IF YOU’RE LOOKING for an activity that’ll keep the little ones (and you) entertained for a few hours while getting some fresh air and making memories, a trip to a petting zoo or a farm might be just the thing.
With the chance to feed and hold animals, as well as to partake in other outdoor activities, we’ve rounded up six petting zoos and farms around the country that everyone in the family can enjoy…
Dublin City Farm at St Anne’s Park: The first public urban farm within the Dublin City Council area, Dublin City Farm opened its gates last month. The working farm has pigs, goats, chickens and a pony named Moses. There are also classes on plant life, how to grow your own food and how to care for animals.
Suits: all ages. When: Thursday – Sunday. Where: St Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5. Costs: free. Find more information here.
Clonfert Pet Farm: As well as a wide variety of farm animals, including cows, sheep, peacocks and llamas, there are two outdoor playgrounds, mini golf and picnic areas at Clonfert Pet Farm.
Suits: all ages. When: Monday – Sunday. Where: Maynooth South, Clonfert, Co Kildare. Costs: €5 admission fee per person, under 2s go free. Find more information here.
Kia Ora Mini Farm: At Kia Ora Mini Farm, little ones will have the chance to interact with, hold and feed farmyard animals, as well as llamas, emus, alpacas and more. There’s also an under 4s play area, pond, fire engine ride and a maze.
Suits: all ages. When: Monday – Sunday. Where: Courteencurragh, Gorey, Co Wexford. Costs: €8 per person for unlimited access to all amenities. Find more information here.
Leahy’s Open Farm: Visit the indoor and outdoor farms to see deer, horses, a camel, a snake and more. There’s also an ice cream and chocolate factory, mini digger park and a fairy fort garden.
Suits: all ages. When: Monday – Sunday. Where: Dungourney, Midleton, Co Cork. Costs: €10.50 admission fee per person, under 2s go free. Find more information here.
Glendeer Pet Farm: An interactive experience for all ages, visitors at Glendeer Pet Farm will even be given a small bag of animal feed to hand out to some of the residents at the farm, as well as seeing the farm’s two monkeys, wallabies and parrots. There’s also a zip line, fairy trail, sand barn and soft play areas.
Suits: all ages. When: Monday – Sunday. Where: Curryroe, Drum, Athlone, Co Roscommon. Costs: €9 per person, under 18 months go free. Find more information here.
Castle Adventure Open Farm: Built in the original farm yard of Wardtown Castle, Castle Adventure Open Farm has a selection of outdoor and indoor activities, including lamb bottle-feeding, a digger park and soft play areas.
Suits: all ages. When: Monday – Sunday. Where: Ballymacaward, Wardtown Castle, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal. Costs: €8.50 admission fee per person. Find more information here.
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