By visiting any of the best open farm parks and petting zoos in Ireland, you will have the opportunity to explore and interact with many fascinating animals in fun environments.
There are many great open farm parks and petting zoos throughout Ireland that offer visitors the excellent opportunity to view and often interact with many interesting animals of both the farm and exotic kinds.
These farm parks and petting zoos are often in idyllic locations, offering great walks and picnic sites and are usually equipped with playgrounds and other child-friendly activities.
In today’s article, we will list the top ten best open farm parks and petting zoos in Ireland you need to explore.
10. Caragh Open Farm, Co. Kildare ‒ a family-run business
Caragh Open Farm is a family-run business spread over six glorious acres.
What was once a traditional working farm has been transformed into an open farm with nearly 30 different types of animals and excellent facilities for kids, such as playgrounds.
Address: Raheens, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 PV07
9. Stonehall Visitor Farm, Co. Limerick ‒ a purpose-built wildlife park
Stonehall Visitor Farm opened over 20 years ago and has become renowned for the unique service its purpose-built wildlife park offers to many diverse groups, including families, school tours, birthday parties, and other special events.
It is a great place to experience fun while learning many exciting things about natural flora and fauna.
Address: Stonehall, Curraghchase, Co. Limerick
8. Newpark Wildlife Farm, Co. Kilkenny – a fantastic hotel facility accessible to all staying guests
Newpark Wildlife Farm, located on the grounds of the excellent Newpark Hotel, includes many delightful animals to interact with. You can meet emus, llamas, goats, sheep, highland cattle, alpacas, ducks, guinea fowl, and much more.
This brilliant facility is accessible to all staying guests at the Newpark Hotel.
Address: 17 Castlecomer Rd, Newpark Lower, Kilkenny
7. Clonfert Pet Farm, Co. Kildare – an excellent farm and mini zoo
Clonfert Pet Farm is another example of a great family-run business. This farm and mini zoo, located in the stunning Kildare countryside, possesses a great selection of both farm and zoo animals.
There is also a whole plethora of activities to enjoy, such as playgrounds, a football and AstroTurf pitch, a zipline, a bouncy castle, mini golf, and an indoor play centre.
Address: Clonfert, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 PY05
6. Turoe Pet Farm, Co. Galway – a fun family day out
If you want to experience a great family day out, then Turoe Pet Farm should be on your list.
From taking a leisurely walk around the 14-acre park to feeding animals and exploring ‘Inflatable City’, one of Europe’s largest bouncing castles, there is much to do at Turoe Pet Farm to keep you occupied!
Address: Turoe House, Turoe, Loughrea, Co. Galway, H62 A432
5. Blackwater Open Farm, Co. Wexford – full of fun farm activities
Blackwater Open Farm in Wexford, known as the sunny southeast of Ireland, is one of the best open farms in the country.
At this location, you will get the opportunity to meet with cute animals, such as little chicks, bunnies, and large animals.
You will also have the chance to ride on tractors and grab a bite to eat in their restaurant.
Address: Ballynaclash, Blackwater, Co. Wexford
4. Moher Hill Open Farm and Leisure Park, Co. Clare – a vast 14-acre open farm
The award-winning Moher Hill Open Farm and Leisure Park, situated near the breathtaking Liscannor Bay, is a vast 14-acre open farm featured on many RTÉ programmes.
Moher Hill Open Farm and Leisure Park allows children and adults to learn about and interact with animals in stunning surroundings.
Address: R478, Ballysteen, Co. Clare
3. Ardmore Open Farm and Mini Zoo, Co. Waterford – one of the main family attractions in the southeast
Set on 22 acres, Ardmore Open Farm and Mini Zoo opened in 2013 and has quickly risen in popularity.
It has become one of the main family attractions in the southeast thanks to its excellent experiences and facilities. Therefore, making it a worthy spot on our list of best open farm parks and petting zoos in Ireland.
Address: Ballykilmurry, Waterford, P36 RH66
2. Secret Valley Wildlife Park, Co. Wexford – the only fully licensed zoo and wildlife park in the southeast
Secret Valley Wildlife Park in County Wexford can make the proud claim of being the only fully licensed zoo and wildlife park in the southeast.
With over 200 animals and over 40 different species of animals ranging from traditional to exotic and many fun activities such as pony rides and arts and crafts, as well as having fourteen separate areas of beautiful countryside to explore, there is much to do at Secret Valley Wildlife Park.
Address: Coolnacon, Clonroche, Co. Wexford
1. Kia Ora Mini Farm, Co. Wexford – an excellent hands-on open farm
In first place on our list of top ten best open farm parks and petting zoos in Ireland to explore is Kia Ora Mini Farm in Gorey, County Wexford.
This spot is a hands-on open farm that is a safe place for children to interact with, hold, and even feed animals of both the farmyard and exotic varieties.
Address: Kia Ora, Courteencurragh, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Y25 RX60
That concludes our rundown of top ten best open farm parks and petting zoos in Ireland to explore. Have you experienced many of them yet?
Notable mentions
Loughwell Farm Park, Co, Galway: Loughwell Farm Park is full of great indoor and outdoor activities for children and adults.
Leahy’s Open Farm, Co. Cork: Leahy’s Open Farm is a trendy place for birthday parties, summer camps, school tours, and family gatherings, amongst many other things.
Streamvale Farm, Co. Down: Located on the outskirts of Belfast, Streamvale Farm is a brilliant family-run dairy farm with a wide range of animals. You can even go on a barrel ride, visit the farm shop, and check out their festive events.
Castleview Open Farm, Co. Laois: With an indoor area consisting of a play shop, toy farm, post office, basketball, mini bowling, soccer shoot out, ring toss, and electric go-karts, Castleview Open Farm has as much to offer inside as it does outside.
FAQs about the best open farm parks and petting zoos in Ireland
Is Tullyboy Farm open?
Tullyboy Farm is not open to families this year; however, they are available for school and adult tours when booked in advance.
Do you need a licence to own farm animals?
Yes, a herd or flock number is required to own farm animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and so on, in Ireland.
How do petting zoos make money?
Petting zoos generally make money by charging entry fees to visitors.
