Diverse Future at Finnebrogue Woods

The family behind Finnebrogue Woods have announced a "fresh venture" for 2017, aimed at ensuring a sustainable future for their 200 acre lake-side farm.

Rachael and Ed Lindsay, Ed's father, Nick, the couple have decided to combine their resources to develop a new business model with four main strands; farming, firewood, fishing and tipis.

Explaining the new approach, Ed Lindsay, director of Finnebrogue Woods, said: "We wanted to look at how we could sustainably make use of all that's readily available at Finnebrogue Woods. That's when we realised that the woodlands, the lake and the Dexter herd would create the most wonderful backdrop to our tipi weddings, and cultural and corporate events – which we had already been facilitating the length and breadth of the country for the past 10 years.

"The importance of preserving Finnebrogue Woods as a place of outstanding natural beauty is paramount.

"Our ethos is to develop our events business organically, within a relatively small area of the woods that has the widest viewpoint, so that the wider landscape can be enjoyed without being impacted upon".

With experience of facilitating weddings throughout Ireland, the Lindsay family hope to attract people from not only Northern Ireland, but further afield.

Rachel Lindsay added: "We are very excited and honoured that one of our first weddings next season will welcome a group of 30 visitors from South America."

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said, "The Lindsay family have embraced the concept of farm diversification to create an integrated approach involving an amazing events venue which will attract new local and international tourists to the Strangford Lough area.

"With longstanding business experience, the Lindsay team are clearly embarking on a well thought out venture which will inevitably stimulate further local investment. It is a wonderful example of how thinking resourcefully and creatively can really pay off."

For more information go to, finnebroguewoods.com.

(MH)