Several years ago, farmer Joe Hayden set about building a dedicated conference centre set in lush pastureland and orchards several miles from Tinahely, Co Wicklow. His dream was to build a centre where national and international corporations could take their staff for training and fun.

His family and friends thought he was mad. Why would the likes of Baileys and Microsoft travel all the way to Tinahely with their staff to play farm olympics, go on treasure hunts and dine al fresco in the hay barn? But it has come to pass. "We must be doing something right because they continue to come in droves," says Hayden.

It all started in the mid-1970s when he was working the 300-acre farm with his father and brother. Their commitment to progressive food production, combined with their respect for the land ensured national and international recognition. Hayden travelled widely, representing Macra Na Feirme on agri-policy and farmers came to visit his award-winning farm. "Their response was gratifying, people raved about the place," he says.

Over the years, the number of agri-tourists increased and it was in the mid-1990s that Hayden had his idea. "I knew we lived in a spectacularly beautiful place and I loved sharing that with our visitors. It just dawned on me that the people who would appreciate this most would be those who are stuck in offices and cities. It seemed to me a natural step then to build a conference centre that would offer companies all the amenities they need but in a completely different environment."

The banks weren't quite as confident as he was, but undaunted, he organised finance, started building, and developed a programme of events to challenge and test individuals and teams using the land and the resources of the farm. In August 1999 his new stone, wood and glass building was opened for the first time to a conference group from Switzerland. Since then, the centre has thrived, each month adding new national and international companies to its list of clients. One of the most challenging projects was re-creating the 1938 Tinahely Fair Day for 150 delegates from a Swiss medical company.

"They wanted the 'wow' factor, and we gave it to them," says Hayden proudly. "1938 was chosen because there was an election that year and we had politicians canvassing and farmers heckling. The main street of Tinahely was replicated in the farmyard and 150 actors and musicians playing wheeler-dealers, shopkeepers and farmers mingled with the guests. The blacksmith was in his forge shoeing horses, traditional crafts were demonstrated. We then fed them wild Irish salmon, waved them off, and collapsed," he says, laughing.

The success of the centre has not only been good for the Hayden family; with one full-time manager, Lillian Boyd, and up to 20 part-time employees, it is also bringing employment and opportunities to the whole area.