Breda Larkin is the daughter of Seanie Larkin and the sixth generation on this traditional farm.

The Larkins came to the land in Ballinasloe in 1777 and set up a forge. They became very well known, even making pikes for the Battle of Vinegar hill. Michael Larkin was the first of the Larkins to farm the land and raised cattle and sheep. The farm has remained a cattle and sheep farm, mostly a suckler enterprise. In recent years it has moved towards a dry-stock suckler herd.

Breda & Sean use best conventional farming practices and are moving towards organic and regenerative practices with agroforestry.

Their farm also boasts several hundred fruit & nut trees and four hives.

When she’s not on the farm, Breda also tours as a stand up comedian with her one woman show – The Word of Breda. The show follows her farming and adventures around Ireland. Her energy for performance carries through to her work in Talamh Beo, recently highlighting the need for representation and equality for Irish Women in Farming outside the government buildings on United Nations’ Rural Women’s Day.

You can see the video of her demonstration at Government Buildings here. And check out Breda in conversation with Bridgi Murphy on the effects of synthetic nitrogen use in agriculture.