Places to stay in Northern Ireland renowned for its lush green landscapes and rural charm, offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the tranquility and authenticity of farm life through various farm stays. These accommodations provide more than just a place to sleep—they offer a hands-on experience where guests can interact with animals, explore working farms, and enjoy the peace and serenity of the countryside. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly vacation, a romantic retreat, or simply a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, Northern Ireland’s farm stays promise a memorable and rejuvenating experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best farm stays across Northern Ireland, highlighting their unique offerings, activities, and why they are ideal for experiencing rural life.
Ballylagan Organic Farm, County Antrim
Overview: Located near Ballyclare, Ballylagan Organic Farm is a working organic farm set amidst beautiful countryside.
Key Features:
- Farm Experience: Guests can participate in farm activities such as feeding animals, collecting eggs, and learning about organic farming practices.
- Accommodation: Cozy cottages and barn conversions with modern amenities, overlooking lush pastures and the farm’s vegetable gardens.
- Activities: Explore nature trails, visit the farm shop selling organic produce, and enjoy picnics in scenic surroundings.
Why Visit: Ideal for families and nature enthusiasts looking to learn about sustainable farming practices while enjoying a peaceful retreat in County Antrim’s rural landscape.
Glenaulin Farm, County Down
Overview: Situated in the heart of County Down near Banbridge, Glenaulin Farm offers a traditional farm stay experience.
Key Features:
- Farm Activities: Guests can engage in farm chores such as milking cows, grooming horses, and helping with seasonal tasks.
- Accommodation: Charming farmhouse and cottages with rustic decor, offering panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains and rolling countryside.
- Activities: Enjoy fishing in the farm’s private lake, hiking trails through the farm’s woodlands, and visiting nearby attractions like Castlewellan Forest Park.
Why Visit: Perfect for families and animal lovers seeking an authentic farm experience with picturesque views of County Down’s rural landscapes.
Sperrin View Cottages, County Tyrone
Overview: Located in the Sperrin Mountains near Cookstown, Sperrin View Cottages offer a tranquil farm stay experience.
Key Features:
- Scenic Setting: Stunning views of the Sperrin Mountains and surrounding farmland, providing a peaceful retreat in nature.
- Accommodation: Traditional cottages equipped with modern amenities, each with its own garden and barbecue area.
- Activities: Explore the farm’s walking trails, interact with farm animals, and visit nearby attractions such as Beaghmore Stone Circles.
Why Visit: Ideal for couples and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a secluded getaway amidst Northern Ireland’s scenic Sperrin Mountains and rural countryside.
Beech Hill Country House Hotel, Derry/Londonderry
Overview: Situated near Derry/Londonderry, Beech Hill Country House Hotel offers a historic farm stay experience.
Key Features:
- Historic Charm: Set within a 32-acre estate with gardens and woodland, providing a serene retreat steeped in history.
- Accommodation: Elegant rooms in a Georgian manor house or cottages, offering views of the estate’s gardens and farmland.
- Activities: Explore the estate’s walking trails, visit the walled garden, and learn about the estate’s history and connection to World War II.
Why Visit: Perfect for history buffs and those seeking a luxurious farm stay experience in a peaceful countryside setting near Derry/Londonderry.
Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages, County Armagh
Overview: Located near Portadown, Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages offer a unique farm stay experience combined with artisan pottery.
Key Features:
- Artisan Experience: Guests can visit the onsite pottery studio, participate in pottery workshops, and purchase handmade ceramics.
- Accommodation: Quaint cottages with traditional decor, overlooking a courtyard and the surrounding farmland.
- Activities: Explore the farm’s orchards and gardens, enjoy meals at the onsite restaurant, and visit nearby attractions like Lough Neagh.
Why Visit: Ideal for couples and art enthusiasts looking to combine a farm stay experience with hands-on pottery activities in County Armagh’s scenic countryside.
Finn Lough Bubble Domes, County Fermanagh
Overview: Located near Enniskillen, Finn Lough offers a unique farm stay experience in luxurious bubble domes amidst nature.
Key Features:
- Unique Accommodation: Transparent bubble domes with panoramic views of the farm’s woodlands and Lough Erne.
- Activities: Enjoy forest walks, relax in the outdoor hot tubs, and experience the farm’s wildlife and natural beauty.
- Farm Tours: Learn about the farm’s conservation efforts, meet the resident animals, and participate in eco-friendly activities.
Why Visit: Perfect for couples seeking a romantic and immersive farm stay experience with modern amenities and stunning views in County Fermanagh.
Broughgammon Farm, County Antrim
Overview: Situated near Ballycastle, Broughgammon Farm offers a farm stay experience focused on sustainable farming and ethical food production.
Key Features:
- Farm Tours: Guided tours of the farm where guests can learn about ethical goat farming, beekeeping, and sustainable agriculture.
- Accommodation: Charming cottages and glamping pods with eco-friendly amenities, overlooking the farm’s fields and orchards.
- Activities: Participate in farm workshops, cooking classes using farm produce, and enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences.
Why Visit: Ideal for food enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers looking to learn about sustainable farming practices while enjoying a farm stay in County Antrim.
Carrowmena Activity Centre, County Londonderry
Overview: Located near Limavady, Carrowmena Activity Centre offers a farm stay experience combined with outdoor adventure activities.
Key Features:
- Accommodation: Glamping pods and camping facilities with views of Binevenagh Mountain and the Roe Valley.
- Activities: Engage in outdoor pursuits such as zip-lining, archery, and canoeing, as well as farm activities like animal feeding and nature trails.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for families seeking a mix of farm experiences and outdoor adventures in County Londonderry’s scenic countryside.
Why Visit: Great for families and adventure seekers looking to combine a farm stay with outdoor activities and stunning views in the heart of County Londonderry.
Clogher Valley Country Caravan Park, County Tyrone
Overview: Set in the Clogher Valley near Augher, this caravan park offers a peaceful farm stay experience with panoramic countryside views.
Key Features:
- Scenic Setting: Tranquil location with views of rolling hills, farmland, and the Sperrin Mountains in the distance.
- Accommodation: Caravan and camping pitches with modern facilities, ideal for families and couples seeking a relaxing rural retreat.
- Activities: Enjoy farm walks, visit nearby historic sites such as Castle Leslie Estate, and explore local villages.
Why Visit: Perfect for caravan enthusiasts and nature lovers looking to unwind and enjoy Places to stay in Northern Ireland rural beauty in County Tyrone.
Gortin Glen Pods, County Tyrone
Overview: Located near Omagh, Gortin Glen Pods offer a glamping farm stay experience surrounded by forested hills and wildlife.
Key Features:
- Glamping Pods: Cosy pods with panoramic views of Gortin Glen Forest Park and the Sperrin Mountains.
- Activities: Explore forest trails, go wildlife spotting, and enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking.
- Family-Friendly: Ideal for families seeking a back-to-nature experience with modern comforts and scenic views in County Tyrone.
Why Visit: Great for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking to reconnect with nature and enjoy a farm stay experience in the heart of Gortin Glen Forest Park.
Conclusion
Northern Ireland’s farm stays offer a unique opportunity to experience rural life firsthand, surrounded by stunning landscapes and immersed in the region’s agricultural heritage. Whether you’re interested in sustainable farming, outdoor activities, or simply seeking peace and tranquility, these accommodations provide the perfect escape from everyday life. Plan your next getaway to Northern Ireland and discover the charm of farm stays, where you can relax, explore, and create lasting memories in the heart of this beautiful countryside.
