Tannaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm, located at Silverwood, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, BT66 6LE, is a popular family-friendly attraction centered around a listed Georgian farmhouse, Fairview House, dating from the late 18th century. Managed by the Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council, it features a rare breeds animal farm, beautifully landscaped gardens, a play park, and a barn museum, all set within Craigavon City Park.
Tannaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm offers a delightful mix of rural heritage, outdoor activities, and educational opportunities, making it ideal for families, school groups, and animal lovers. With free entry to the gardens and farm (though some activities may incur fees), it’s a budget-friendly day out in the heart of Co. Armagh.
Rare Breeds Animal Farm:
The farm showcases traditional Ulster livestock from 100 years ago, many now rare or near extinction, including:
- Irish Moiled Cattle: The world’s rarest cattle breed.
- Dexter Cattle: Among the smallest cattle breeds globally.
- Galway and Jacob Sheep, Saddleback, Tamworth, and Gloucestershire Old Spots Pigs, and a variety of poultry, goats, donkeys, and rabbits.
Visitor Interaction:
Visitors can view and sometimes feed animals (food available for purchase, though a suggested coin-dispenser system is not yet implemented). Handwashing facilities are plentiful, with signs emphasizing hygiene. Reviewers note the animals are “well-kept,” “friendly,” and “happy,” creating an engaging experience for children.
- Guided Tours: Speciality farm tours, ideal for groups or schools, are led by knowledgeable staff who share insights into rare breeds and farming history. These must be pre-booked and may incur a small fee.
- The farm is a “fantastic educational opportunity” for older children studying agriculture or history, offering close encounters with heritage breeds.
Gardens and Trails:
- Landscaped Gardens: Centered around Fairview House, the gardens feature a rose garden, mature trees, and 17 traditional gates named after local townlands, reflecting Ulster’s rural heritage. A tree trail highlights native and statutory trees, while wooden sculptures add charm.
- Sculpture Trail: Interesting tree sculptures, such as those by local artisans, are scattered throughout, though some have faced vandalism.
- Kissing Gate: A romantic legend claims couples who kiss here will marry within 18 months, drawing visitors for photos, especially newlyweds.
- Maze: A stone maze is a fun activity for children and adults, described as “really good fun” and rarely overcrowded.
- Walking Trails: Multiple routes connect to Craigavon Lakes, offering scenic walks through parkland and woodlands. The trails are pram-friendly and ideal for leisurely strolls or cycling (bring your own bike). Reviewers praise the “beautiful park” and “lovely walks,” suitable for all ages.
Play Park and Family Activities:
- Children’s Play Area: A country-style wooden play area features equipment for young children, with an aerial slide popular among older kids. Reviewers highlight its “fantastic” design and lack of vandalism, making it a safe space for play.
- Seasonal Events: The farm hosts family-friendly events on bank holidays, Easter, and Christmas, including a traditional Live Animal Nativity with donkeys and cattle, which is a highlight for visitors. An ice cream van often appears on Sundays or special days, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- Picnic and BBQ Areas: Facilities for BBQs and picnics are available, with a grassy expanse recommended for family outings. Visitors can bring blankets, balls, or sports equipment for outdoor fun.
Barn Museum:
- Exhibits: The museum, opened in 1997, features galleries on rural life, including dairying, blacksmithing, haymaking, and an old schoolroom with a “dreaded cane.” An old-time grocer’s shop sells sweets, adding nostalgia. Displays cover vintage farming practices, forging, and metal crafting, complementing the farm’s rare breeds.
- Access: The museum requires pre-arrangement for groups and may charge a fee, making it less accessible for casual visitors.
- Small Hall: A small hall can be hired for birthdays or group events, useful for rainy days.
Visitor Amenities:
- Admission: Free entry to the gardens and farm, with fees for guided tours, museum access, or special events. The gardens are accessible year-round during daylight hours, typically 10:00 AM to dusk.
- Facilities: Public toilets, accessible toilets, and baby-changing facilities are available near the gardens and play park. Handwashing stations are well-maintained at the farm. There’s no on-site café, but an ice cream van serves tea, coffee, and snacks on weekends or holidays. Nearby Oxford Island (5 miles away) offers cafés for dining.
- Parking: Free open-air parking off Kilvergan Road, with three Blue Badge bays (229 cm x 474 cm) for accessibility and parking near the gardens entrance (30 m away) and two Blue Badge Bays near the farm (238 cm x 496 cm) near the farm entrance (20 m). The surface is tarmac or block paving, with step-free access and dropped kerbs.
