VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Leahy’s Open Farm in east Cork

Leahy’s Open Farm, located in Dungourney, East Cork, approximately 4 km from the village and 9 miles from Midleton, is a family-run, family-friendly attraction offering a blend of rural life, interactive activities, and educational experiences. Set in the picturesque East Cork countryside, this working farm, established in 1996 by Eddie and Eileen Leahy and now managed by their son Donal and his wife Teresa, has evolved into a top destination for families, school groups, and visitors of all ages. Here’s what visitors can anticipate:

Animal Interactions: The farm hosts a diverse range of animals, including traditional farm animals (sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, horses, ponies, and Maisy the cow, a Jersey Cross Friesian whose milk is used for on-site ice cream) and more exotic species (alpacas, a camel, marmoset monkeys, a corn snake named Houdini, and rabbits). Daily petting and feeding sessions at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. allow visitors to engage closely with animals, such as cuddling bunnies or brushing Maisy after her 4 p.m. milking demonstration. These hands-on experiences, praised for their educational value, foster an appreciation for animal husbandry and are a highlight for children and adults alike.
Activities and Attractions: Beyond animals, the farm offers a wide array of activities:
Digger Park: Visitors can operate real mini-diggers (€3 per ride), a hit with kids and “big kids” alike.
Barrel Train and Quad Rides: A fun ride through Cnoc a Ceo woods is included in admission, with additional barrel train rides available.
Play Areas: Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, including the creatively designed Cluckingham Palace indoor play barn, a soft play area in the restaurant, a flat maze, adventure trails, a climbing frame, a big drop slide, go-karts, and a zip line cater to various ages. The mystery maze and crazy golf (€3) add competitive fun.
Den Building: A forest area encourages creative play with natural materials, with kids often spending 30–40 minutes constructing dens.
Museums: Historical exhibits showcase rural Irish life, featuring a 100-year-old dwelling house, horse-drawn machinery, a blacksmith’s forge, a carpenter’s workshop, antique farm equipment, and an old fire engine. Signage is child-friendly, avoiding complex language to engage young visitors.
Ice Cream and Chocolate Factory: The on-site factory produces homemade ice cream (using Maisy’s milk) and chocolates, including lollipops, bars, honeycomb, and marshmallows. Visitors can watch production, sample treats like crepes or ice cream (described as “amazing”), or participate in chocolate lollipop-making workshops (€5). The factory doubles as a venue for birthday parties and events, with seating for up to 300.
Amenities: The Old Lantern Coffee Shop and restaurant offer home-baked goods, hot lunches, and snacks, with dietary options and seating for 300. Numerous picnic areas with benches encourage visitors to bring their own food. The gift shop sells farm-themed souvenirs and local crafts. The farm is fully wheelchair- and buggy-accessible, with disabled parking, accessible toilets, and a baby-changing facility. Free parking accommodates cars and coaches, and the farm is not dog-friendly (except for guide dogs). A visit typically lasts 3–4 hours, with no time limit, allowing a relaxed pace to explore the 100-acre grounds.
Atmosphere and Events: Described as a “joy for all ages,” the farm maintains a natural, relaxed aura with well-maintained grounds and a “safe, fun environment.” Staff are consistently praised for their friendliness and professionalism, ensuring a welcoming experience. Seasonal events include Easter Egg Hunts, Halloween’s “BOO!” event, and Christmas activities, with pig racing and dog agility shows on select summer days (check Facebook for schedules). The farm caters to birthday parties, communions, school tours, scout groups, and corporate events, with guided ecology walks and hands-on activities for groups.
Practical Information: Open daily mid-March to October (11 a.m.–6 p.m.), with winter hours (weekends, school holidays, and by arrangement). Admission is €12.50 online (€12.95 at the gate) per person, free for under 2s; pre-booking via leahysopenfarm.ie is essential to avoid being turned away on busy days. Located at Condonstown, Midleton, Co. Cork (P25 KW14), it’s a 15-minute drive from Midleton or 30 minutes from Cork City. No public transport serves Dungourney directly; drive via the R627 from Midleton. Contact +353 83 848 8142 or info@leahysopenfarm.ie for bookings.

What’s New: at Leahy’s Open Farm

Glamping Pod Park Expansion: Opened in summer 2024, Leahy’s Pod Park has been a success, with 9.5/10 ratings on booking.com for its clean, comfortable pods equipped with kitchenettes, bunk beds, double beds, and sofa beds., the farm plans to add more pods and enhance the adjacent “hangout area” with additional family-friendly features, such as outdoor games, to complement farm access. Bookings are available at leahysopenfarm.ie, with high demand noted for summer.
New Seasonal Events: Building on 2024’s exposure on RTÉ’s Ear to the Ground (January 12, 2024), the farm is introducing new themed events, including an expanded Halloween “BOO!” event with additional spooky activities and a Christmas festival featuring Santa visits and craft workshops.
Enhanced Chocolate and Ice Cream Factory Workshops: The factory is expanding its interactive offerings, with new chocolate-making workshops for kids and adults, focusing on creating personaliised treats. These sessions, priced at €5–€10, will run more frequently during peak season (June–August), with pre-booking recommended.
Sustainability Initiatives: Supported by South and East Cork Area Development Ltd (SECAD) and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the farm is introducing new educational displays about sustainable farming practices, focusing on its grass-fed dairy production and local sourcing for the café and factory. These align with Cork’s eco-tourism goals.