Lurgybrack Open Farm, located just outside Letterkenny in County Donegal, is a family-friendly attraction offering a mix of animal interactions, outdoor and indoor play areas, and a relaxed rural setting. Situated along the Swilly Valley on the N13 road, it’s a popular spot for families, school groups, and birthday parties, known for its hands-on petting farm and extensive play facilities.
Lurgybrack Open Farm is designed for families, offering a blend of farm animal interactions and diverse play areas in a centuries-old farm setting. The attraction emphasizes a safe, engaging environment where children can learn about animals and burn off energy, while adults enjoy a relaxed day out with scenic views of the Donegal countryside. Situated at Cullion Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal (F92 D627), just 2 miles from Letterkenny and 1 mile from the Dry Arch roundabout on the N13 (Letterkenny to Sligo road), it’s easily accessible by car. The rural setting, with rolling hills and a riverside walk, provides a tranquil backdrop.
Key Features and Activities:
- Animal Interactions: The farm houses a variety of friendly animals, including lambs, baby goats, rabbits, pigs, Highland cows, donkeys, ponies, horses, emus, deer, and a llama. Visitors can bottle-feed lambs and kids, cuddle rabbits in the pet corner, and feed ducks or other animals with feed bags (€0.50 each). However, some reviews note a limited number of animals compared to expectations, and concerns have been raised about animal welfare, such as inadequate water or enclosure maintenance, though positive reviews highlight well-cared-for animals.
- Play Areas: The farm boasts extensive indoor and outdoor play facilities, including:
- Outdoor: A large playground with a massive climbing frame, water slide (a favourite among kids), zip lines, bouncy pillows, trampolines, a sandpit, a soccer shoot-out area, swings, a treehouse, and diggers. The “tyre water slide” and barrel train ride (tractor-pulled barrels) are highlights for kids of all ages.
- Indoor: A soft play area with a bouncy castle and bouncy tractor, ideal for rainy days or younger children. Additional indoor features include a “pretend” milking cow and small tractor run.
- Additional Activities: Pony rides are available for an extra €2, and the barrel train ride is included in the admission price. A riverside walk offers beautiful views and a chance to feed ducks at the pond. Picnic tables are plentiful, encouraging families to bring their own food, though a café provides affordable snacks like scones, teas, and éclairs (€4.50 for two teas, a scone, and an éclair).
- As Donegal’s only educational petting farm, Lurgybrack offers hands-on learning for school groups, teaching children about animal names, diets, and behaviors. The farm is well-suited for school tours, with ample parking for coaches.
- A visit typically lasts 1 to 3 hours, with some families spending a full day due to the variety of activities. Reviews highlight it as a place where kids “run riot” safely, with enough to keep children from toddlers to teenagers entertained.
- Cost: Admission is €10 per person or €38 for a family of two adults and two children. Booking is not essential, and there are no hidden costs for most activities, making it a budget-friendly outing. Animal feed (€0.50 per bag) and pony rides (€2) are optional extras.
- The farm is fully wheelchair accessible, with toilets, baby-changing facilities, and hand-washing stations (a thoughtful touch for hygiene after animal interactions). However, some gravel paths can be challenging for prams.
- Amenities: The tearoom offers reasonably priced food and drinks, praised for its cleanliness and friendly staff. The farm shop sells small souvenirs, but passing through it to pay entry can tempt kids to ask for extras. Picnic areas are abundant, and the site is noted for being clean and well-maintained in positive reviews.
- Atmosphere and Appeal: With 143 Tripadvisor reviews and a high ranking among Donegal attractions, Lurgybrack is praised as a “gem of a find” for families, offering great value and a “real country” feel compared to commercialized parks. Activities cater to a wide age range, and the lack of time restrictions allows for a relaxed visit. However, negative reviews mention disorganised staff, outdated equipment (e.g., air hockey and pool tables), and occasional animal welfare concerns, suggesting inconsistent experiences.
- Some visitors report a lack of staff presence, poor signage, and a “tatty” feel in places, with broken toys or unmaintained play equipment. Animal enclosures have been criticized for being small, dirty, or lacking fresh water, with some animals appearing unwell or unengaged. These issues, raised in 2021 and earlier reviews, may not reflect current conditions but warrant caution.
- Positive reviews counter that the farm is spotless, staff are friendly, and animals are well-cared-for, suggesting variability in visitor experiences. The farm’s focus on play areas over animals has led some to suggest it’s more a playground than a traditional petting farm.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine a visit with Oakfield Park (10 minutes), Glebe House and Gallery (20 minutes), or Donegal County Museum in Letterkenny. The Wild Atlantic Way offers nearby coastal drives to Malin Head or Glenveagh National Park (25 minutes).
What’s New:
- Seasonal Opening: Lurgybrack Open Farm is closed for the winter months and reopens Easter. It operates weekends and Bank Holiday Monday (May 26, 2025) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM until the end of May, then daily from June to September. Visitors should confirm exact dates via www.lurgybrackopenfarm.town.ie or by emailing lurgybrackopenfarm55@gmail.com.
- Recent reviews mention a “brand new massive climbing frame” added before 2021, indicating ongoing investment in play areas. The OPW’s regional focus on Donegal tourism could lead to better signage or promotional efforts.
- Continued Educational Focus: As Donegal’s only educational petting farm, Lurgybrack is likely to maintain its appeal for school groups, with hands-on animal interactions and learning opportunities. The farm’s community engagement (e.g., hosting birthday parties at €4 per child with no hidden costs) will see increased promotion.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Getting There: Drive from Letterkenny (5–10 minutes) via the N13 toward Ballybofey/Sligo. The farm is well-signposted from the Dry Arch roundabout. Public transport is limited; consider a taxi or guided tour via Discover Ireland. Ample free parking is available for cars and coaches.
- What to Bring: Pack a picnic to enjoy at the many tables, wear comfortable shoes for gravel paths, and bring sunscreen or rain gear, as the outdoor areas are weather-dependent. Animal feed (€0.50) enhances the experience.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August) for full daily access and better weather. Weekends in April/May are ideal for fewer crowds. Bank Holiday Monday (May 26, 2025) is a confirmed opening date.
- Tips: Buy animal feed at entry for kids to engage with animals. Check the website for weather updates, as indoor facilities ensure fun on rainy days. Be mindful of potential animal welfare concerns and report any issues to staff.
- Combine with Other Sites: Visit Oakfield Park, Glebe House and Gallery, or Glenveagh National Park for a full day in Donegal.
- For the latest updates, contact Lurgybrack Open Farm (+353 74 9122683, lurgybrackopenfarm55@gmail.com) or check www.lurgybrackopenfarm.town.ie
