Turoe Pet Farm and Leisure Park, located in Bullaun, near Loughrea, Co. Galway, is a family-run attraction established in 1993, renowned for its family-friendly, value-for-money experience. Situated just 4km off the M6 Galway/Dublin route, it spans 14 acres and offers a mix of indoor and outdoor activities suitable for all weather conditions, making it ideal for families, school tours, birthday parties, and group outings.
- Pet Farm and Animal Interaction: Visitors can engage with a variety of friendly animals, including pigs, cockerels, ponies, rabbits, donkeys, goats, ducks, Scottish Highland cows, llamas (like “Larry the Lama”), and alpacas (“Curley the Alpaca”). Guests receive bags of feed upon entry to hand-feed animals like sheep, goats, and donkeys, and can pet rabbits and lambs (holding smaller animals requires staff assistance for safety). The animals are housed in clean, well-maintained spaces, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for young children.
- Indoor Facilities: The park features Europe’s largest indoor bouncy castle, the “Inflatable City,” with 8,000 square feet of bouncing fun, including three slides. “Jungle Town” offers a soft-play area with ball pits, tunnels, and climbing structures, plus a dedicated toddler zone. These indoor spaces are recommended for rainy days and are well-supervised by staff.
- Outdoor Activities: The park includes two outdoor playgrounds, a covered pirate ship play area, a large sandpit, and a floodlit Astro Turf pitch for soccer or other activities, suitable for all ages. A nature trail provides a tranquil walk with fairy doors for children to spot, augmenting the outdoor experience. The site is buggy- and wheelchair-friendly.
- Dining and Picnics: The Country Kitchen serves affordable, child-friendly meals like goujons, burgers, chips, wraps, and non-chip options such as chicken curry with rice. A coffee area with a warm stove offers a relaxing spot for parents. Visitors can also bring picnics to enjoy in the designated outdoor picnic area.
- Special Events: Turoe hosts seasonal events like the Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Party, and Illuminated Christmas Village, with a highly praised Santa visit featuring no-charge photos, no queues, and a wide selection of quality gifts for children.
- Accessibility and Amenities: The park is open year-round on selected dates with time-slot bookings covering all facilities. It’s noted for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and accessibility, making it suitable for families with diverse needs.
Visitor Expectations:
- Visitors can expect a fun-filled, engaging day with activities catering to children of all ages, from toddlers to older kids. The combination of animal interactions, extensive play areas, and affordable dining ensures a varied and enjoyable experience. Reviews highlight the staff’s friendliness, the park’s cleanliness, and its ability to keep children entertained for hours, with many families noting it’s hard to get kids to leave. The park’s rural setting adds a peaceful backdrop, and its all-weather facilities make it a reliable choice regardless of Irish weather.
- Adult tickets cost €9 and children’s tickets €13.50 each (two children for €27). Prices may have changed, so visitors should confirm via the official website or by contacting the farm.
- Book time slots in advance, especially for special events, as the park can be busy during school tours or holidays.
- Small, well-behaved dogs on leads will be allowed, but confirm with staff beforehand.
- Bring a football for the Astro Turf pitch to maximise outdoor fun.
- Turoe Pet Farm and Leisure Park remains a top destination for families seeking a mix of animal interaction, play, and relaxation, with potential new features to enhance the experience further.
