There is a small ramp into the craft studio and another ramp into the space where the experience will be held
– There is a small bathroom for visitors in the craft studio- this toilet is not wheelchair accessible.
Our Sustainable Ethos
● 90% of our wool is grown on the farm
● The washing and drying of the wool is done outside in the fresh air to reduce its environmental impact
• Our Craft Shop is a showcase for local artists- we support and promote Irish handmade art and craft.
