Changing Farming Fortunes

Changing Farming Fortunes – a new permanent exhibition at the Irish Agricultural Museum opens on Thursday, 19 February, during the school mid-term break. The exhibition reveals the hidden story of Irish farming and food, with a special focus on the surprising and vital role of soil, and how Johnstown Castle became a centre for agricultural science that helped transform Irish food production.

To celebrate the opening, children are invited to take part in a special hands-on workshop at the museum on Thursday, 19 February, led by soil scientists from Teagasc. No booking is required. Workshops will run from 11am–12pm and again from 2pm–3pm, giving young visitors the chance to explore real science with experts, learn simple experiments they can try at home, and begin collecting their own science data. These workshops are free for members of the Irish Heritage Trust or included with standard daily admission.

Changing Farming Fortunes brings the story of land, soil and science vividly to life through immersive, hands-on experiences. Designed for primary school children, families and agricultural enthusiasts, the exhibition explores how farming in Ireland has evolved and how science continues to shape the future of food and sustainability.