Family Friendly Farm Stays: Ireland (2023)

Just outside Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland, this farmstay is in a 19th century farmhouse on a 130 acre working farm that borders the Nenagh River and has views of the Silvermines Mountains. All of their comfortable rooms have private bathrooms, coffee and tea making facilities and free WiFi. They serve a good hearty breakfast in the morning and, if requested, evening meals too. Of course the farm here is the main attraction and guests are free to wander around the grounds, see the animals, sit by the river, take in the peace and quiet. And when you want to move on you can take a drive to Lough Derg, less than 20 minutes away, where you can go sailing, swimming and fishing, go hiking around the Silvermines Mountains or have a walk through the woodlands of the Portumna Forest Park. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Everything was lovely, the couple running the farmhouse were very friendly and chatty, loved it here just wish we could have stayed longer….” “Peace and home comfort in a beautiful rural setting with wonderful breakfast….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BAYLY FARM:     READ MORE

This highly rated farm stay, not far from Ardmore, Co. Waterford in the South East of Ireland, and near to both Dungarvan and Youghal in Co. Cork, has top quality B&B accommodation on a working dairy farm which also keeps a number of sheep, ducks and hens. Their spacious house is surrounded by beautifully tended gardens with views over the surrounding countryside and the sea beyond, and they also have a tennis court on the grounds, and a sauna. It’s a great place to see a real working farm in action or just to enjoy a wonderfully peaceful rural atmosphere, with a lot of historical sites around and long meandering walks to be made down towards the sea and the town of Ardmore. Their B&B accommodation, a mixture of doubles and triples, is top quality and all the rooms come with TV, WiFi and en-suite bathroom. They also serve a very good and generous breakfast every morning; the traditional Irish fry up is of course available but with a good few other options too, and all ingredients are locally sourced as much as possible, including eggs freshly collected from the farm. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The house was very clean and Teresa is an exceptional host. She was so friendly. The surroundings and the farm animals were an added bonus for my child. The heating was great and the shower was excellent….” “This was our first trip to Ireland and Newtown Farm B&B will be one of our highlights!…” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT NEWTOWN FARM HOUSE:   READ MORE

Nell’s Farm House has self catering accommodation in a lovely 200 year old renovated farmhouse at the base of the Comeragh mountains in Co. Waterford, Ireland, about 25km from Waterford City. It’s surrounded by a working, family run, dairy farm that the guests are welcome to explore, watch the cows being milked for example or help collect the eggs from the hens. The family have been doing agritourism for years and they also organize tour and school group visits, to see the modern farm and also their heritage farm; a little look into farming practices of old, like churning butter, bread making and hand milking. The accommodation has two bedrooms, one double and one twin, with a lounge containing an open fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. There is also free WiFi throughout, and outside, a hot tub, barbecue facilities and outdoor seating. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Very enjoyable, relaxing, we were sorry we didn’t get to spend more time there….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT NELL’S FARMHOUSE: READ MORE

Ballyboy House is located at the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains, outside Clogheen Co.Tipperary. Surrounded by beautiful grounds this charming farm stay offers B&B rooms in a lovely Georgian setting. With amazing mountain views of the Galty, Comeragh and Slievenamon ranges, Ballyboy House is set in 4 acres of gardens leading onto 75 acres of woodland walkways. Each of the rooms at Ballyboy House has an elegant, traditional design. And all the rooms have an en suite bathroom. Breakfast is served in the property’s grand dining room and you can also visit the tea room throughout the day, which serves home baking, tea and coffee. You can dine outside in the converted courtyard too, which has 400-year-old stone archways and lovely views. The nearby Vee Pass offers a dramatic drive through the Knockmealdown peaks. The river Tar, famous for its brown trout, runs through the farm and there is also a lake in the grounds, as well as the ruins of Ballyboy Castle. You can also go fishing, horse riding and walking in the surrounding countryside. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Our room was beautiful & literally our best night’s sleep in Ireland. The property in its rural setting was a breath of fresh air for winding down….” “Fantastic. Will be back! Beautiful house & grounds. Lovely walk with a river and views!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT BALLYBOY HOUSE:   READ MORE