- The gardens, farm, and play park are largely accessible, with step-free routes and buggy-friendly paths, though some trails will be uneven terrain. Accessible toilets and Blue Badge parking enhance inclusivity. Located in Lurgan, 25 miles from Belfast and 5 miles from Portadown, Tannaghmore is easily reached via the M1. Public transport is limited, so driving is recommended. The site connects to Craigavon Lakes, augmenting walking routes.
- A visit typically lasts 2–3 hours, covering the farm, gardens, play park, and maze. Guided tours or museum visits may extend the time.
- Family-Friendly: Reviewers describe Tannaghmore as a “brilliant place” for children, with the farm, play park, and maze keeping kids entertained. The free entry is a major draw, and the “hygienic” farm with handwashing facilities ensures safety.
- Educational: The rare breeds and barn museum offer learning opportunities, especially for school groups or those studying agriculture. Staff are “helpful and courteous,” augmenting the experience.
- TripAdvisor Recognition: With 150 reviews, Tannaghmore ranks No. 1 of 14 attractions in Lurgan on TripAdvisor, earning a Travellers’ Choice award. Visitors praise its “lovely” animals, “fantastic” play park, and “beautiful” gardens, though some suggest adding a café or more animal information plaques.
- The lack of an on-site café and limited animal feed availability are noted drawbacks. Vandalism and theft have prompted new signage, and visitors are urged to report suspicious activity.
Nearby Attractions:
- Lough Neagh Discovery Centre (5 miles): Exhibits on the lough’s ecology.
- Oxford Island (5 miles): Nature reserve with cafés and a caravan park.
- Lurgan Park (2 miles): A large park with a lake and walking trails.
- Brownlow House (2 miles): A historic mansion with tours.
- Craigavon Watersports Centre (3 miles): Kayaking and sailing activities.
- Belfast (25 miles) offers urban attractions like the Titanic Belfast museum.
What’s New:
- A major £250,000 investment is transforming the children’s play park, with completion expected. The upgraded park will feature new equipment, augmenting the family-friendly appeal and addressing demand for modern play facilities. This project has been in development for years and aims to make Tannaghmore a top destination for young visitors.
- Live Nativity for Christmas 2025: The traditional Live Nativity, featuring farm animals like donkeys and cattle, will return in December 2025, offering a festive experience for families. This free event is a highlight, drawing crowds for its charming portrayal of the Christmas story. Visitors should check www.getactiveabc.com for exact dates.
- Inclusive Commemorative Space: Following a four-year campaign, an inclusive commemorative space for those who have lost a child opened in Tannaghmore Gardens in 2024 and will be fully integrated into the visitor experience. This serene area provides a place for reflection, augmenting the gardens’ emotional and community significance.
- Family Fun Day and RBST 50th Anniversary: After a successful Family Fun Day on 21 September 2024, similar events are planned, including a celebration of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s (RBST) 50th anniversary. These events may feature animal demonstrations, craft stalls, and activities for children, boosting the farm’s educational role.
- New Signage Implementation: Following vandalism and theft, new signage was installed in late 2023 and continues to be maintained to improve navigation and safety. The public is encouraged to report suspicious activity to council staff or police, ensuring a secure environment.
- Recommendations for Visitors: Plan for the New Play Park: Visit to experience the upgraded £250,000 play park, ideal for children. Check www.getactiveabc.com for completion updates.
- Attend Seasonal Events: Don’t miss the Live Nativity in December 2025 or Family Fun Days, which offer free activities and animal interactions. Monitor www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk for schedules.
- Bring Supplies: Pack a picnic, animal feed, and a ball for outdoor fun, as there’s no on-site café. An ice cream van is available on weekends or holidays.
- Book Guided Tours: Arrange farm or museum tours in advance for groups via www.getactiveabc.com , especially for educational visits.
- Explore the Grounds: Walk the tree and sculpture trails, visit the Kissing Gate for photos, and enjoy the maze. The gardens’ proximity to Craigavon Lakes offers extended walking routes.
- Combine with Nearby Sites: Pair your visit with Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island, or Lurgan Park for a full day. Belfast’s attractions are a 30-minute drive away.
- Allow Time: Budget 2–3 hours for the farm, gardens, play park, and maze, with extra time for events or guided tours.
Tannaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm in Craigavon is a vibrant, free attraction offering close encounters with rare breeds, scenic gardens, a maze, and a top-rated play park, all centered around a historic Georgian farmhouse. Its educational farm tours, barn museum, and family-friendly events make it a standout in Co. Armagh., visitors can expect a £250,000 play park upgrade, the return of the Live Nativity, an inclusive commemorative space, and enhanced signage, supported by regional tourism promotion. A recommended day out for families, it combines rural charm with modern amenities.
