A visit to the farm is not only educational and fun, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to spend a family day out.
Luckily we’re spoiled for choice here in Ireland, with great open farms spread across the length and breadth of the country.
Here are seven of our favourites:
1. The Farm Grenagh – Co. Cork
With over 40 acres to explore, this working Co. Cork farm is a brilliant opportunity for kids to see where their food comes from. It also has a 1960s village so families can have a fascinating insight into what life was then, taking in the old farmhouse, a garage, an of-the-time classroom and even a working milking parlour! And afterwards, you can have a bite in the on-site Haystack restaurant.
2. Moher Hill Open Farm – Co. Clare
This Co. Clare farm, overlooking Liscannor Bay, has all the ingredients for a fun family day out. Animals on the farm include a llama, an alpaca and an ostrich, as well as those typically found on Irish farms. Kids also have to opportunity to take part in the daily bottle feeding of the animals, as well as the chance for some cuddles!
3. Clonfert Pet Farm – Co. Kildare
With over 60 types of animals, including those of the exotic variety, the kids will find this pet farm experience fascinating. And if that doesn’t keep them busy, there’s an outdoor and indoor play area, picnic areas and walk ways for a family stroll.
4. Nore Valley Park Farm – Co. Kilkenny
This open farm has been delighting families since 1989, and its appeal shows no sign of abating. Kids can cuddle a baby rabbit or chick and bottle feed the lambs or goats, while mums can sit down for some traditional home baked scones and a cuppa. The additions of a giant chessboard, crazy golf, trailer rides and indoor maze mean you could happily while away a full day here!
Whether it’s learning about how a farm is run, or being initiated into the secret skill of farmhouse scone making, or feeding the baby lambs, you’ll be kept busy! And because it’s situated on the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way, why not incorporate your visit as part of a wider road trip?
The family-owned working farm surrounding Newgrange has been open since 1988, and in that time they’ve developed a fun farm offering kids will love. From the usual feeding and petting, the farm also has a Sheep race every Sunday, and a fun tractor trailer ride which will take you through the farm crops and livestock, to the River Boyne and around Newgrange.
7. Copper Coast Mini Farm – Co. Waterford
This farm, in the beautiful UNESCO Copper Coast region, has heaps of fun activities for kids, like animal spotting, pony rides and go karting – and after a hard day on the farm, you can get a bite to eat in the farm’s Copper Kettle tearooms. It’s also step-free so it’s completely buggy and wheelchair friendly.
Oh, and don’t forget to have some snacks to hand for rumbling tummies. Life on the farm can be tough, so your little farmers will need sustenance. And because we’re suckers for a theme, we recommend Carr’s Oddities mini snack crackers. Why? Well not only are they tasty and healthier, as they're baked not fried, they come in fun farm shapes!
