Nore Valley Park (Open Farm) - Image 1
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Nore Valley Park Open Farm

4.3
·1k reviews·, Ireland

A vibrant family farm park in Kilkenny offering a petting zoo, playground, camping, and seasonal events. Fun for all ages!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends & School Holidays

Lively atmosphere, full activities

CrowdHigh
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Nore Valley Park (Open Farm) - Image 1

Nore Valley Park Open Farm

Best Time

Weekends & School Holidays

Lively atmosphere, full activities

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant family farm park in Kilkenny offering a petting zoo, playground, camping, and seasonal events. Fun for all ages!

4.3
(1k reviews)

"This is by far the best camp we’ve ever stayed at - the kids loved the playground, sandpit, feeding the animals!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Petting Farm Encounters

Petting Farm Encounters

Petting Farm Area

Get up close with friendly farm animals. Kids love interacting with well-cared-for creatures.

Adventure Playground

Adventure Playground

Playground Area

A spacious playground with a sandpit and various activities to keep children entertained for hours.

Seasonal Events

Seasonal Events

Various Locations

Don't miss special events like the highly anticipated pumpkin patch, offering unique family fun.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Family Fun

Nore Valley Park is a fantastic spot for families, offering a petting farm, playground, and camping. Consider booking accommodation or activities in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability. Check their website for seasonal events like the popular pumpkin patch.

Accommodation & Amenities

While the park offers camping and cabins, reviews suggest varying experiences with accommodation cleanliness and maintenance. If staying overnight, inquire about recent updates or opt for the well-regarded camping facilities. The on-site shop is convenient for essentials.

Best Times

When
Weekends & School Holidays
Why
Lively atmosphere, full activities
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Save this Ireland roadtrip itinerary ⤵️ Total: 10 Days, approx. 1,500 kilometers Day 1: Dublin to Kilkenny 🚐 Pick up your roadsurfer! 📍 Castletown House 📍 Powerscourt Estate 📍 Glendalough Day 2: Kilkenny to Waterford 📍 Kilkenny 📍 Kells Priory 📍 Rock of Cashel 📍 Hook Lighthouse Day 3: Waterford to Killarney 📍 Blarney Castle 📍 Killarney National Park Day 4: Ring of Kerry 📍 Ladies View 📍 Kerry Cliffs...
@roadsurfer_com
86.3K likes • 1.6M views

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:

Replying to @on_eagles_wings Here’s the tour of my little 2 up, 2 down Irish cottage in County Kilkenny, Ireland #cokilkenny #ireland #irishholidayhomes #2up2down #vacationhomerentals #kilkenny #rosecottageinistioge #inistioge #internationalrealestate #digitalnomad #expatriatelife
@laurabyrnesintheworld
38K likes • 713.4K views
Kilkenny, Ireland 🇮🇪 ☺️ #ireland #kilkennycastle #irelandtiktok
@nikkilb_
11.7K likes • 104.3K views

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:

Mountain view markets in Kilkenny has such a special place in our hearts… @Mountainviewkilkenny
@fromnorthtwosouth
7.9K likes • 168.4K views

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

4.3
(1k reviews)

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

Engaging petting farm
Fantastic playground
Friendly and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Inconsistent cabin cleanliness
Cabin maintenance issues

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: TikTok

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: TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee is very reasonable, especially for families. A small fee often includes access to the petting farm and playground. :ticket: Reddit

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: Reddit

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: Reddit

🎫 🎡 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: Reddit

Yes, visitors often have the opportunity to feed the animals, which is a highlight for many families. :feed: Reddit

Nore Valley Park features a wonderful and extensive playground area, including a popular sandpit. :slide: Reddit

Yes, Nore Valley Park offers camping facilities, including well-maintained sites and clean amenities. :tent: Reddit

Campers can expect sparkling clean facilities, including free showers, a well-stocked shop, and a kitchen area. :shower: Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is an on-site shop that sells gorgeous homemade cookies and jam, and other essentials. :cookie: Reddit

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: TikTok

The shop is known for its delicious homemade cookies and jam, offering a taste of local flavors. :jam: Reddit

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: Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to take photos of the animals, but always be respectful of their space and well-being. :camerawithflash: Reddit

The walking trails offer lovely views of the animals and the rural landscape, providing picturesque backdrops for photos. :landscape: Reddit

Absolutely! The playground and animal interactions offer countless opportunities for candid and joyful photos of children. :child_playing: Reddit

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

Nore Valley Park is an absolute gem for families with young children. The petting farm is a huge hit, offering safe and engaging interactions with animals. Reddit+1 The playground and sandpit are extensive and provide hours of entertainment, so be prepared for little ones to want to stay all day! Reddit Many parents appreciate the on-site shop for convenient snacks and essentials. Reddit Consider an annual pass if you're local, as it offers incredible value for frequent visits. Reddit

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. Reddit It might be worth inquiring about recent updates or opting for the camping pitches if you have concerns.

Budget-Conscious Travelers

Nore Valley Park offers excellent value for money, particularly for families. The entry fee is very reasonable, and the abundance of activities included, such as the petting farm and playground, makes it a cost-effective day out. Reddit The option of purchasing an annual pass is a fantastic way to save money if you plan on visiting multiple times throughout the year, as it quickly pays for itself. Reddit

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. Reddit 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

Nore Valley Park is a haven for families, consistently praised for its child-friendly attractions. The petting farm is a major draw, allowing children to interact with a variety of well-cared-for animals. Reviews highlight the joy children experience feeding and learning about the farm residents. Beyond the animals, the adventure playground is a standout feature, boasting a large sandpit and numerous activities designed to keep kids entertained for hours. Many visitors mention that the playground alone is worth the visit. Reddit+2

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. Reddit+1 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Camping and Accommodation Experience

Nore Valley Park provides a camping experience that is frequently lauded by visitors. The facilities are described as sparkling clean, with the added bonus of free showers and a well-equipped kitchen area. This attention to detail in the camping amenities contributes significantly to a positive stay for many families. Reddit The park's walking trails also offer a pleasant way to explore the grounds and see the animals in a more natural setting, enhancing the overall outdoor experience for campers. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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