Ardmore Open Farm is already a magical place as many children and parents have discovered since it opened its doors to the public this summer. Doubling as an entertainment complex and nature education centre, there's plenty to keep children of all ages entertained for hours. More than 60 different species and 100 different animals are usually on display on the farm and are easily accessible, allowing children to appreciate the wonders of nature up close and in a friendly, pleasant environment.

There's horses, pigs, cattle, sheep, donkeys, goats, fish and birds, including some exotic species. Children will love watching the ring-tailed lemurs scamper about, 'ooh' and 'aah' over the rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs and enjoy watching the ducks and geese on the pond.

The great thing about Ardmore Open Farm is that it's not weather-dependent. There's a large internal play centre to be enjoyed and a smaller one for young children. Many of the animals will be moved to the spacious indoor pens section for the winter months so wet weather won't stop the fun or take from the experience. The outdoor play area is ideal for children to work off some of that boundless energy when weather conditions are good. The entire outdoor area is laid out with gravelled walkways and the animal pens are designed for easy viewing.

Much thought has gone into into Ardmore Open Farm and it shows. The fact that owners Denis and Bridget Collins are themselves parents of two young children, has helped them create a place that is family-friendly, great fun and, an important consideration - very good value for money. In fact they are operating a special autumn/winter rate that allows families enjoy their full range of facilities for as long as they want on the day, for less than the price of a family visit to the cinema. Now that's value!

An agricultural consultant and auctioneer, Denis has long been involved in livestock farming, including horses and has a deep love of animals which Bridget shares. They are committed to making Ardmore Open Farm one of the best tourist attractions in the South East. Theirs is an ideal location with the beautiful seaside village of Ardmore close by. Situated on an elevated site, visitors here are afforded beautiful panoramic views of the headland, sea and village.

There's a lounge area indoors, complete with leather couches and televisions where parents and others accompanying children can relax while keeping a watchful eye on their children at play. The televisions can also be used to allow children view films and other suitable entertainment during birthday parties while those adults who don't want to miss any sporting action will also find them a welcome addition to the range of amenities offered.

Ardmore Open Farm has already become the venue of choice for birthday parties and school tours as news spreads of its great range of facilities and amenities. Denis and Bridget believe Ardmore merits more than one visit and would love to see it become a regular fixture for family outings as well as a special place to mark big occasions like birthdays, First Communions, Confirmations and the like.  Outdoor and indoor facilities can be provided for family picnics and parties.

A full hot food menu, including a special children's menu, is offered at peak times along with a full range of refreshments in the comfortable and spacious restaurant on the premises which overlooks the indoor play centre. The restaurant has a wine licence. Dining here will add to the enjoyment of a family day out at Ardmore Open Farm.

And, when it's time to go home, there's a great, high quality souvenir booklet to take with you detailing all of the animal species on show on the farm with superb glossy photographs.

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Hallowe'en Fun at Ardmore Open Farm

At Ardmore Open Farm they know that children find it hard to wait for Christmas, especially the Lapland experience planned for Christmas there this year. So they've come up with a plan for some great Hallowe'en fun for children while they wait.

And what better way to entertain children during the mid-term break than to take them along to Ardmore Open Farm which will be specially decorated for the occasion? All week from Monday, October 28th, children are invited to bring their carved pumpkins with them to be judged in a special competition. And how about this? A 'Mummy' race on Monday the 28th at 3pm followed by Hallowe'en games. On Thursday, October 31st there'll be a fancy dress event all day with a pumpkin-hunting event at 2pm.

Hallowe'en at Ardmore Open Farm is a great way for children to enjoy the popular holiday in a fun, safe environment. As well as the special events planned, visitors can enjoy viewing the range of animals and the centre's other facilities and amenities.

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Children are encouraged to bring their Santa letters with them as Ardmore Open Farm has its own delivery service, called the 'Hoot Express' because it's their very own snowy owls who will deliver them.

This wonderful Christmas experience wouldn't be complete without the man himself of course, so Santa has kindly agreed to take time off to be in his traditional log cabin at Ardmore Open Farm so that children can visit him. He'll even have an early present for all those who do, provided they've been good of course! Santa will arrive by horse and carriage to Ardmore Open Farm at 1pm on Saturday, November 30th and he'll be there every day up to and including December 23rd.   

Bookings can be made by phone on 024-87600. It will also be possible to make bookings online from next week by going to www.ardmoreopenfarm.ie <http://www.ardmoreopenfarm.ie>  and following the links.