Of course! Farm stays are a fun and authentic way to enjoy the island of Ireland. Offering experiences from lamb feedings to alpaca walks, these farm stays are unforgettable.
If you’re new to farm stays,
Rock Farm in County Meath in Ireland’s Ancient East is a great place to start. Only a 45 minute drive from Dublin, there’s a range of accommodation to choose from at Rock Farm, and it offers a gentle introduction to farm life. You have the option to explore yourself or take a guided tour of this fully working organic farm. See the rare Dexter cows and Tamworth pigs that call this farm home, before visiting the Farm Shop for fresh local produce, including cheese, fresh vegetables and even ice cream! Start your day with a scenic walk or kayaking along the River Boyne, and spend the evening in the wood fired hot tub under the stars.
Kilmore Cottage in County Wexford is a fully working organic farm and hosts a range of modern cottages. You’ll be sure to spot plenty of animals as you explore, including Molly the farm dog who loves welcoming guests on arrival, cows, goats and even wild boars. Later in the evening, Kilmore offers delicious wine tasting sessions, with selections from their sister farm in Hungary.
It’s luxury stays all round at
Blessingbourne Estate in County Tyrone, which offers 5* accommodation and lots of outdoor activities. Stay in an award-winning self-catering apartment. The 13km bike trail and walking routes will bring you to see the working cows, horses, ponies, peacocks, chickens and goats. And if you do manage to get tired of things to do outside, delve into the Estate’s history with the costume and carriage museum.
For a more romantic escape, choose
Trean House, County Donegal. Trean House is only a 5-minute walk from the beach, and boasts around 125 acres of green farmland, with views across Tremone Bay. There’s never a dull moment here, as each season brings something different for you to do. Help feed new-born lambs in the spring, or pick apples and fruit in autumn. Curl up by an open fire in the evenings, then fall asleep dreaming about the Irish breakfast that awaits you in the morning.
It’s easy to fall in love with
Hushabye Farm in County Offaly. This Alpaca Farm is set in the foothills of the Slieve Mountains, and is home to these adorable furry creatures. Stay in a rustic cottage, wrap yourself up in the Alpaca-wool bedding and wake up to panoramic views of the Slieve Bloom mountains. Enjoy breakfast watching the Alpacas roam from your kitchen window, before taking them on walks and helping at feeding time.
You can’t actually stay in
Ballinteggart House, home to the famous
Armagh Cider Company in County Armagh, however as farm visits go it’s a pretty special one. It offers a wonderful guided tour of its 80-acre orchard farm, so you can get a behind the scenes look into how they create its world-famous Armagh Cider and apple juices. And just 20 minutes drive away,
Blackwell House is a charming place to stay, and you can set yourself up for the day with a delicious breakfast using ingredients from its own gardens.
Can any community members recommend your favourite farm stays around the island of Ireland?