Two years ago it was decided to open Galway Pumpkin Patch, which takes place on the Whelan family farm in Ardrahan in South Galway. The aim is to make Galway Pumpkin Patch about much more than simply buying a pumpkin – and provide a fun few hours for young and old.

Galway Pumpkin Patch was set up by Caroline Whelan and her husband Gerry Quinn in October 2018.

It was the ideal venture for the couple as Caroline had previous event organisation experience, and Gerry has been growing pumpkins for his family business, Greenacres Fruit and Veg, for the past 20 years.

Caroline has long believed the setting of her father’s farm in Castletaylor, Ardrahan was the ideal space for hosting an event.  Castletaylor Estate, which was owned by the Shawe Taylor family until the 1950s was purchased by Jim Whelan in 1952, and is now in the ownership of his son Pat. Mr Whelan has farmed sheep and cattle in Castletaylor all his life.

When he was approached by his youngest daughter seeking permission to use his land for a Pumpkin Patch, the forward thinking septuagenarian was more than happy to oblige. He says he never thought he would see thousands of pumpkins on his front lawn – but loves people, and is all for progress!

Originally, the idea for Galway Pumpkin Patch was borne from Instagram – Caroline noticed it was a big family tradition in the US, to make it an annual day out to go pick your pumpkin. She decided to take a leap of faith and last year’s event was a huge success. The aim is to make Galway Pumpkin Patch about much more than simply buying a pumpkin – and provide a fun few hours for young and old.