But before i even got started, I ventured to Skariff, and the Irish Seed Savers Association. This remarkable operation was a revelation. Irish Seed Savers Association exists as a living testimony to the richness and wealth of Irish agricultural history. The Association was founded by Anita Hayes in 1991. The work was initially done on a small farm in Co. Carlow before moving to Capparoe, Scarriff in 1996.
Most notable to me was the Native Apple Collection containing a unique orchard of over 33 self rooting varieties of apple trees that require no grafting for propagation. This is probably the largest collection of this type of apple tree in the world.  Walking through the orchids was truly amazing! They also have establishmed a Seed Bank containing more than 600 rare and endangered vegetable varieties. All in all a really impressive effort.