Our names are Thomas Moorhead and Rae Kirk. We are the proprietors of Slemish Farm Tours.

We are siblings born into a 6th generation family farm, based in The Braid Valley area, at the foothill of Slemish mountain, a natural area of outstanding beauty. Our father David Moorhead has lived all his life in the farmhouse of our upbringing. Our mother Nance Moorhead, a farmer’s daughter originated from Drumcrow, Carnalbana – five miles away.

We enjoyed our humble rural beginnings, completing our farm chores and playing with numerous cousins all the year round. We both attended Upper Buckna PS, the local small primary school consisting of 2 classrooms! Then we progressed to secondary education travelling on the school bus to our local town of Ballymena, the immense size of the schools to an eleven year old was a total shock to the rural ‘bumpkins’!!!

Thomas graduated from Queens University with an Agriculture degree. Not only has Thomas worked as a farmer at the home farm all his working career but has embarked on various agriculture positions. At present Thomas is a Specialist Business Farm Facilitator employed by AI Services.

Thomas is married to Frances and has 4 sons and 2 grandsons. The eldest, David is carrying on the family farming tradition. Thomas likes to travel not only to other local working farms but also farms in the UK, Ireland and abroad to keep abreast of new and modern techniques of farming. Thomas also enjoys family sunshine holidays in various countries within Europe.

Rae has worked in local government, community and voluntary sector and public service positions throughout her varied career. Rae’s one common denominator in all her jobs is the aspect of interacting with people from all walks of life.

Rae is married to Brian and both have been motorbike enthusiasts since teenagers. Rae and Brian have had many camping holidays in Ireland, UK and Europe travelling in the comfort of their Honda Goldwing motorcycle.

Rae has recently retired from her full-time employment to embark on a new venture as a Tour Guide with both Rae’s Slemish Tours and Slemish Farm Tours.

Our aim is to demonstrate different systems of farming to enhance the environment, showcase the pleasure that can be obtained from interaction with farm animals, but most of all have fun learning and sharing about farm life in one of the most beautiful settings in Ulster.

So, let us take you on a journey visiting the Caseyend Farm. There may be an opportunity to feed the fabulous free range hens, Dermot and Dorothy the delectable donkeys, Tom and Jerry the personable pigmy goats – just to name a few of our friendly farm animals.

And oh, there will be many other secret treats for your farm experience!!!