Here is a summary for the weekend:

~ We’ve had a very wet November which has unfortunately caused damage to some cherries but we are still open 7 days from 8am to 5pm for those with bookings. 

~ There is still fruit available for Pick Your Own but it is slower picking because you need to check fruit for damage as you pick.

~ In a wet year, the cherries have a higher water content and so will not keep as long as usual once picked, so keep an eye on them when you get home and ideally eat them sooner rather than later!

~ Did you know you can freeze cherries? Just place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze. Once frozen, place into bags and in the cooler months remove them from the freezer and cook with a little water and sugar (Optional). Be rewarded with beautiful stewed cherries for your muesli or ice cream! If some of the cherries you pick are split or you can’t eat them all, this could be a good option!

~ Farmers are the eternal optimists and so we are still hopeful that our later season cherries will be OK

~ If you need to cancel your booking, please email us with your order number so that someone else can take your place.

~ There is a link to our weather forecast in Quick Links at bottom of our Home Page. Best to check there rather than ring us for weather as we just go off this!

~ Be prepared by bringing wet weather gear and warm clothes, just in case.

~ Bring your booking confirmation and vaccination certificate ready to show at Entry to Ballinaclash

~ Remember that Ballinaclash is more than just a Pick Your Own Orchard. It is also a Farm Gate Shop loaded with our house made  products, including cherry pie, cherry ice cream, jams, sauces, verjuice etc as well as a Cellar Door where you can taste and purchase our award winning wines. Online Booking required for Wine Tasting.

~ Most of all bring your patience and understanding that this is a difficult season for our small family business and whilst you may a bit disappointed that you’re not getting the beautiful cherries you would normally get, we too are very disappointed that our year’s work has ended in this way due to circumstances beyond our control. Regardless, when you visit Ballinaclash, you will be warmly welcomed and given the opportunity to partake in a very authentic farm experience.