Rock Farm Slane, Co. Meath, Ireland, has a lot going on: It’s an eco-friendly, organic agritourism farmstay & activity centre with luxury glamping tents, yurts and huts on a section of the Slane Castle estate that stretches for 1.5km along the banks of the River Boyne. The long track down to the farm takes in views of Slane Village and the Hill of Slane beyond as you wind through fields of barley, forestry, cows, chickens and horses to the Limehouse Ecolodge beyond which has been built out of straw from the barley around. The Farm Office has a small shop selling organic meat and eggs from the farm as well as a few specials from the Slane Food Circle and other great local producers, including ice cream, cheese and local vegetables. A short walk from there you’ll find the glamping in a lovely woodland glade with views across the river valley to Slane Castle beyond. You can choose between their great selection of different sized yurts and huts, which all give access to a large shared kitchen, and all of which have their own seating area. And outside there is a hot tub and barbecue facilities. There’s plenty to do around the farm too, especially for kids, with organised rafting and kayaking, bikes for hire, tree climbing and straw bale making. And they also have a wellness centre with various therapies such as reiki, aromatherapy massage, hot stone massage and reflexology. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Castle View, cute animals on the farm, cosy shepherds hut. Awesome hot tub, lit by candlelight and the moon and stars….” “Loved everything! Amazing sunrise from the window of our ‘bedroom’! Great staff explained everything. Very comfortable bed. Will come back with more time for sure….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT ROCK FARM:   READ MORE

In peaceful, rural County Laois, Ireland, and near to both Kilkenny City and the town of Carlow, the award-winning Coolanowle Country House has self catering and B&B accommodation on a working organic farm, which also contains a nice 3 acres of mature woodland. All their hotel standard rooms and self catering cottages are clean and comfortable with en-suite bathroom, flat screen TV and WiFi. They serve a great breakfast in the morning, you can arrange equally good evening meals too and if the food appeals you can buy some of their own organic meat products; sausages, black puddings and rashers to take home from the farm shop. The farm stay is just ten minutes outside Carlow Town, less than twenty from Kilkenny city, with the city of Dublin about an hour away to the north east. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Would have loved to stay longer. Beautiful guesthouse, friendly host. Sheer luxury, loved it….” “Clean, comfortable Beds! Excellent breakfast! Everyone was really nice!! Highly recommended!…” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT COOLANOWLE COUNTRY HOUSE:   READ MORE

Lough Bishop House has a range of comfortable B&B rooms in a 19th Century farmhouse by the shores of Bishop’s Lough in County Westmeath, the very centre of Ireland. This is a family run organic farm with sheep, cattle, bee hives and an orchard, and the friendly owners will cook you a great breakfast in the morning with some of the produce coming straight from their farm. All guests are very welcome to have a look around the farm too and get to meet some of the animals. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The setting is amazing and the breakfast was absolutely fantastic!…” “Everything is wonderful here, the surroundings, the house, the rooms. Gorgeous breakfast and very gentle owners. Great!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT LOUGH BISHOP HOUSE:     READ MORE

Burren Glamping has room for up to 6 in a creatively converted horse trailer on an organic farm near the Cliffs of Moher, Co.Clare, Ireland. Cleverly laid out, the glamping is surprisingly spacious and comfortable, and it gets heated nicely with the wood burning stove. Kids will especially enjoy the experience as well as the chance to roam the farm and interact the animals which include saddleback pigs, donkeys, beef cattle, hens and ducks. THE ACCOMMODATION: Converting a horse truck into living accommodation is not an easy or obvious thing to do but they have done it with style. There are two double beds plus a sofa that can be converted into two single beds at night time. It’s perfectly warm with the wood burning stove while also being fully insulated. There is a good bathroom too with an electric shower, and there is WiFi throughout. Outside the truck there is nice little balcony type seating area plus down the steps a patio area with even more seating. There is also a barbecue at the farmhouse which you are free to use. You don’t have much of a kitchen there, just a kettle, a sink and  toaster, but the friendly owners serve you up a terrific traditional breakfast in the morning using their own free range eggs and pork. THE FARM: At the farm there is a small herd of beef cattle, a pair of donkeys, Saddleback pigs, some hens and ducks, all free range of course and from where, as mentioned, you get most of your breakfast from. There is also a poly-tunnel at the farm where they grow various fruits and vegetables and the whole place is organic and eco-friendly, with the welfare of the animals being paramount. The truck is right in the middle of the farm near a quite well preserved Iron Age Fort (Tullagh Ringfort) and is beautifully peaceful and quiet at nighttime. If you’re coming from a city you will also surely marvel at the lack of light pollution and the opportunity to see the stars like never before. THE LOCATION: Just outside the village of Kilfenora in Ireland’s famous Burren Region the location READ MORE

