Inaugural ‘big barn bash’ goes down a treat
Setting off at the start of the Coppenagh Coo 5km
OVER 1,000 visitors flocked to Coppenagh House farm in Tullow for the inaugural Big Barn Bash on Halloween weekend, which celebrated the best of Carlow’s food, farming, rural enterprise and community spirit.
Held over two days, the festival’s programme included a wide range of activities, including artisan food and drink experiences, farm-themed family activities and the Coppenagh Coo 5km, which proved a big hit with all who attended.
One of the highlights of the weekend for visitors was the food and drink experience, which saw some of Ireland’s best-known culinary personalities take to the stage to perform live cookery demonstrations and take part in conversations. These included renowned television chef Rachel Allen, broadcaster, food writer and Graignamanagh native Edward Hayden, and a host of local and regional culinary talents.
Coppenagh House Farm is run by husband-and-wife team Robert and Ciara Stanley, who rear grass-fed suckler cows, heifers and bulls. The farm shop was opened in August 2022, with the aim of providing customers with high-quality beef straight from the farm to their table.
In the four years since the shop was opened, the operation has grown from strength to strength and the Stanleys now offer homegrown honey, local pork and bacon, dairy products, as well as a range of condiments and sauces – all sourced locally.
Speaking after the event, cathaoirleach of Carlow Co Council cllr Tommy Kinsella praised the organisers, volunteers, exhibitors and participants and said the success of the event exceeded expectations.
“To see more than 1,000 people enjoying everything from cookery demonstrations and local food experiences to family activities and the Coppenagh Coo 5km was truly remarkable,” cllr Kinsella said.
The Coppenagh Coo 5km race attracted runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, with the serious athletes storming out at the front of the field. Tom Tracey of Thurles Crokes AC came first in the male category in a time of 15.13, while Laura Ward of St Laurence O’Toole AC provided a local winner in the female category in a time of 17.44.
In keeping with the spirit of Halloween, a fancy dress 5km competition also took place, with Saoirse Burke from Naas AC, Odhran McGrath, Irene Slevin and James Nolan receiving awards for their imaginative costumes.
The Big Barn Bash was developed through a collaborative partnership between Carlow Co Council, Carlow Tourism, Active Carlow and Coppenagh House Farm. Plans to make it an annual fixture in the Carlow calendar are already being explored and it is hoped that the event will become a flagship celebration of food, farming and family fun in Carlow for many years to come.
