The inaugural Big Barn Bash has been hailed a tremendous success after attracting more than 1,000 visitors to Coppenagh House Farm, Tullow, for a weekend that celebrated the very best of County Carlow's food, farming, rural enterprise and community spirit. The first-ever festival combined live entertainment, family activities, artisan food and drink experiences and the hugely successful Coopenagh Coo 5km, creating a unique event that brought together visitors from across Carlow and beyond.
Over two action-packed days, festival-goers enjoyed a vibrant programme designed to showcase Carlow's rich agricultural heritage and growing food culture. The event featured family entertainment, farm-themed activities, artisan producers, local businesses and a dedicated Food & Drink Show, establishing the Big Barn Bash as a major new addition to the county's events calendar.
The Big Barn Bash was delivered through a collaborative partnership between Carlow County Council, Carlow Tourism, Active Carlow and Coppenagh House Farm, whose shared vision, dedication and commitment helped transform a working farm into a vibrant festival celebrating food, farming, family fun and community spirit. The organisers also acknowledged the valuable support of sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, local producers and community groups whose collective efforts were instrumental in making the inaugural event such a resounding success.
A major highlight of the weekend was the Food & Drink Experience, which welcomed some of Ireland's best-known culinary personalities. Visitors enjoyed live cookery demonstrations and food conversations featuring renowned television chef and bestselling author Rachel Allen, chef, broadcaster and food writer Edward Hayden, together with an outstanding line-up of local and regional culinary talent including Caolán Prendergast, Executive Head Chef at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel; Cian Waters of Waterlilies; Jamiul Alam of New Moon Indian Restaurant; Nigel Cloney of the Talbot Hotel Carlow; Igor Buturla of Lennon's @ VISUAL; Maggie Roche and Tom Phelan, among others. Their demonstrations showcased the exceptional quality of Carlow produce and the creativity of the region's food sector.
Speaking following the event, Cllr. Tommy Kinsella, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, praised the organisers, volunteers, exhibitors and participants who helped make the inaugural festival such a success.
"The success of the first-ever Big Barn Bash exceeded expectations and demonstrates the enormous appetite for events that celebrate our food, farming heritage and rural communities. To see more than 1,000 people enjoying everything from cookery demonstrations and local food experiences to family activities and the Coopenagh Coo 5km was truly remarkable. This event showcased the very best of County Carlow and everyone involved should be immensely proud of what has been achieved. I have no doubt the Big Barn Bash has established itself as an event with a very bright future."
Another major attraction was the Coopenagh Coo 5km, which attracted runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The event delivered a competitive race at the front of the field while maintaining the fun and inclusive atmosphere that characterised the entire festival.
Coopenagh Coo 5km Winners
Female Category
- 1st Place: Laura Ward (St. L. O'Toole A.C.) - 17:44
- 2nd Place: Lisa Sweeney - 18:06
- 3rd Place: Éabha Keane - 18:09
Male Category
- 1st Place: Tom Tracey (Thurles Crokes A.C.) - 15:13
- 2nd Place: Tom Murphy (Kilkenny City Harriers A.C.) - 15:36
- 3rd Place: Stephen Conroy (Clane A.C.) - 15:44
Age Friendly Category
- Male Winner: Gordon Ferguson (St. L. O'Toole A.C.) - 18:28
- Female Winner: Paddy Coady (St. L. O'Toole A.C.) - 21:43
Final Finishers
- Female Final Finisher: Casey Kelly - 1:03:52
- Male Final Finisher: Sebastian Kania - 59:20
The colourful Fancy Dress competition added plenty of fun and creativity to the Coopenagh Coo 5km, with participants embracing the festival spirit in style. The Fancy Dress awards were presented to Saoirse Burke (Naas A.C.), who completed the course in 27:06, Odhran McGrath, who finished in 41:42, Irene Slevin (Other Club), who crossed the line in 26:34, and James Nolan, who completed the event in 40:20. Their imaginative costumes and enthusiasm helped create a fantastic atmosphere on the day and highlighted the fun, family-friendly nature of the inaugural Big Barn Bash.
Organisers expressed their gratitude to sponsors, volunteers, exhibitors, community groups, participants and visitors whose support helped make the first Big Barn Bash such a memorable occasion. Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural event, plans are already being explored to build on this year's achievements and further establish the festival as a flagship celebration of food, farming and family fun in County Carlow.
For further information visit www.bigbarnbash.ie.