Just as the door closes on one party season another is just around the corner as spring wedding season beckons.

The scramble for wedding venues in Ireland is well documented with couples in some cases booking up to two years in advance to secure their dream location – and the price for some of these venues is an entirely other matter.

But could the demand for venues for gatherings such as a private party or weddings be an opportunity for farm families to make extra cash?

According to Barry Caslin, energy and rural development specialist with Teagasc, this could be a “profitable diversification strategy for farmers” in 2025.

He said many farmers are considering farm diversification and are “exploring innovative ways to supplement their income and ensure the long-term sustainability of their businesses”.

“Hosting events on a farm can be a rewarding diversification option for farmers.

“It offers an opportunity to utilize the farm’s facilities, scenery, and open spaces to organise various types of events, attracting different audiences,” the Teagasc specialist added.

Party venue

According to Caslin opening the farm gates to create a venue for weddings, receptions, or private parties could allow couples or event planners “to utilize the scenic countryside for special occasions”.

He said farm families could also explore if their farm could potentially hosting other events such as tours, workshops, and festivals.

However before farmers start planning for a party there are, according to the Teagasc specialist, a number of “key considerations” that need to be addressed.

Caslin said these include:

  • Infrastructure and facilities: Farm families need to carefully evaluate existing infrastructure and decide if additional facilities would be needed to host events comfortably for example parking areas, toilets, seating;
  • Promotion and marketing: Farmers would need to develop a marketing strategy to promote their farm as a location for events for example use social media, local advertising and get in touch with event planners and local tourist boards;
  • Regulations and permits: It is important to understand what local regulations, health and safety, zoning laws, and permits or licenses might be need to host an event on your family farm;
  • The customer experience: How can the farm deliver a positive customer experience – from the necessary safety measures that must be put in place to ensuring you provide a compelling reason to choose your farm over other venues;
  • Financial planning: Will it make money – one of the most important aspects is to make sure that financial assessments, budgeting, and pricing strategies will be profitable.

According to Caslin farmers who want to get into event hosting should “carefully plan and tailor events to meet the interests of their target audience while highlighting the unique aspects of their farm”.

“It can be an excellent way to generate additional income, promote agricultural education, and engage with the local community and tourists,” he added.

2025 FARM INCOME PARTY TEAGASC