Visiting a farm in Ireland has certainly changed since I was little.
I used to love meeting all the farmyard animals but it was usually at the side of the road after we stopped off for a break from driving.
Now Pet Farms in Ireland are multi-activity destinations and are becoming one of the top things to do in Ireland with children.
Most farms now run seasonal events around Easter, Halloween and Christmas and some even organise school tours and summer camps!
However, it is on a sunny summers day that a visit to a pet farm is really the perfect family day out.
The children can roam freely meeting all the usual animals you would expect on an Irish farm, and some you wouldn’t! There are usually lots of other activities available including playgrounds, tractor rides, sandpits, straw maze, pony rides, petting corner, go karts, zip lines, football pitches and lots more.
Parents can enjoy a drink, a pastry and everyone can have a tasty home cooked meal or bring a picnic and relax in the fields.
We never allocate enough time when visiting pet farms because the children always want to stay longer than we think. What’s better than ending your day with tired and happy children in a quiet car as you head home.
Below are some of our personal favourites...
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Great value for money outside Maynooth. As well as all the animals they have outdoor playgrounds, bouncy castles, an indoor play area, mini golf, go karts, a football pitch, plenty of picnic areas and lots more.
Nore Valley Park is a campsite, an open farm and an activity centre that is open from March to October. The working farm has an exciting range of animals as well as loads of fun activities including tractor & trailer rides, crazy golf, indoor 3D Maze and more.
Secret Valley Wildlife Park, Wexford
Secret Valley Wildlife Park is set in 14 acres of beautiful countryside only 1.5hrs from Dublin. The family run zoo has a relaxing atmosphere with keeper talks, handling and feeding sessions which happen throughout the day.
Tearaways Pet Farm & Activity Centre, Tipperary
Indoor and outdoor activities to keep all the family happy whatever the North Tipperary weather. A 6,000 sq ft Indoor Activity Centre, Pet Farm with lots of friendly animals, Sandpit, Go Carts, Playground & Barrel Train.
A family run open farm with over 60 species to see, including Pygmy African hedgehogs , horsefield tortoises, Black swans, snow owls, emus, Albino Bennett Wallabies, Parma Wallabies with the animals in our interactive petting area, assault course, zipline, playgrounds, climbing frame, cafe and more.
Fantastic day out with lots of animals and birds as well as real diggers and a popular fire engine ride.
Red Mountain Open Farm, Boyne Valley
The farm is a family run mixed farm with a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities, so no matter what the weather may bring, there is always plenty to do including play areas, animals, straw maze, tractor and carriage ride and lots more.
Greenan Farm Museum And Maze, Wicklow
Situated in the Glenmalure Valley with plenty of animals, cafe, beautiful nature walks, ponds and lots of open spaces with two mazes, a sun dial one that the smaller children will enjoy and the large hedge maze with pond in the middle - if you ever find it!
The Ark Play Centre at Puddenhill
Yes, I know this is a play centre but they also have a really cute petting farm out the back that includes cows, goats, sheep and even guinea pigs. Lots to keep the children entertained.
A great place where the whole family can spend the day together, seeing the animals and having fun. Loads to do including water slides, tractor rides, indoor and outdoor play areas and a bouncing pillow.
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