- Ideal place to let kids loose on an original Irish farm.
- Large variety of domestic animals, many within touching distance.
- Parents can find refuge in the coffee shop.
- Can get crowded some days.
- Original Irish family farm open to the public.
- Emphasis is on the experience of a working farm, not a farming museum.
- Strictly speaking a kids' attraction - but even adults may enjoy the visit.
Hidden at the bottom of a lane literally in the shadow of the great tomb of Newgrange, Newgrange Farm was just another Irish farm. Until the owners had the bright idea to throw the farmgates open to all and sundry. And city folks flocked there to let their kids experience the rustic life. On some days there are as many visitors as at the nearby passage tomb. Albeit noisier ones who could not be bothered about ancient architecture and solstices. Children.
If you are traveling with children, let the loose here for a few hours and you will be guaranteed a good night's uninterrupted sleep. 333 acres of farmland are to be explored, with various activities on offer. And, most important, with those animals present everywhere. Cows, sheep, goats, horses, ponies, pheasants, chickens, geese, rabbits and those old farmyard stalwarts, cat and dog. All are close enough to be touched, some roaming free, and most tend to take juvenile attention in their stride.
Adults somehow seem to prefer the small but tempting coffee shop to take a breather. Mind you - we visited without kids and still enjoyed it.
Please take note that there is no access to Newgrange from here - you may view the tomb from the roadside but access is strictly via the Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre! As if your kids would care ...
