Irene Farm Centurion is one of Gauteng’s most beloved and historic destinations — a working dairy farm established in 1895 at Nellmapius Road, Irene, Centurion, that has been in the hands of the Van der Byl family for five generations and has been producing and selling Certified Raw Milk to the public for over 120 years. With 57,000+ Facebook followers and 84,000+ check-ins, Irene Farm Centurion has become a treasured institution for families, food lovers, event organisers, and anyone seeking an authentic farm experience without leaving the city — a genuine working dairy farm offering freshly baked goods, two farm restaurants, a beloved deli, 6 outdoor event venues, conference facilities, and a farmyard of cows, calves, chickens, ducks, geese, turtles, and fish that brings joy to every visitor, young and old.

A Farm with 130 Years of History

The Van der Byl family began farming this land in 1895 — and five generations later, the farm continues to operate as a working dairy producing certified raw milk of the highest quality. The original farm buildings, now more than 120 years old, house The Barn Restaurant — a remarkable piece of living heritage that anchors the entire Irene Farm experience with warmth, nostalgia, and exceptional food.

Over 130 years of farming, the Van der Byles have never lost sight of what makes Irene Farm special: the combination of authentic farm life, genuine hospitality, and a genuine commitment to quality produce. The farm is home to 65 species of birds, Champion Trees of South Africa (trees officially recognised as exceptional specimens), and the kind of natural beauty that reminds city dwellers why the countryside matters.

Dining — Two Restaurants & a Legendary Deli

The Barn Restaurant

Irene Farm’s flagship restaurant — housed in one of the historic original farm buildings dating back over 120 years.

• Inside dining in a cosy, charming historic barn interior
• Outside seating under magnificent old oak trees with picturesque farm views
• Sunday lunch buffet — a much-loved weekly tradition
• À la carte menu — fresh, hearty, homemade food across breakfast and lunch
• For families: newborn calves to interact with, jungle gym, splash pool for toddlers, antique tractors
• Small dams nearby with ducks, geese, turtles, and fish
• Walking trails through tree avenues and Holstein cow pastures

The Deck Café

A light, bistro-style café adjacent to The Deli — with wide-open farm views.

• Seats 90 patrons
• A la carte breakfast and lunch menus — fresh, homemade, and beautifully presented
• First come, first served — no advance bookings taken
• Tables limited to a maximum of 8 people
• Perfect for coffee catch-ups, family lunches, and relaxed weekend visits

The Deli

A beloved farm shop stocked with the produce of Irene Farm and artisanal partners:

• Certified Raw Milk — Irene Farm’s signature product, produced for 120+ years
• Freshly baked bread, pastries, pies, tarts, and cakes
• Artisanal cheeses, butter, and dairy products
• Yogurt, ice cream, ginger beer, koeksisters, and cream cheese
• Preserves, sauces, and premium dry goods
• Online store with delivery within 5km of the farm
• Gifts and farm souvenirs

Gourmet Milkshake Tasting (by appointment)

A unique and Instagrammable experience — 5 gourmet milkshake flavours each paired with a sweet treat.

• Monday–Friday only — pre-booking essential (book online)
• A delightful afternoon indulgence and a must-do on any Irene Farm visit

Farm Experiences

• Cow milking viewing gallery — daily at approximately 15:00, free to watch
• 65 bird species — self-guided birdwatching walks through the farm
• Champion Trees of South Africa — rare and officially recognised specimen trees on the property
• Interaction with calves — feed the cows and pet the calves; a hit with children
• Holstein cow pastures — wander through avenues of trees and open pastures
• Antique tractors — for children (and nostalgic adults) to explore
• Jungle gym and splash pool — family-friendly outdoor play areas
• Small dams with ducks, geese, turtles, and fish
• Walking trails — self-guided walks through the farm grounds
• Artisanal market stalls — evening markets featuring live music, food, and local vendors (check events calendar)

Event Venues — 6 Outdoor Spaces

Irene Farm Centurion offers 6 distinct event venues across its expansive farm grounds — each with its own natural setting and character:

Farm View Venue

An open, customisable space with stunning views of the farm and countryside.

• Ideal for weddings, milestone celebrations, and corporate gatherings
• Option to book only half the space for smaller, more intimate events
• Flexible layout for themed or unique dining experiences

Champion Field Venue

Named after the Champion Trees of South Africa that overlook the field — an expansive, scenic outdoor space.

• Ideal for large gatherings, weddings, festivals, team-building events, and family picnics
• Open field allows for fully customisable layouts

Coachmans Bend Venue

A unique outdoor space with sweeping views of expansive fields and grazing animals.

• Ideal for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations
• Tailorable to suit any occasion

Secret Garden Venue

An intimate, enchanting space nestled within the tranquil beauty of the farm.

• Surrounded by lush greenery and countryside ambiance
• Ideal for private weddings, small gatherings, and exclusive celebrations
• Secluded location ensures privacy

Sunset Pasture Venue

A breathtaking setting overlooking expansive fields with grazing cows — ideal at golden hour.

• Accommodates both large gatherings and smaller intimate events
• Perfect for formal dinners, rustic picnics, and casual team-building days

Conference Venue (inside the Barn)

Two 50-seat conference rooms that can be combined into a single 120-seat conference room — the only venue of its kind in the area.

• Set within the historic Barn
• Ideal for conferences, training sessions, private functions, and year-end office parties
• Unique setting with rolling farm fields as the view outside the barn window

Practical Details

• Address: Nellmapius Road, Irene, Centurion, Gauteng, 0062
• Phone: 012 667 4822
• Email: barn@ireneestate.co.za
• Website: irenefarm.co.za
• Established: 1895 — Van der Byl family (5th generation)
• Entry: Free (no entrance fee; farm sustained by food, milk, and beverage sales)
• Cashless: All major credit and debit cards accepted; no cash
• Helium balloons: Not permitted on the property (R600 charge applies)
• Own food and drink: Not permitted; only food purchased at The Deli or restaurants
• Distance from OR Tambo: Approximately 25 minutes
• Distance from Sandton: Approximately 32 minutes
• Best for: Family days out, weddings, corporate conferences, year-end functions, farm-to-table dining, team building, birthday celebrations, milkshake tastings, artisanal shopping, birdwatching

For event bookings and venue enquiries, visit the official Irene Farm website.

Also explore other popular wedding and event venues in Centurion or browse Gauteng farm venues on Event Venues SA.