About Us

Meet The Animals

Introducing Bairbre and Richard Ball | Discover More

Our Story

Barbara and Richard Ball run Johnsfort -Ireland At Your Leisure, a boutique self-catering accommodation and private tour company in Co. Westmeath, Ireland. The farm has been in our family for over 200 years We have been hosting guests since 2016.
In 2022, we embarked on a new adventure to combine our accommodation with our tour company to provide a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors to Ireland. ‘Johnsfort – Ireland at Your Leisure’ was born and we have been going from strength to strength since.
Our Five Day Farm Stay and Tour Package is really popular with groups of families and friends. The luxury and convenience of starting your tour from outside your door ticks a lot of boxes.
Marianne Cottage and Bartholomew’s Loft are designed to reflect our personalities and values. We have incorporated original elements into the design, as well as modern touches and comforts. Visitors can expect to experience a blend of old and new at Johnsfort House and Irish Farm.
Visitors can learn about Irish history and culture while exploring the beautiful countryside. Johnsfort Ireland At Your Leisure is a great place to stay for those who want to experience the best of Ireland. We are passionate about providing our guests with a memorable and authentic experience, and we are committed to making sure that everyone feels welcome at Johnsfort.

Richard ball – Your Delightful tour guide

ireland is an incredible little country especially when you know where to go, and I get hugh satisfaction in bringing guests around, showing it off in all its beauty. i have brought groups all over the land, people of every age from young babies to octogenarians, sometimes in the same group, and have always managed to adapt the tours to suit their exact needs. i strongly believe that, above all, guests must always be put first.

barbara ball – your friendly hostess

Johnfort House is a beautiful place to live and work. I feel very lucky that our children are being brought up in the countryside, on a farm and that for the most part it is my place of work. I am also a teacher and teach two days a week. Since we started the accommodation in the courtyard we have met wonderful people and Johnsfort is an exciting place to live as there is always someone new coming to stay.

Visit the Farm

Immerse yourself in nature. Don’t worry you don’t have to bring wellies, we provide wellies for all our guests so you can roam freely through the fields and woodland through all the seasons. Come and meet the animals at Johnsfort, our picturesque organic farm, nestled in the heart of The Boyne Valley. As you step onto our lush green pastures, you’ll be greeted by our majestic Highland cattle grazing peacefully and the funny looking Jacob sheep lying out under a tree. Our farm is a haven for biodiversity, where every creature, great and small, plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystem.

Your Irish Farm Adventure

What Awaits You

A forest walk awaits you, with a winding trail that guides you through nature. Just follow the handmade, yellow arrows that lead the way. To protect your feet from muddy patches and briars, we provide wellies, allowing you to really get stuck in. As you explore our organic farm and enjoy the forest walk, take a deep breath, and let the fresh country air invigorate your senses. Absorb the serenity of the surroundings, embracing the connection between the land, the animals, and the rich tapestry of life that unfolds before you. Our organic farm is a testament to the beauty of sustainable farming practices, where every aspect coexists in perfect harmony.

Highland Cattle

The star attractions of our farm are undoubtedly the Highland cattle. Their names are Ború, Grace and Constance. Ború comes from ‘bó rua’ meaning red cow in Irish. Grace was named after Grace Gifford – a passionate nationalist, an accomplished artist, and a symbol of love and dedication due to her marriage to Joseph Plunkett on the eve of his execution in during the 1916 Easter Rising. Constance is named after Constance Markievicz who was an Irish revolutionary, politician, and feminist who played a prominent role in the Irish nationalist movement and was the first woman elected to the British Parliament. The highlands, with their long, shaggy coats and magnificent horns, exude an air of majesty as they roam freely across the fields. As you observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat, you’ll witness the perfect harmony between nature and nurture, as they graze on the lush grasses, contributing to the cycle of sustainable farming.

Shorthorn Cattle

See can you spot our two White Shorthorn cattle. They are medium to large-sized cattle with a well-muscled body and a broad frame. These cattle are known for their docile temperament, good maternal instincts, and adaptability to various climates. They are valued for their meat quality, producing tender and flavoursome beef, as well as their milk production capabilities. They arrived at Johnsfort in April 2023 and settled in straight away alongside our Irish Dexter cattle and their calves, also very adaptable and hardy producing tasty, marbled beef. Observing ewes and their lambs as they graze can be quite therapeutic and rewarding. Here at Johnsfort we find it fascinating to witness their natural behaviour, the lambs playfully frolicking around, and the ewes attentively keeping an eye on their young ones, shouting out to them to come back if they stray too far.

Jacob Sheep

Stroll further along, and you’ll encounter the delightful four-horned Jacob sheep, with their distinctive piebald coats. These charming creatures, known for their multi-horned beauty, add a touch of whimsy to the landscape. Our Jacob sheep are not only a joy to observe but also serve an important purpose in maintaining the delicate ecological balance by grazing and fertilizing the land.

Sheep and Lambs

There are always plenty of animals to greet you all year round at Johnsfort. Arrive at the right time of year and you may even get a chance to feed the baby lambs!

Bantem Hens

As you explore our farm, keep an eye out for the bantam hens that walk freely, scratching the ground for insects and grubs. These feathered friends contribute to our farm’s sustainability by providing fresh, organic eggs, a true farm-to-table experience. All our guests can enjoy fresh eggs every day of their stay. You can pick them up yourselves or let Danny, Juliette or Douglas – our three children, bring them to your door.

Escape the Hustle and Bustle of City Life

Come visit our farm and escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and embark on a journey into nature’s embrace here at Johnsfort.

view our tours

Wake up to birds singing

Wake up to the birdsong in the mornings, each bird with its distinctive song.

discover our irish farm

Discover the wonders of our organic farm, where Highland cattle, Shorthorns, Jacob sheep, bantam hens, and the enchanting forest walk await.

unleash your spirit

Unleash your spirit of adventure and allow the tranquillity of this idyllic setting to leave an indelible mark on your soul.

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