Having visited one every autumn these past four or five years, I must admit, our annual pumpkin patch outing is one of my most favourite things about this season.
Haven't been to one yet? How about starting a new tradition this October, and take the family to your local pumpkin patch this year – for a day out that'll put a smile on everyone's face.
From picking the perfect pumpkin, to carving it, getting their face painted and all sorts of other Halloween-related fun, a visit to the pumpkin patch is just the outing your October needs.
And to help you find where to go, here are seven really great pumpkin patches across Ireland that are worth a visit this autumn:
Meath
Alright Pumpkin
Alright Pumpkin in Fordstown, Co. Meath, have Pick Your Own pumpkin and sweet corn. You and the kids can also have fun trying out the pumpkin maze and watch pumpkin carving demonstrations. Open ever Saturday and Sunday in October, no need to book ahead.
Ladyrath Lane
This annual pumpkin event sells out very quickly, so you need to act fast. Choose your pumpkin from their vast selection, buy and then carve it in the Halloween barn. Tickets include face painting, bouncy castles, halloween treats, halloween movies as well as indoor and outdoor games.
This year’s event runs on these dates 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 October, tickets costs €13.95 per child and adults are free.
Kilkenny
Nore Valley Park
Get creative and carve your pumpkin after your pick your favourite at Nore Valley Park for a perfect family fun day out. Once you pay the normal farm entrey, there is one free pumpkin per family.
For their annual Halloween Torchlight Treasure Hunt, scare maze (TBC), and bonfire with toasted marshmallows, make sure you
book online first. These take place on Monday 28 October – Thursday 31 October 2018, starting from 7pm each evening.
Galway
Keanes Garden Centre
This lovely garden centre in Kilcolgan, Co. Galway have an annual Pumpkin Festival, where children can pick their own pumpkin and carve it. There is also a BBQ, as well as other tricks and treats. Call for details.
Dublin
Scalp Wood
Get into the Halloween spirit and bring the family to Scalp Wood Nurseries in Kilternan for their annual Pumpkin Festival. Children can pick their own pumpkin for a small charge. There is a polytunnel and large marquee complete with lots of activities to keep your little ones busy including blackboards, little tables and chairs with crayons to colour Spookley prints. Oh, and outside there is a spookley maze, as well as a Haunted Witches room, which is suitable for older children.
Admission tickets cost €3.50 for over 2s, pumpkins are priced separately. Children must be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian at all times, and they require 1 adult for every 3 children.
Wexford
Ballycross Apple Farm
Each weekend throughout October you can enjoy pumpkin picking trips at the pumpkin patch at Ballycross Apple Farm – on a tractor and trailer. This one of a kind experience allows you to pick your unique pumpkin to buy and take home for carving just in time for Halloween. And while you are there, take a walk through the Witches Village and meet the resident Ballycross Witch!
Cork
The Farm Grenagh
At The Farm Grenagh in Grenagh you can visit the Pumpkin Patch in the Secret Garden and choose the Pumpkin that’s just right for you. And then, watch the witches carve it. Yes, really. Don't forget to get your face painted, and don't leave without helping The Good Witch, Esmeralda, to practice her spells for Halloween and make some sweet treats to take home.
