Nore Valley Park Open Farm
A vibrant family farm park in Kilkenny offering a petting zoo, playground, camping, and seasonal events. Fun for all ages!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, full activities
Nore Valley Park Open Farm
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, full activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant family farm park in Kilkenny offering a petting zoo, playground, camping, and seasonal events. Fun for all ages!
"This is by far the best camp we’ve ever stayed at - the kids loved the playground, sandpit, feeding the animals!"
Annual Pass Value
Consider an annual pass for frequent visits; it's great value after just three visits! :moneybag:
Animal Feeding Fun
Participate in feeding the animals for an interactive and memorable experience. :cow:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Petting Farm Encounters
Petting Farm Area
Get up close with friendly farm animals. Kids love interacting with well-cared-for creatures.
Adventure Playground
Playground Area
A spacious playground with a sandpit and various activities to keep children entertained for hours.
Seasonal Events
Various Locations
Don't miss special events like the highly anticipated pumpkin patch, offering unique family fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Family Fun
Accommodation & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Annual Pass Value
Consider an annual pass for frequent visits; it's great value after just three visits! :moneybag:
Animal Feeding Fun
Participate in feeding the animals for an interactive and memorable experience. :cow:
Playground Delights
The playground and sandpit are huge hits with kids. Bring extra clothes for sandpit fun! :child:
Check Accommodation
Reviews mention inconsistent cabin cleanliness; inquire before booking overnight stays. :housewithgarden:
Tips
from all over the internet
Annual Pass Value
Consider an annual pass for frequent visits; it's great value after just three visits! :moneybag:
Animal Feeding Fun
Participate in feeding the animals for an interactive and memorable experience. :cow:
Playground Delights
The playground and sandpit are huge hits with kids. Bring extra clothes for sandpit fun! :child:
Check Accommodation
Reviews mention inconsistent cabin cleanliness; inquire before booking overnight stays. :housewithgarden:
Homemade Treats
Grab delicious homemade cookies and jam from the on-site shop. :cookie:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nore Valley Park is a beloved family destination, praised for its engaging petting farm, extensive playground, and friendly staff. Visitors appreciate the great value, especially with the option of an annual pass. However, some guests have expressed disappointment with the cleanliness and maintenance of the cabin accommodations.
"Came up for the poultry fair today. The very small entry fee included entry to the pet farm. We were greeted by very friendly staff at the gate. My son absolutely loved petting the animals who were clearly so well looked after. We couldn't believe the reasonable prices for gorgeous homemade cookies and homemade jam in the shop. Lovely playground area and sandpit. Overall great value for a family day out. Looking forward to coming back again to the pumpkin patch."
Mel Kin
"We had such a wonderful time at Nore Valley! There’s so much for the kids to do the petting farm and the large indoor sandpit were definite favourites. The little on site shop was also very handy for picking up any bits we had forgotten. We loved our view and really enjoyed waking up to see the cows each morning. We will definitely be back"
J C
"This is by far the best camp we’ve ever stayed at - the kids loved the playground, sandpit, feeding the animals, tractor rides, go karts, bouncy house, and mini golf! The parents loved the kind staff, the sparkling facilities (with free showers!), the well-stocked shop and kitchen, the gorgeous walking trails to see the animals.
I noticed a part of the playground was broken our first night there, but it was fixed by the morning. I truly can’t say enough about Nore Valley Park - we’ll absolutely be back!"
