FarmGate

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FarmGate is a concept by Róisín de Buitléar, developed during her residency with the Dinnseanchas Project for the Hometree charity. A vintage handmade farm gate, painted in familiar red oxide, serves as a catalyst for interaction. It invites farmers to pause, fostering dialogue and understanding within local communities while promoting environmental awareness and behavioral change.

Hometree is a nature restoration charity in Ireland's west, focused on native temperate rainforests. Their Dinnseanchas Project tasks six artists with exploring Ireland’s Atlantic uplands to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic challenges. Inspired by the ancient Irish term “dinnseanchas,” which embodies the lore of a place, the project bridges ecological restoration with cultural preservation.

The FarmGate evokes familiarity through its red oxide color, reminiscent of Irish farm sheds. Its design encourages informal conversations, offering an ideal lean height and ample space for interaction. Beyond aesthetics, its two side frames create flexible structures for displaying site-relevant items or hosting activities, making it a mobile installation adaptable to various sites.

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Debut at Clonmany Agricultural Show

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FarmGate debuted at the Clonmany Agricultural Show in Donegal in August 2024, a prominent event attracting over 10,000 visitors. Situated in the uplands, the show was ideal for engaging with sheep farmers and their families. Over 48 hours, FarmGate created natural opportunities for conversation as activities unfolded nearby.

Conversations ranged from farming practices, land abandonment, and biodiversity to economic challenges such as the low value of wool. Farmers openly discussed succession, land responsibility, and sustainability, with topics addressed judgment-free. The gate fostered a comfortable environment, with participants often leaning on it physically, signaling trust and ease.

FarmGate’s versatility allowed it to be relocated during the show to maximize engagement. Its positioning, against the backdrop of Donegal’s uplands, provided visual context for discussing land use and climate challenges.

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Weaving Demonstration

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As part of the show, the FarmGate team collaborated with weaver Léila Worth and scholar Jenny Ahern to trial weaving and tufting installations. Using wool—a material of cultural and economic significance in Inishowen—the team highlighted the value of traditional crafts and low-value materials. Visitors engaged deeply with the hands-on activity, sparking conversations about heritage, craft, and sustainability.

The weaving demonstration also served as a platform for exploring the broader concepts of the Dinnseanchas Project, generating ideas for future artworks and deepening the community's connection to the project.

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Legacy and Impact

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Since its debut, FarmGate has been used at other events as a gathering space and visual anchor. Its approachable design and recognisable form continue to foster interaction with otherwise reluctant audiences. Whether as a backdrop for performances or a hub for ongoing activities, FarmGate has proven its value in building connections, understanding, and dialogue among farming communities.

By blending cultural familiarity with strategic design, FarmGate bridges gaps between tradition and innovation, playing a pivotal role in the Dinnseanchas Project's mission to address pressing ecological and social challenges.

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