GIY Beginner Skills and Farm Weekend with Mick Kelly & Richard Mee- 25th & 26th April 2026

📅 Date: 25th & 26th April 2026 
⏰ Time: 10am - 4pm both days
📍 Location: GROW HQ, Waterford and GIY Farm, Curraghmore

Bring the GIY TV series The Farm to life with a two-day urban and rural farm immersion in all things GIY with GIY Founder Mick Kelly and Head Grower Richard Mee.

The Farm series (broadcasting in spring 2026 on RTE) will tell the story of how GIY started its smallholding farm on the 13 acre walled garden at the Curraghmore Estate and created an outlet for the produce through GROW HQ in Waterford City.  The series follows the trials and triumphs of the GIY team as they stand up an organic smallholding and try to make it commercially viable in an age of cheap, convenient food.

On this very special two day experience you will get behind the scenes on the series and spend time with Mick and Richard with a mix of practical upskilling in growing your own and organic smallholding, top class organic food experiences and discussion around the food system issues raised in the show.

The course will interest anyone with an interest in reconnecting with whole foods, learning about sustainability and health issues around food or keen to see how smallscale rural and urban farm set ups work.  You will learn plenty of practical skills to grow organic veg and fruit, regardless of your level of expertise.    

This foundational course will divide time between our beautiful urban farm at GROW HQ in Waterford, and our walled garden at Curraghmore in Portlaw (20 minutes from GROW HQ). 

Mick and Richard have delivered talks and training courses in organic food production to thousands of people around Ireland and the TV series Grow Cook Eat has been seen around the world by over 12 million viewers. This course is about building the confidence and foundational skills you need to grow food successfully and put delicious, homegrown food on the plate for you and your family.

Testimonial:

"Richard and Mick’s passion for growing is very encouraging for newcomers to gardening. I gained lots of new and practical information over the 2 days in a relaxed friendly environment. The synergy between the garden and kitchen was clear-  our tasty lunches showcased what's possible with quality seasonal Irish veg and fruit.  I am watching over the seedlings I brought home and excited to see them grow... thank you!"

 Zelie, Course attendee 2023

On each day, you'll enjoy a delicious plot-to-plate mezze lunch overlooking the HQ Gardens (or in the garden if weather permits) and get the chance to meet and learn from fellow GIYers. There will be coffee, tea and scones on arrival each day and a seasonal cordial for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Also included is a copy of Mick Kelly's award-winning book, GROW, COOK, EAT for you to enjoy at home.

Richard started growing at only 3 years old with his dad and since then has accumulated over 40 years of growing experience. He studied for a BSc in Horticulture at Reading University and an MSc in Organic Farming at the Scottish Agricultural College. In addition to the UK and Ireland, Richard has grown veg all over the world, including Central America and Africa.
Mick is founder of GIY, a social entrepreneur, author, TV presenter and hacker grower. He worked in the IT industry for 10 years before starting GIY in 2008 after a chance encounter with a bulb of Chinese garlic in a supermarket. He co-presented/produced 3 series of Grow Cook Eat for RTE which is now watched around the world on Amazon Prime. He also presents and co-produced the 6-part series Food Matters on RTE 1.

Mick is an Ashoka Fellow, a member of The Irish Food Writers Guild and a board member at Common Knowledge. He has written 5 books, the latest of which The GIY Diaries was nominated for an Irish Book Award in 2022. He has written columns on food for The Irish Times, The Irish Independent and Food & Wine Magazine. He was Local Food Hero in the Food & Wine Awards. He lives in Dunmore East with his wife Eilish and two teenage GIYers.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the course starts and come dressed appropriately for a day spent outdoors in the garden: sturdy footwear, rain jackets, suncream, etc.

Cancellation Policy:
We operate a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel your booking at least 48 hours prior to the event you will be refunded. Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the date will not be refunded.

Allergies:
Please advise us of any dietary requirements and allergens when booking (email:allen@giy.ie) as we are unable to change the menu on the day.

To reserve your spot, simply add this event to your cart and complete your purchase at checkout. Once booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details you need for the day.

⏳ Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out