Sustainability

Margaret Edgill returned to her farming roots in 2012; she commenced the restoration of The Hunting Lodge, and a new wave of conservation at Mount Briscoe began. Her vision: to create something enduring and true to its surroundings with minimal impact on the planet. To regenerate the farm buildings, the built heritage and land.

Across the farm, this philosophy takes shape in many ways – through our biomass heating system, water sourced from our own springs, and our farm-to-plate approach in the kitchen. We grow much of our own produce, and work with like-minded suppliers who share our values. Each initiative, whether visible or quietly at work behind the scenes, contributes to this vision.

Our aim is simple: to create a place that nurtures nature and supports our community

Preservation

We see preservation as protection, restoration and renewal

We’re committed to reuse, reduce and continually develop a more reducetarian lifestyle in all aspects of the farm. It’s an ongoing journey. We know there are constantly new developments to improve, and we remain dedicated to continuing to implement these wherever possible.  

Here are some of our proudest accomplishments in going green, and how they’re implemented in our everyday reality.

On The Farm

Bees have VIP status on the farm. We protect them and other pollinating insects by removing foreign predators, installing and maintaining hives, erecting owl houses and planting insect hotels to create a safe space for them.

Sustainable Practices and Happy Animals

With sustainability at the forefront of our agricultural practices, we follow many of the farming traditions passed down from our ancestors to maintain healthy farmland and happy animals. We invite you to take a farm tour during your stay to learn about the rich history of our agricultural practices and meet the animals that call Mount Briscoe home.

It starts with the soil

Before the seed, before the harvest, there is soil. This is where our farming philosophy takes root. The soil is a vibrant, living ecosystem – essential for the health of our food and the planet. By nurturing our land with gentle, organic practices, we help the soil to thrive. Our fields are rich and full of life. In turn, our soils quietly capture carbon, playing their part in caring for the climate, now and for the future

On Your Plate

We take great care not to waste the precious harvests from our farm and garden. Fruit and veggie offcuts are utilised in innovative ways in soups, sauces and flavourings.

From the Farm into the Jar

Our preserves are made using seasonal fruit and vegetables grown at Mount Briscoe, alongside wild and forgotten fruits such as blackberry, crab apple, damson, rosehip and sloe. We use simple recipes and avoid additives, preservatives and artificial colouring.

Our packaging is 100% plastic-free; our paper is either recycled or from sustainably managed forests; our inks/toners are plant-based. We work with Ireland’s most environmentally friendly printing service. We use wood, cardboard and other renewable and recyclable resources for signage.

Working With Nature

Why Organic?

At Mount Briscoe, we farm organically because we believe in nurturing the land, our animals and restoring balance to our food system. Our approach is gentle and considered. We never use synthetic fertilisers or chemical pesticides. We work in harmony with nature.

Our Farming Practices

We raise our animals to high organic welfare standards, choosing to rear the rare and heritage breeds best suited to our farming environment. We feed our animals an organic diet and allow them to roam freely on our clover-rich pastures, providing them with all they need to mature slowly, as nature intended. We own the whole story of our animal welfare from birth to butchery, overseeing every step. This results in exceptional quality produce, fewer food miles and complete traceability.

Working with Nature

We farm, make, package and source our products in a way that leaves a light touch on the planet, working with the land to regenerate and replenish it. Sustainability is a continual journey.

Mount Briscoe Organic Farm & Country House prioritises sustainability through conservation of its historic estate, including sustainable agriculture through its organic farm, certified organic since 1998. Maintaining native/rare breeds of cattle and horses. The estate emphasises heritage preservation and environmental stewardship, integrating regenerative farming, biodiversity enhancement, waste management and community engagement.  We know we can do more, and we are determined to do so.