Another great spot to go for brunch/lunch in County Kildare is a place called The Old Yard. It is a renovated 18th-century farmyard. And it is located in the rural Irish countryside, at Garterfarm, just outside the town of Castledermot.
Castledermot in itself is a great spot for exploring. In the town you will find Castledermot Abbey also known as “Castledermot Franciscan Friary”, and the Castledermot Round Tower and High Crosses.
The Old Yard is a family-run business. You will find a food counter in a bright and spacious store where you can place your food order. Then take a seat at an outdoor table, covered heated seating areas, or garden huts. And they will bring your order to you, or you can dine inside in the garden Room. You can choose from pancakes for brunch and tasty fresh sourdough sandwiches for lunch. And hearty pork sausage rolls served all day and famous home bakes. Sourdough bread, apple pies, Bakewell tarts, buttery biscuits, and an array of fresh bakes every morning from their bakery are wrapped and ready for sale.
In The Old Yard store, you will find a collection of carefully curated objects for your Home and Garden.
From cut flowers and plants to garden ware, antiques, and fancy goods to a bakery and larder. A gathering of Irish Artisan produce from chocolatiers to foragers sits alongside The Old Yard range of jams, preserves, and chutneys. They also sell luxury wool throws, fine stationery, delicate jewelry, kitchenware, local pottery, books, art, and scented candles.
The Old Yard is open from Wednesday through to Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm, with ample parking. They have ample seating available therefore booking is not required.
I`ve been there in March and even on a rainy day The Old Yard looked charming and inviting. I enjoyed the decor and the setting and lunch out in the fresh air. I ordered sourdough sandwiches with roast chicken and green tea. And my friend also bought fresh homemade chocolate brownies. I hope to visit The Old Yard more often.
Location of The Old Yard:
Below are photos I took in March 2022.
Disappointing news: The Old Yard has made the decision to press pause on the business and will cease trading from the 28th of January 2023. In a candid Instagram post, The Old Yard explained they are closing to spend more time with family.
While they make no mention of a timeline, The Old Yard finished their announcement by saying, “this is not a goodbye, it’s a see you later & we look forward to reopening our businesses in the future.” So here’s hoping we will see them again once they’ve enjoyed some deserved time off.
