Family fun on farm stays in Ireland

Irish Times Travel - June 4th 2011

Abhainn Ri Farm

In Wicklow, Abhaínn Rí Farm offers a pastoral idyll of fluffy sheep and sparkling lakes.

Situated at the point where Kings River (Abhaínn Rí) flows into Blessington lakes, the Byrne family’s 100-acre farm really couldn’t be more picturesque.

Guests of their purpose-built holiday cottages can while away the hours on farm walks or give in to the kids and stay in the play barn where there are swings, a slide and a vintage tractor to clamber over.

There are animals aplenty, too, including goats, calves, pigs, hens and ducks. Guests are welcome to help at feeding time or go on a real egg hunt in the hen house. There are ponies and donkeys and even pigs to be brushed, plus a proper working sheepdog to marvel at.

As you’d expect, there’s plenty of fresh farm food too, with fresh eggs and soda bread in your welcome pack and, if you fancy it, a home-cooked meal delivered to your door at night. So maybe don’t get to know the lambs too well.

Cost: seven nights in Ash Cottage at Abhaínn Rí Farm, which sleeps six, costs €880 in July.

Irish Times 4th June 2011 - Sandra O'Connell