This lovely Georgian farmhouse is in the heart of the Kildare countryside, Ireland, near Athy and Newbridge, and just about an hour from Dublin city, and it has comfortable and clean B&B rooms surrounded by gardens, orchards and rolling green farmland. Each of their rooms comes with private bathroom, TV and WiFi as well as tea and coffee making facilities. They serve a good breakfast too with plenty of choice; full cooked Irish breakfast, omlettes, pancakes, scones, jams, cereals and fresh fruit. Much of which comes straight from their own farm and is organic where possible. They also serve some very good evening meals and snacks during the day. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Nice stay in lovely countryside surrounding. great hosts and a great breakfast. This was my second stay here and both times have had an excellent stay….” “Lovely warm welcome, comfortable room, gorgeous cooked breakfast, great value. Warmly recommended…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT MOATE LODGE:     READ MORE

Greenfields is a friendly farmhouse B&B on a full 200 acre working dairy farm in Ballylongford, Co. Kerry, Ireland. They have comfortable B&B rooms, all with private bathroom, flat screen TV and WiFi throughout the property.There is a spacious shared lounge too and the friendly owners will cook you a fine Irish breakfast in the morning. Though Co. Kerry is without doubt one of Ireland’s most beautiful counties and one of the most visited by foreign tourists, the vast majority of visitors make their way to Killarney and the Ring of Kerry to the south, and down the Dingle Peninsula in the west, leaving the area above Listowel, where Greenfield’s farmstay is located pretty much to itself, and so it might be a good place for those who want to explore the main tourist sites but also seek a more genuine rural Irish experience off the beaten track. The nearest airport is Shannon International Airport in County Clare to the north, but Greenfield’s is also within driving distance of Cork airport. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Exceptionally friendly and wonderful hosts. Breakfast was sumptuous with so much choice. Enjoyed having a go at milking….” “I have stayed in quite a few accommodations in Ireland, from BnB’s and hotels to AirBnB apartments and this is by far the best so far. Huge recommendation for Greenfields Farmhouse….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT GREENFIELDS FARMHOUSE:   READ MORE

A 17th-century house next to a 15th-century castle in the peaceful countryside of Wexford, Ireland, Killiane Castle offers very highly rated self catering and B&B accommodation. They have a range of spacious, comfortable rooms with private bathroom and TV plus one and two bedroom self catering apartments. Freshly cooked each morning, their great breakfasts include home made bread, eggs from the farm’s free range hens, fruit and home-made yoghurt. In the castle gardens they have a tennis court, croquet lawn, pitch-and-putt course and a golf driving range. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “There is nothing I would fault. I never sit in a communal area in a hotel or guesthouse but this whole house had such character I sat by the fire and relaxed soaking up the atmosphere….” “A brilliant place to stay. Fabulous property. Great room. Lots of facilities, golf, croquet, good walks….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT KILLIANE CASTLE:   READ MORE

Glen Valley Farmhouse is a very homely, family run B&B near the picturesque village of Leenaun/Leenane, Connemara, County Galway. They keep sheep and Connemara ponies on their large farm which guests are free to roam around and, being surrounded by the 12 Bens and the Maam Turk mountain ranges, it also makes an ideal base for exploring some of Ireland’s most iconic scenery. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have cosy and clean en-suite B&B rooms, doubles and twins, each of which has lovely views of the surrounding countryside. You’ll be served a a fine breakfast in the morning with things like pancakes, bacon, salmon, homemade bread and scrambled eggs from the farm’s free range hens. The owners are very friendly and hospitable and you can socialise with them and the other guests around the fireplace in the guest lounge and, when the weather is good, you can also hang out in the gardens from where the views are of course beautiful. THE LOCATION: This part of Connemara particularly is full of wild scenery and is a tremendous place for hill walkers. The 12 Bens and Maam Turk ranges surround the farm and Ireland’s only fjord, Killary Harbour, is just a few minutes up the road too. The lovely little village of Leenane is about 8km away, Clifden, the unofficial ‘capital’ of Connemara is 30km while Galway city is 70. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This was one of my favourite B&B’s in all of Ireland. The setting is stunning, away from everything in the middle of the mountains on a farm. The building is beautiful, the area is beautiful, the room was beautiful and authentic. I loved the owner. She was so friendly and caring and made us feel at home….” “Josephine, the B&B landlady, was extremely warm, welcoming and friendly, and encouraged camaraderie amongst the guests. The breakfast was excellent. A great place to stay….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT GLEN VALLEY FARMHOUSE:   READ MORE

