VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at county Armagh’s Tannaghmore Gardens & Animal Farm

Tannaghmore Gardens & Animal Farm, located in Craigavon City Park, Lurgan, Co. Armagh, is a free-entry, family-friendly attraction centered around the listed Georgian Fairview House (late 18th century). Managed by Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council, it is the only Rare Breeds Survival Trust-approved Conservation Farm Park in Ireland, focusing on preserving traditional Ulster livestock breeds.

Rare Breeds Animal Farm: The 4-acre open farm offers close encounters with rare and traditional animals found on Ulster farms 100 years ago, many now near extinction. These include Irish Moiled Cattle (the world’s rarest cattle breed), Dexter Cattle (among the smallest), Galway Sheep, Saddleback Pigs, goats, rabbits, and a wide range of poultry. Visitors can feed animals (food available for purchase on-site), with handwashing facilities and clear signage ensuring hygiene. The farm’s livestock also manage 200 acres of council land, including Oxford Island’s National Nature Reserve, promoting species-rich grasslands through conservation grazing. Guided tours, a specialty, provide educational insights into these breeds and their role in Ireland’s heritage, ideal for families and school groups. Staff are noted for being courteous and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience.
Tannaghmore Gardens: Surrounding Fairview House, the gardens feature 17 styles of traditional Irish gates named after local townlands, a tree trail with native and exotic species, and unique tree sculptures. A stone maze adds an element of fun, especially for children. The gardens are pram-friendly, with well-trodden paths connecting to Craigavon Lakes for scenic walks. The “Kissing Gate” is a romantic highlight, with legend suggesting couples who kiss over it will marry within a year, attracting wedding photo sessions.
Play Area: A country-style playground with wooden equipment, including an aerial slide popular with older children, keeps kids entertained. The play area is well-maintained, never vandalized, and suitable for young children, with open spaces for running or cycling (bring your own bike). A vintage Massey Ferguson tractor at the entrance offers a fun photo opportunity, especially for kids.
Barn Museum: This small museum (entry fee applies, booking required) showcases bygone farming practices, including forging and metal crafts, providing an educational look at Ulster’s agricultural history. It’s particularly engaging for groups and older visitors interested in heritage.
Facilities and Atmosphere: The site is free to enter, with free parking at the farm and gardens, accessible toilets, and baby-changing facilities. A mobile catering van offers ice cream, tea, and coffee on weekends and special days (e.g., Easter, bank holidays), though visitors often bring picnics or use the BBQ area for summer outings. Dogs are allowed in the gardens (on leads) but will be restricted at the animal farm. The farm and gardens are clean, not overcrowded except on busy summer days, and ideal for families, especially those without rural access. Its proximity to Craigavon Lakes, Lurgan Park, and Oxford Island’s cafés and marina makes it a versatile day out.
Practicalities: Located at BT66 6RU, the farm is a short drive from Belfast (30 minutes) or Craigavon train station (Route 51 bus to Lurgan, then a 20-minute walk). Open daily, typically 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with extended hours in summer. Check getactiveabc.com for exact times. The site is accessible, though some paths will be uneven. Visitors praise its budget-friendly appeal and suitability for young children (ages 1+), with enough to occupy a few hours.

What’s New:

Conservation Programme Expansion: Following its 2019 success at the Rare Breed Show and Sale in Gosford, Tannaghmore continues its active conservation breeding programmes with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. , expect new educational displays or talks about breeds like Silverwood Bramble 3, a high-genetic-value Irish Moiled bull, possibly featuring guest appearances from experts like BBC Countryfile’s Adam Henson, who visited previously.
Potential Facility Upgrades: Recent feedback highlights the lack of an on-site café. While no permanent café is confirmed, 2025 will see an increased presence of the mobile catering van or pop-up food stalls during peak times, addressing visitor requests for more dining options. The council may also enhance signage or digital resources (e.g., via getactiveabc.com) to improve navigation and event awareness.
Seasonal Events: Expect new family-focused activities for Easter and bank holidays, such as animal feeding sessions or themed trails in the gardens, building on the farm’s tradition of special day events. The stone maze and playground may feature updated elements to maintain their appeal.
Green Flag Award Recognition: Tannaghmore’s Green Flag Award (2020/21) underscores its commitment to environmental excellence., the farm may highlight this through new eco-friendly initiatives, such as sustainability workshops or expanded tree trails, aligning with its conservation ethos.

Practical Information

Tannaghmore Gardens & Animal Farm, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, BT66 6RU.
Contact: +44 (0)28 3834 3244, www.getactiveabc.com.
Tips: Visit early to avoid crowds on sunny days. Bring a picnic and animal feed (available on-site). Combine with Craigavon Lakes or Oxford Island’s cafés (7.21 km away, e.g., McCrums Coffee & Bistro) for a full day. Check the website for Open Farm Weekend bookings and museum tour schedules. Wear comfortable shoes for garden walks and wellies for the farm.

Tannaghmore Gardens & Animal Farm offers a free, educational, and fun day out with rare breeds, scenic gardens, and family activities, enhanced by the Open Farm Weekend and ongoing conservation efforts. For the latest updates, visit www.getactiveabc.com