K Copus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nore Valley Park is located in County Kilkenny, approximately 1.5 hours drive from Dublin. Many visitors use a car for easy access to this rural attraction. :car:
While public transport options to the immediate vicinity might be limited, it's advisable to check local bus or train schedules to nearby towns like Kilkenny city and arrange onward travel. :bus:
Nore Valley Park is situated in County Kilkenny. Specific driving directions can be found on their official website or by using GPS navigation systems. :road:
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at Nore Valley Park, making it convenient for those arriving by car. :parking:
Absolutely! Nore Valley Park is a great stop on an Ireland road trip, especially if you're exploring County Kilkenny or the Ancient East. :road_map:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is very reasonable, especially for families. A small fee often includes access to the petting farm and playground. :ticket:
For general admission, booking in advance is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check their website, especially for special events. :computer:
Typically, there are different pricing tiers for adults and children, with younger children often having reduced rates or free entry. :child:
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Nore Valley Park website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. :clock:
Yes, an annual pass is available and offers excellent value for families who plan to visit multiple times throughout the year. :star:
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Children can enjoy a petting farm, a large playground with a sandpit, tractor rides, go-karts, a bouncy house, and mini golf. :child:
Yes, visitors often have the opportunity to feed the animals, which is a highlight for many families. :feed:
Nore Valley Park features a wonderful and extensive playground area, including a popular sandpit. :slide:
Yes, Nore Valley Park offers camping facilities, including well-maintained sites and clean amenities. :tent:
Campers can expect sparkling clean facilities, including free showers, a well-stocked shop, and a kitchen area. :shower:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an on-site shop that sells gorgeous homemade cookies and jam, and other essentials. :cookie:
Picnic areas are usually available, allowing visitors to bring their own food and enjoy a meal amidst the park's surroundings. :sandwich:
While the park has its own shop, nearby towns like Kilkenny offer a variety of dining options, from pubs to restaurants. :forkandknife:
The shop is known for its delicious homemade cookies and jam, offering a taste of local flavors. :jam:
The park primarily offers snacks and baked goods. For full meals, visitors might need to explore dining options outside the park. :coffee:
📸 📸 Photography
Capture adorable moments at the petting farm, vibrant scenes at the playground, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. :camera:
Yes, you are welcome to take photos of the animals, but always be respectful of their space and well-being. :camerawithflash:
The walking trails offer lovely views of the animals and the rural landscape, providing picturesque backdrops for photos. :landscape:
Absolutely! The playground and animal interactions offer countless opportunities for candid and joyful photos of children. :child_playing:
Morning light can be beautiful for animal photography, while late afternoon offers softer light for general park scenes. :sunrise:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
While the camping facilities are generally well-regarded, some reviews suggest caution regarding the cleanliness and maintenance of the cabins, especially if traveling with very young children who are sensitive to drafts or less-than-perfect conditions. It might be worth inquiring about recent updates or opting for the camping pitches if you have concerns.
Budget-Conscious Travelers
Bringing your own picnic is a great way to keep food costs down, although the on-site shop does offer affordable homemade treats like cookies and jam. For those considering an overnight stay, camping is generally more budget-friendly than hotel stays in nearby towns, and the facilities are well-maintained.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Adventures at Nore Valley Park
For those looking for an extended stay, Nore Valley Park offers camping and cabin accommodation. While the camping facilities and amenities like showers and kitchens receive high praise for cleanliness and upkeep, reviews for the cabins have been mixed, with some guests reporting issues with cleanliness and maintenance. The park also hosts popular seasonal events, such as a highly anticipated pumpkin patch, which adds an extra layer of fun and unique experiences for families throughout the year.
Overall, Nore Valley Park is celebrated as a fantastic value for families, with many recommending an annual pass for those who plan to visit frequently. The friendly staff and the sheer volume of activities make it a destination that families love to return to, creating lasting memories.
Camping and Accommodation Experience
However, the cabin accommodation at Nore Valley Park has garnered mixed reviews. Some guests have reported disappointing experiences, citing issues with cleanliness, maintenance, and comfort, particularly concerning damaged doors that let in cold air. These concerns have led some families to cut their stays short and seek alternative lodging. While the park has potential, these basic standards in cabin upkeep have been a point of contention for some visitors.
Despite the varied feedback on cabins, the overall value of Nore Valley Park, especially for families, is frequently emphasized. The availability of an annual pass further enhances this value for repeat visitors, making it an accessible and enjoyable destination for many.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit