Autumn is just around the corner, and with it comes the reemergence of pumpkin spice lattes, crisp mornings, orange leaves and pumpkin patches.
This brisk and colourful season means the return of everyones favourite autumn vegetable, whether it be for eating or carving, and we’ve got the lo-down on the best spots in the country where you can pick your very own pumpkin right out of the farm (while getting some Insta-worthy snaps along the way!)
This one is a great activity for the kids, so wrap up well and get into the spooky spirit with these five pumpkin patches across the country!
1. Alright Pumpkin
Location: Navan, Co. Meath
Distance (from Cork city): 3hrs
This one is a bit of a drive from Cork, but definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area. Alright Pumpkin is a great day out for the whole family, where visitors can pick their own pumpkin and sweet corn, watch pumpkin carving demonstrations and pet the resident pigs! Tickets must be booked in advance via their website.
2. The Farm, Grenagh
Location: Grenagh, Co. Cork
Distance: 1hr
Hop on the red tractor before selecting your dream pumpkin at The Farm in Grenagh. This 40-acre farm boasts fascinating views of rural Cork, and offers tonnes of activities for the small ones. They’ll also teach you all about how farm crops are grown, giving everyone a better understanding of where our food comes from.
3. Ladyrath Lane
Location: Navan, Co. Meath
Distance: 3hrs
One of the largest pumpkin patches in Ireland, Ladyrath Lane grows over 10,000 pumpkins at their farm annually. This is a particularly great spot for kids, with pumpkin carving, face painting, bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle courses, playgrounds and a cafe for the adults. Tickets sell out every year and can be purchased online here.
4. Ballycross Apple Farm
Location: Bridgetown, Co. Wexford
Distance: 2hrs, 30mins
This Wexford-based working apple farm has a lot to offer for the whole family, from tractor rides, farm animals, nature trails and go carting. You can also purchase some of their award-winning Ballycross apple juice and tuck into delicious crepes, waffles and sandwiches from the cafe. Tickets can be purchased online in advance here.
5. Nore Valley Park
Location: Bennettsbride, Co. Kilkenny
Distance: 1hr, 55mins
Based in Kilkenny, Nore Valley Park offers all the usuals like pumpkin carving, but also has an annual halloween torchlight treasure hunt, scare maze and bonfire toasted marshmallows. Bookings can be made via their website.
6. Scalp Wood Nurseries
Location: Kilternan. Co. Dublin
Distance: 2hrs, 40mins
Scalp Wood Nurseries in Dublin hosts an annual pumpkin festival every October, offering pumpkin carving, spooky mazes, poly tunnels and a haunted witches room. Keep an eye on their website for updates on this years’ festival.