If you are looking for a great day’s outing on the weekend in a haven of rural tranquility, the historic country village of Irene (pronounced “eye-REE-nee”) has much to offer. Situated just south of Pretoria, it is an easy 40km drive from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg. Whether you are into nature, birdwatching, history, a bit of retail therapy or a relaxed lunch in the countryside, Irene has it all.

Irene Dairy Farm

The Irene Dairy Farm dates back to 1889, and is a working dairy farm, accommodating two restaurants and a shop. The Dairy Shop sells raw certified milk fresh from the farm, and their famous double thick cream, as well as a tempting array of cheeses, preserves and baked goodies. Wander around the farm past the stalls housing sleepy calves and doe eyed cows, and follow the winding path alongside the dam.

Treat yourself to a bite at one of the two restaurants. “The Barn” is housed in an original farm barn and is well-known for its Sunday breakfast buffet held under the trees outside. “The Deck” restaurant overlooks the farm and serves delicious cream teas and lunches. Or you can pick up some delectables from the deli and picnic on the grass while the children explore.

Irene Village Art Market

The Irene Market is not your ordinary market. It has been voted “Best market in Africa” by Getaway magazine on a number of occasions, and is definitely the place to go for the discerning market-goer.

It is held from 09.00 to 14.00 hours on the second and last Saturday of every month, and housed in the grounds of the historic Smuts House. Exhibitors undergo a careful selection process, and only original wares are traded, resulting in a market of high quality. Artists and traders exhibit their wares under leafy oak, plane and poplar trees, offering paintings, prints, glassware, ceramics, clothing, antiques and locally produced foods. Children are well catered for with pony rides and other entertainment, and adults can relax in the fully licensed tea garden, or picnic under the trees with treats from the food stalls.

Smuts House Museum

Built in 1908 and formerly known as Doornkloof, this restored house is the former home of General Jan Smusts, former South African Prime Minister, and world statesman. Smuts was a keen botanist and planted thousands of indigenous trees and shrubs in the surrounding grounds. From the garden a short walk takes you to Smuts Kopje, where you will find a stone obelisk marking the spot where Smuts’ ashes were scattered.

Smuts Trail

This is a 3 km trail wandering through indigenous flora and grasslands, where enthusiastic “twitchers” can spot some of the over 300 bird species which have been identified here. Early birds on market days can finish the trail before the market opens at 9.00.

Contact details

• Irene Dairy Farm
  Shop 012 - 667 2326
  Barn 012 - 6671659
  www.irenefarm.co.za

• Irene Art Market
  012 – 667 1659
  www.irenemarket.co.za

• Smuts House and Smuts Trail
  012 – 667 1176