Conservation Through Use

As guardians of Ireland’s rich food heritage, we protect and preserve rare, traditional seed varieties, heritage apples, and the invaluable cultural knowledge they carry. By embracing sustainable practices and sharing these treasures, we not only safeguard the past but also nurture a thriving future for generations to come.

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Heritage Seed Catalogue

Discover a carefully curated selection of organic and heritage seed varieties in our 2026 catalogue. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your journey, you’ll find the seeds to grow a thriving, diverse garden that honours both tradition and sustainability.

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Become a supporter and enjoy exclusive access to supporter-only seeds, special discounts, and much more. By joining, you’ll be playing a vital role in preserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable food systems across Ireland.

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What We Do at
Irish Seed Savers

From our conservation sites in County Clare, we support a growing movement of people who believe in biodiversity, community, and food sovereignty. We save seeds. We grow trees. We teach. We connect people to Ireland’s food legacy. Through our national Seed Bank, heritage orchards, education programmes, and Seed Guardian network, we keep genetic diversity alive — in gardens, fields, and farms across the country.

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Conservation

Maintaining a living heritage seed bank and orchard, preserving open-pollinated seeds and fruit varieties for future generations.

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Protection

Safeguarding heritage crops from environmental threats through stewardship, policy support, and strong advocacy efforts.

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Utilisation

Ensuring heritage crops thrive through broad use, traditional knowledge, appropriate technology, and resilient food systems.

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Education

Inspiring all ages to reconnect with nature, learn sustainable growing, conserve biodiversity, and strengthen local food systems.

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800+

Heritage, open-pollinated vegetable varieties carefully preserved and protected in our Living Seed Bank.

180+

Ireland’s only national heritage collection of Irish apple tree varieties conserved in our orchards.

30+ Years

Dedicated to conserving traditional Irish crop diversity and heritage seeds since 1991.

20 Acres

Home to organic farm, orchards, and seed-saving facilities nestled in County Clare.

10,000+

Native Irish seeds are grown and saved annually to safeguard biodiversity and future food security.

Rooted in Heritage,
Growing for the Future

ISSA began with a simple but vital purpose: to protect Ireland’s rapidly diminishing food crop heritage from extinction. Founded in 1991 by Anita Hayes, the organisation emerged from a growing awareness that Ireland’s traditional, open-pollinated seed varieties and heritage fruit trees were vanishing — and with them, the genetic diversity, knowledge, flavour, and resilience they carried.  

Our Story

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Last admission at 3:00 PM

Weekends

Closed, except for
Specific Event days.

Tour Tickets

We have various tours available for your needs:

Starting From
€15.00 Per Person

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Our  Location

We are based in

Irish Seed Savers
Assosiation

Capparoe, Scarriff, County Clare, Ireland. V94 V6W0

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Visit Our Organic
Gardens & Orchards

Come explore our 20-acre conservation gardens and heritage orchards in the heart of County Clare. Wander at your own pace, or take a guided tour through apple trees, seed beds, and wild habitats.

Guided Tours

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Group Tours

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Self Guided Tours

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Workshops

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What People Are
Saying About Us

This is a brilliant initiative, there are so many types of fruit trees I’ve never heard of, fun walking around the orchards reading the names. Visit their website for more information. The road to the centre is narrow be aware you might have to pull in and/or reverse if you meet another car. Lots of parking on site.

Simon Lang – Google Review

– October | 2025
If you are in the area of Lough Derg or just passing through towards Galway and the West you MUST stop off here at the Irish Seed Savers. An experience not to be missed. An education at the highest level by knowledgeable people. Always willing to discuss everything connected with the environment and horticulture.

Vance O – Trip advisor

– October | 2025
We had a fantastic visit today with very knowledgeable tour guide Felicity in glorious sunshine. We got a tour of the entire site and learnt all about how the farm was started. It truly was inspirational and the work they carry out is so important. I would love to return to take part in some of the workshops. A really must visit in County Clare. We absolutely loved the place.

Eoin and Martha – Tripadvisor

– October | 2025
Bought apple trees and some seeds . I was greeted by a helpful young lady with a big smile. I like the work seed savers do.

James Mcinerney – Google Review

– April | 2023
Such a beautiful, peaceful place. Very inspiring if you’re interested in natural ways of gardening. We’ll definitely be coming back.

Helen T – Tripadvisor

– May | 2023
Quick delivery and great seeds every time. Seeds from plants I’ve grown from them always true to the parent plants. Definitely recommend oak leaf lettuce!

Frank Spellman – Google Review

– April | 2023

Shop Heirloom
Seeds and Trees

Bring a piece of Ireland’s biodiversity home with you. Shop our collection of rare seeds, heritage apple trees, books, and growing kits.

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Getting Here

Located in County Clare, we’re easily accessible by road, with parking available on-site for visitors.

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Upcoming Events

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Support Our Work

We depend on the generosity of people who care about Ireland’s seed sovereignty. Become a member, donate, volunteer, or start a fundraiser — there’s a way for everyone to help.

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Conservation Through Use

Heritage Seed Catalogue

Join Irish Seed Savers