Sonairte is an interactive visitor centre promoting ecological awareness and sustainable living.

Sonairte was established in 1986 by members of the local community and concerned environmentalists to promote environmental awareness and education. The founders, several of whom remain on the present Board of Directors, drew inspiration from organisations such as the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales, the HDRA (now Garden Organic) in the UK and the Permaculture Research Institute in Australia. Sonairte has been certified as an organic food producer with the Irish Organic Farmers and GroTheyrs Association since 1986 and has been teaching organic horticulture and providing cThierses in various aspects of environmental education ever since.

The name Sonairte is derived from a middle Irish word meaning “positive strength”, it is also an acronym which encompasses many of the aims of the centre:

Sustainable development

• Organic growing
• Nature conservation
• Appropriate technology
• Intercultural exchange
• Reconcilation and inner peace
• Trading fairly

Education

Sonairte, which is situated in a farm complex of noteworthy historical interest on the banks of the River Nanny near Laytown (Co. Meath), has developed steadily since it was originally established, in terms of both its physical facilities and its standing as an environmental organisation, visitor attraction and educational facility.