Organics in Rossinver

The mavericks favour Leitrim. Rod Alston came here and started Eden Plants decades ago, and today it is one of the great icons of organics in Ireland, a source of the most perfect herbs you can buy, home to some of the most pristine organic vegetables you will ever enjoy, which can be found in shops such as the Co-Op Shop in Manorhamilton, and in Tir na nOg in Sligo. If you have the chance, then do visit the farm, for it is an inspiration.

(Rossinver, Co Leitrim Tel: (072) 54122)

Mr Alston was also instrumental in setting up The Organic Centre, at Sraud, where John O’Neill is now the manager and Klaus Laitenberger the head gardener. Here be more mavericks, more visionaries, for the centre exists to educate the public via its courses, and to supply local households via its box delivery system. Again, a visit, and especially taking one of their courses, is inspirational.

(Rossinver, Co Leitrim, Tel: (072) 54338, theorganiccentre.ie)