We recently made our first trip to Clonfert pet farm, located just outside Maynooth in Co.Kildare. It took us about 30 minutes in the car from Dublin city center. When I say that our family day out at Clonfert pet farm exceeded my expectations, I’m not exaggerating. The morning was action packed, fun filled and full of surprises. As we meandered around the grounds, there seemed to be something to see at every turn. As we left through the gates of the farm after 3 hours with two exhausted kids in tow, I honestly couldn’t understand how I’d managed not to hear about this place before now.
Planning Your Visit
Admission Prices: Adults €5, Kids €5 and a family of up to 3 kids is €15. The only other additional cost is the option of mini golf which is €2 per person.
Parking: There was plenty of parking when we arrived (albeit quite early) in the outside carpark and internal farmyard. I did notice as we were leaving at about 1pm that the car park was very busy and people were waiting on spots, so probably best to head out early!
Picnic/Restaurant Facilities: I brought along snacks and drinks to keep us going along the way, and there were absolutely loads of lovely spots to stop at a picnic bench for a break throughout the farm which was lovely. We also visited the Birdhouse Cafe for lunch before we left, which was very reasonably priced and well set up for kids. There was both indoor and outdoor seating available along with high chairs and children’s menus.
What’s there to see?
Clonfert Pet Farm has a lot more going for it than just it’s gorgeous animals. Given the modest entrance fee, you get plenty of value for money. Regardless of the weather, the farm is set up to cover all bases and we enjoyed the:
- Bouncy castle
- Go karts
- Farm vehicles and track
- Hobbits house
- 2 separate playgrounds
- Indoor soft play area
- A large roofed sandpit
- Football pitch
- Zipline
- Fairy Fort
- Mini Golf (Additional €2 per person)
The Go Karting was great fun as a family, and the Karts were large enough for adults to sit on and pedal little ones, meaning no one was left out. I’m not actually sure who enjoyed that more, us or the kids! The zipline was well suited to older more adventurous kids, though Luke who is 3, enjoyed having a turn or two with help. The sandpit and playgrounds were a big hit with both boys, not to mention the bouncy castle. There were so many things to see and do that the boys were exhausted by the time we made our final stop to the brightly coloured indoor soft play.
We enjoyed getting up close and personal with lots of animals, and particularly enjoyed watching the raccoons, meerkats, wallabies and emu. There was lots of space for the kids to run around and explore on account of the farm feeling secure and well layed out.
What we enjoyed the most
Towards the end of our visit, the boys got the opportunity to hold ‘Peter Rabbit’ and rub him, which really topped off an already wonderful family day out. The playgrounds, gigantic football pitch and play houses were big hits, along with watching the animals up close. I loved the fact that there was the option to bring your own picnic and do your own thing or equally there was decent hot food available which was very reasonably priced.
The Verdict
All in all a family day out at Clonfert pet farm will not disappoint. They have really gone above and beyond to create a space which caters for the whole family, promising a great day out. From little ones to older kids, there is a range of facilities and activities that will keep everyone happy. We will without a doubt be returning in the next few weeks, and would absolutely recommend to a friend!
Additional Useful Information
For more information about Clonfert Pet Farm, visit their website here.
On the day of our visit there were a number of parties at the farm. There are lots of rooms available, along with a beautiful wooden BBQ hut to cater for different sized parties. For more information see here.
Looking for more inspiration for family days out? Check out more Life With Tiny Humans Adventures.
