Leahy’s Open Farm is a unique working farm experience in East Cork. A great location for all ages, this popular open farm and the brainchild of Eddie & Eileen Leahy.

The family-friendly farm has grown in popularity over the last 24 years, and earlier this week I chatted to Catriona Fenton about the farm, why it appeals to all age groups and what makes Leahy’s so special.

Tell us about Leahy’s Open Farm?

Leahy’s was opened in 1996 by Eddie & Eileen Leahy, along with the help of their six children. Located in Dungourney in East Cork just outside Midleton and a 12-minute drive from our luxury holiday accommodation in Castlemartyr.

At first, it was just a place where people could come and see the masses of antiques and vintage machinery Eddie had collected, and eventually, it grew to include a café which showcased Eileen’s home baking. From there the farm continued to grow from a small rural farm to a popular attraction for families all over Ireland.

The farm is now run by Eddie and Eileen’s son Donal and his wife Teresa, who have made some brilliant developments on the farm such as building the ice-cream and chocolate factory and the digger park!

We hold events throughout the year (when coronavirus isn’t a problem) such as Easter Egg Hunts, Summer Camps, BOO! at Halloween and the ever popular Santa Experience, which was run outdoors this year and was a huge hit!

Is Leahy’s just for kids?

Not at all! The happiest visitor to the farm we ever saw was a 40 year old father driving one of our JCB mini diggers!

There’s something for everyone at the farm, such as climbing frames for the adventurous, petting time for the animal lovers, rides on the barrel train for the thrill-seekers, operating a JCB for the petrol heads and enjoying some of our handmade chocolate or ice cream for the foodies!

Even the older generations love strolling through the museum and being taken back in time amongst Eddie’s collection of antiques and treasures.

When are you open?

At the moment we are closed due to restrictions, but hope to reopen as soon as possible! From September to April we open weekends only and then every day in the summer.

A good rule of thumb is if the schools are off, for example, Easter and midterm we are open! However, you can check our Facebook or website if you are unsure.

Is there food available?

Yes! We have the Old Lantern Café and Restaurant which has delicious sandwiches, lunches and dinners and then we have the Ice Cream & Chocolate factory where you can head for dessert!

In there we make our own Leahy’s Open Farm ice cream, using milk from our own cow Maisy as well as some other gorgeous treats like crepes, chocolates, honeycomb and marshmallows!

How much does it cost?

Entry to the farm is €10.50 per person, and under 2s are free! This gives you 4 hours access to the farm and pre booking is essential as we absolutely hate having to turn anyone away on busy days! Once on the farm you can opt to pay €2 for a digger ride or crazy golf and €5 for chocolate lollipop making.

FREE Family Pass to Leahy’s Open Farm

We are delighted to offer families who stay at Castlemartyr Holiday Lodges or Mews’ a free family pass to Leahy’s Open Farm located in East Cork. You will receive your free family pass upon check-in to your holiday lodge or mews’ located on Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork. Leahy’s Open Farm is a 12-minute drive from our holiday accommodation located on Castlemartyr Resort and 3 miles from the lovely village of Dungourney.