Glendeer Pet Farm, located in Curryroe, Drum, Athlone, Co. Roscommon, N37 HY39, is a family-run, award-winning 12-acre open farm, ideal for families, school groups, and those seeking hands-on animal interaction. Situated 8km west of Athlone off exit 13 of the M6, it offers a safe, engaging environment for all ages, with over 50 species of animals, extensive play areas, and a focus on fun and education. The farm, approved by the Irish Tourism Board, has been a beloved attraction since opening in 1991, earning a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award for its consistent excellence.:
- Visitors can feed, pet, and hold a variety of animals, including domestic species (goats, sheep, donkeys, cows, ponies, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks) and exotic ones (llamas, alpacas, emus, wallabies, monkeys, meerkats, parrots, raccoons, bearded dragons, tortoises). Each visitor receives a bag of feed (oats) upon entry to engage with animals like goats and emus, which are notably friendly but may eagerly snatch feed bags if not held carefully.
- The nursery area is a highlight, allowing close encounters with baby animals like kid goats, lambs, piglets, and puppies, fostering memorable moments for children and adults.
- Animals are housed in clean, spacious enclosures, with a strong emphasis on welfare, earning praise for their healthy and content appearance.
Play Areas:
- Outdoor Play Areas: A large playground features slides, swings, seesaws, a popular zip wire, a double obstacle course, a timber maze, and tyre swings, catering to various age groups. These are secure, allowing kids to play freely.
- Indoor Play Areas: Weatherproof facilities include a skywalk adventure area with slides and bridges, a soft play barn for toddlers with a ball pool, and an all-weather sandpit with diggers, ensuring fun regardless of Ireland’s unpredictable weather.
- The play areas are designed for different age groups, with specific zones for under-3s and older children, making it buggy-friendly and accessible.
Additional Attractions:
- Fairy Trail and Nature Walk: A serene walk along an old mass path features fairy drzwi, toadstools, woven willow huts, a hobbit village, swings, and a tightrope, creating a magical experience for kids. The trail’s natural tunnel of trees adds charm for all ages.
- 1850s Cottage: A restored traditional Irish cottage offers a glimpse into historical rural life, appealing to adults and serving as an educational stop for school groups.
- Coffee Shop and Picnic Areas: The farm’s coffee shop serves freshly brewed tea, coffee, sandwiches, toasties, and homemade treats like scones and smartie cookies at reasonable prices. Indoor and outdoor picnic areas are available, though visitors are advised to bring their own food as hot meals are limited to snacks. Beware of cheeky hens eyeing picnics
- The farm is wheelchair-friendly, sensory-rich, and suitable for groups with additional needs, with free entry for carers. Handwashing stations and toilets (some with baby-changing facilities) are plentiful.
Educational and Group Experiences:
- Ideal for school tours, the farm offers interactive and educational experiences about animals and Irish history, with staff guiding children on animal care and farm life.
- Birthday parties, communions, and confirmations are catered for, with group rates for 20+ people. The farm’s safe, enclosed environment is recommended for such events.
Seasonal Events:
- Easter Egg Hunts: Held on Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 3 PM, these are a family favourite.
- Halloween Spooktastic Event: During the mid-term break (October 26–November 3), the farm features Halloween scenes, a Forbidden Forest with ghosts and ghouls, and activities like the obstacle course and maze.
- Ireland’s Lapland (December): The farm transforms into a festive wonderland with winter scenes, thousands of lights, Christmas cabins, a live nativity with real reindeer (Dancer and Prancer), Santa’s Workshop, and a “Winter Wonderland” with artificial snow. This is a highlight for families, though past visitors noted issues with Santa visit time slots (e.g., delays from booked times).
Practical Information:
- Curryroe, Drum, Athlone, Co. Roscommon, N37 HY39. Take exit 13 (Tuam/Monksland) off the M6, follow signs for Drum/Ballydangan.
- Opening Hours (Summer Season): March 16 to September 29, 2024; Monday–Saturday 11 AM–6 PM, Sunday 12 PM–6 PM (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays in March, April, and May, except Easter mid-term). Check the website dates.
- Admission: €10 per person, free for children under 18 months. Family of 5: €47, additional children €7 each. Season tickets: €50 per person or €200 for 2 adults and 2 children (additional children €25) for unlimited visits from March to September.
- Contact: Phone: +353 (0)90 6437147; Email: info@glendeerpetfarm.ie; Website: www.glendeerpetfarm.ie.
- Allow three hours, though many families spend a full day due to the variety of activities.
- Reviews: Highly rated on Tripadvisor (top 10% of attractions), praised for cleanliness, friendly staff, animal welfare, and value. Visitors highlight the play areas and animal interactions, though some suggest better time management for Santa visits.
What’s New:
- The Easter Egg Hunts and Halloween Spooktastic Event are expected to continue, with new themes or activities (e.g., additional Halloween decorations or expanded Easter hunts). The Ireland’s Lapland event in December 2025 may address past feedback about Santa visit delays by improving booking systems or adding more festive features, such as new Christmas cabins or activities.
- Facility Upgrades: Recent years have seen additions like the hobbit village and expanded play areas. For 2025, expect enhancements to the fairy trail (e.g., new fairy doors or interactive elements) or play facilities, as the farm continues to invest in family-friendly amenities.
- Increased Accessibility and Group Offerings: With its focus on inclusivity, Glendeer may introduce new sensory-friendly sessions or tailored group packages for schools and special needs groups, building on its wheelchair-accessible and sensory-rich setup.
- Bring a picnic to save on food costs, but try the coffee shop’s homemade treats. Protect feed bags from eager animals like emus and goats.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the nature walk and fairy trail, and bring layers for variable weather. The farm’s indoor facilities ensure a great visit even on rainy days.
- Book online for seasonal events like Halloween or Ireland’s Lapland to secure spots, especially for Santa visits, and confirm 2025 opening dates on www.glendeerpetfarm.ie
Glendeer Pet Farm promises a fun, interactive, and educational day out with animals, play areas, and seasonal magic.
