How much land will I need?

adohar

Hi
Delighted to have come across this forum. I've already spent a few evenings just reading through posts and loved seeing how everyone is getting on.
I live in Dublin at the moment and have veg beds and a green house in the garden, make jams etc., and have had an allotment previously. But our ultimate aim when we retire in 5-7 years is to buy somewhere in West Cork and become relatively self-sufficient. I'd like to grow my own fruit and veg, keep hens and a turkey or two, have bees, some fruit trees and I'd also like to try my hand at a pig and a few lambs for the freezer.
I know that it's a bit of 'how long is a piece of string' question but how much land would we need at a minimum? Do you think that two acres would be enough?
Thanks in advance for your advice.

aonb

So you want
Hens
Turkeys
Fruit trees
bees
Lambs
Pig

and be self sufficient in veg?

I would highly recommend a poly tunnel. If there are only 2 of you, a decent tunnel, would provide enough veg (not potatos) for a large part of the year.

Hens/turkeys/bees could share the space of your fruit trees. I have a small orchard - apples/pears/plums/various fruit bushes, and the poultry free range around the trees. So unless you want a major orchard, this would be a very small space

Two acres for this would be heaps until you add the pig/lambs. How many lambs are you thinking? Figure 5 to an acre. How many pigs?They're sociable animals, you would need more than one - If you have a source of swill, with a house, and enclosed area, for 2 pigs, with a bit of rotation, they dont need too much space.

You should visit a few small holdings and go on a few courses in preparation - always good fun!

adohar

Thanks for the advice. Hadn't realised that pigs need company. You're right about the courses - we'll definitely do some, just didn't want to do them too early and forget most of what we've learned! Are there any that you'd recommend?
I like the idea too of visiting a few small holdings - do you know if there's a list of those that welcome visitors?

Future Farmer

Welcome to Boards!

Selling house in Dublin?

More is always more....


http://www.house-for-sale-ireland.com/cork-property/charleville/ballynoran-house-property.html

adohar

Yip will sell up eventually when we retire.
Nice place for sale there.

Water John

The classic traditional small holding is a cottage on an acre. This was so the labourer could grow his own food and keep a pig. Search the EA's. for prices. Depends on location and work that might need to be done.
After that it depends on your budget.

lcwill

You should look into the sustainable horticulture/permaculture course in Kinsale Further Education Centre - people come from all over the world to do it.

Offgridcoe

Would think two acres will be sufficient, polytunnel recommendation is spot on, try to get as large as you can afford but watch the wind in West Cork. Rabbits are a much underused meat animal that need little space. Consider goats instead of lambs, meat is as good and you have an option of milk if you are breeding, good luck

Water John

Milking goats are a good idea. Remember there is a specialist milking breed and those have no meat value. they would need some acres.
Yes a sheltered location and height above sea level will dictate the range of crops.

ballbagmaguire

you should look into Jean Martin Fortier's way of growing. The man is a genius when it comes to growing commercially in a small area.