Last week we stayed in Dungarvan, Co.Waterford for a little break away with the kids. We stayed in The Park Hotel in Dungarvan as we heard Dungarvan is a great spot and it didn’t disappoint. When booking through the hotel we could add on some extras, one of them was a family ticket to Ardmore Farm & mini Zoo.
It was €40 for 2 adults and 3 kids, under 2 go free so there was no charge for Little Bill. Normally the family ticket would have been €47.50 but it was a bit cheaper through the hotel.
Ardmore Farm & Mini Zoo
The farm was about a 20-minute drive from where we were staying in Dungarvan so it was easy to get to. There is both indoor and outdoor play areas as well as the animals from chickens to snakes. They also have certain times where the zoo/farm keepers take the animals out for the kids to hold and learn about.
So when we got there it was pretty quiet, I think we got there just at it’s opening time at 11am. Inside there was a lovely play area for over 4’s and a smaller play area for younger kids. There is also a nice little coffee shop and loads of seats and sofas for everyone. We hung out here later in the day but first, we went to check out the outdoor play area and animals. The outdoor play area was brilliant, proper little playground, there was even some bunnies in a closed off grassy area beside us.
Next, we went to the little farmhouse where there were some chickens and rabbits etc. There was also a little sandy pit area with electronic diggers, they were €2 each for a go, normally I hate those little money attractions but it was their holiday so we let them. There is also electronic go Kart rides but I’m not too sure they were open that day.
Anyway, after that we went to the big outdoor area where there were lots more animals. Llamas, alpacas, billy goats (little bills cousins :P), peacocks, horses and loads more animals I can’t pronounce! The animals all looked so happy too, like they have tons of room and you can tell they are very well looked after.
Ouside there were more play areas throughout, a big slide, a zip line which we spent 20 minutes at; even I had a go. There was pedal go Karts and a little race course, wooden obstacle courses, just loads. We were so lucky the weather was good because we spent a good 90 minutes outside pottering about and playing. There was also a tractor barrel ride but that was at certain times later in the afternoon.
We went back into that indoors play area while waiting for the petting zoo time at 1pm. The kids got mini slush puppies then played for a bit. Then we headed for the petting zoo/reptile area. There was red dragon lizards, rabbits, chicks, snakes, turtles and birds. The 4-year-old held the dragon yolk and a snake! Little Bill also held a snake and a rabbit. The keepers were so friendly and the kids really enjoyed it.
Overall I think this is a fantastic place to visit with kids, it was so relaxed and open, loads of happy animals and hands-on activities for the kids between the animals and play areas throughout. If you are in or near the Waterford area I highly recommend a visit.