Between the popular towns of Kinsale and Clonakilty, Co.Cork, Ireland, Seafield Farmhouse is a 3 star B&B on a family run hillside cattle farm with views over Courtmacsherry Bay, and it can serve as a great base for exploring one of Ireland’s most beautiful regions; West Cork. Their rooms are comfortable and homely, all with private bathroom and tea and coffee making facilities. There is free WiFi throughout the building where you’ll find a nice dining and lounge area with a TV. Every morning you’ll be treated to a great traditional Irish breakfast, guests are welcome to wander around the farm and the friendly and helpful owners are always available to give advice about things to see and do in the local area. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “It was the perfect 2 day stay for couple with dog on a travelling south and west Ireland holiday….” “Beautiful setting and views, quiet farming community, very comfortable room, fantastic breakfast and such a lovely friendly host. Highly recommended venue….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT SEAFIELD FARMHOUSE: READ MORE

Just inside the stunning Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry, Ireland, surrounded by woodland, lakes and mountains, Muckross Riding Stables is a local centre for horse riding while also providing B&B accommodation at the farmhouse. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of B&B rooms that can fit from one to five people, and all are spacious and clean with private bathroom, study desk and flat screen TV. There is also a shared lounge area at the farmhouse, you’ll find WiFi throughout the building, and outside a nice patio/seating area and a children’s playground. THE FARM: The main activity here is of course horse riding. They cater for all levels of experience and can offer lessons as well as short and long trips both around the farm and into the national park on both horses and ponies. Along with the horses though they keep many more animals; sheep, goats, ducks, and even some pot bellied pigs. They’re all pretty friendly to both adults and children and you can introduce yourself to them at the pet farm. THE LOCATION: The stables are just 4 kilometers outside the centre of Killarney, which has been welcoming a huge amount of visitors for years now, and mainly because of the fantastic scenery that surrounds it. In its adjoining national park you’ll find acres of ancient oak woodland, rugged mountain scenery, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. The park is also a sanctuary for wildlife and is the home to rare pine martins, red squirrels and Ireland’s last indigenous herd of red deer to name but a few. Beyond Killarney, Co.Kerry has even more to offer; the wildly scenic Dingle Peninsula and the town of Dingle is off to the north west, while to the south west you can journey through the mountains of the McGillicuddy Reeks or around the famous tourist trail known as the Ring of Kerry, which begins and ends in Killarney. It passes south from there through the town of Kenmare and on around the coast through picturesque small towns like Sneem, Cahirsiveen and Killorglin. If you do want to explore the area and take a break from the kids for a bit, the friendly owners at READ MORE

Ballymaloe House in East Cork has long had a tremendous reputation for its organic farm to table restaurant as well as for its nearby cookery school, with many in the know saying it is the place where Irish cuisine entered the modern world. Add to that its excellent guesthouse accommodation and it really is a must visit place for those with an interest in Irish food. Unsurprisingly it is very popular though, with both Irish and international guests, and so bookings should be made well in advance. THE ACCOMMODATION: They offer a range of elegant double/twin rooms at the farmhouse and in the courtyard’s converted barn. Check your options on the booking page here. The accommodation is surrounded by beautifully tended gardens which have tennis courts and a small swimming pool, and beyond them is the 300 acre organic farm from where much of the ingredients of their famous food come from. Guest are free to wander around the farm which has marked trails and guided tours are also available. There are benches at various points too and lots of places to relax and soak in the peace and tranquility. There is an old style drawing room/guest lounge at the farmhouse and of course there is the restaurant. The food, as mentioned, is the major draw at Ballymaloe. There is an extra charge for breakfast it must be noted but it will be one of the best breakfasts you may ever find in Ireland, featuring a buffet of fresh local ingredients along with a choice of hot freshly cooked options: The traditional Irish fry up is of course there but also things like crepes, omelettes and fresh fish dishes. There are set lunch menus and very indulgent five course evening meals on offer too and you can enjoy some great wines. Their resident sommeliers are considered some of Ireland’s best and they can also give you a tour of the Ballymaloe wine cellars. THE LOCATION: Less than a half an hours drive from Cork City Ballymaloe is tucked away in the deeply rural hinterlands of East Cork, an area particularly noted for its agriculture. The sea, and the lovely little READ MORE