There’s something about the crisp autumn air that makes you want to find the nearest pumpkin patch. Whether you’re planning a family outing or just after that perfect Halloween photo, Ireland has plenty of patches worth the drive.

4 related posts

Pumpkin patches listed: 7+ ·
Typical season: mid-September to late October ·
Average price per pumpkin: €8–€15 ·
Activities beyond picking: Scare mazes, treasure hunts, pet farms, craft fairs

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Nore Valley Park opens late September–October (MyKidstime)
  • Ballymad Farm tickets on sale from mid-August (MyKidstime)
  • Balbriggan Pumpkin Patch scheduled for October 25–26, 2025 (MyKidstime)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact pricing per patch without visiting
  • Whether any patch offers free pumpkins (versus free entry)
  • Real-time open-now status for 2026
3Timeline signal
  • Mid-August: Tickets on sale at Ballymad Farm
  • Late September: Most patches open for the season
  • October 25–26, 2025: Balbriggan Pumpkin Patch and Fall Craft Fair
4What’s next
  • Check individual farm websites for 2026 opening dates
  • Book tickets early for popular weekend slots
  • Look for free-entry days—some patches offer them in early October

Three confirmed opening periods show the seasonal rhythm across Ireland’s pumpkin patches.

Patch Opening period Source
Nore Valley Park Late September–October MyKidstime
Ballymad Farm Tickets from mid-August MyKidstime
Balbriggan Pumpkin Patch October 25–26, 2025 MyKidstime

Bottom line: The season runs a tight window. If you spot a date, book it—many patches sell out by mid-October.

Pumpkin patch near me today: where to go

Pumpkin patches open now

  • Nore Valley Park (Kilkenny) allows walk-ins daily Monday to Saturday during daylight hours (MyKidstime).
  • Papa’s Pumpkin Patch (Oldtown, North County Dublin) operated October 19–28, 2024, 10:00–12:00 and 13:30–15:00 (MyKidstime).
  • Pumpkin Patch at Mollies Farm (Laois) ran October 21,22,28,29, 2024, 10:00–16:00, tickets from €3.50 (MyKidstime).

Most current guides date from 2024. For 2026, check each farm’s own site or social media for the latest open-now status.

Best pumpkin patch near me today

If you want a guaranteed experience without a long drive, Nore Valley Park is your best bet—it’s open daily and requires no advance booking for entry (MyKidstime). For a smaller, family-run vibe, Papa’s Pumpkin Patch in Dublin offers timed slots that keep crowds manageable.

The pattern: Patches that sell tickets online (like Mollies Farm and Ballymad Farm) tend to sell out weeks ahead. Walk-in sites like Nore Valley give you more flexibility but arrive early.

Best pumpkin patch near me: top picks in Ireland

Pumpkin Patch Dublin

  • LuggWoods Enchanted Forest (southwest Dublin) combines pumpkin picking with an enchanted, spooky forest walk (GoCar travel guide).
  • Papa’s Pumpkin Patch (Oldtown, North Co. Dublin) is a dedicated patch with a Halloween theme.
  • Balbriggan Pumpkin Patch and Fall Craft Fair – weekend event Oct 25–26, 2025 (MyKidstime).

Pumpkin patch Kilkenny

  • Nore Valley Park (Bennettsbridge) is the standout – pumpkin picking as part of normal farm entry, with a scare maze, torchlight treasure hunt, and family spooky fun (MyKidstime).
  • Hughes Farm (Kells) offered pumpkin picking in October; advises wearing wellies (MyKidstime).

Pumpkin patch Kildare

  • Clonfert Pet Farm (near Maynooth) is described as one of Ireland’s top pumpkin patches, with a pumpkin patch, treasure hunt, haunted house, and reptile room (GoCar travel guide; Lovin Dublin). Entry ticket includes the pumpkin patch (Lovin Dublin).

Dublin has the most options, but Kilkenny’s Nore Valley Park offers the best value because picking is bundled with farm entry. Kildare’s Clonfert Pet Farm is the only patch with a reptile room—a hit with kids.

Free pumpkin patch near me: are there any?

Cost of pumpkin picking

Most patches charge per pumpkin rather than per person. Prices typically range from €8 to €15 per pumpkin, though smaller patches like Mollies Farm start as low as €3.50 (MyKidstime). Entry to the farm may be separate; for example, Clonfert Pet Farm charges a general entry fee that includes the pumpkin patch (Lovin Dublin).

Free entry vs free pumpkin

True free pumpkins are rare. Nore Valley Park is the exception: it offers one free pumpkin per family as part of normal farm entry (MyKidstime). No other patch in the available data guarantees a free pumpkin.

“Free entry” patches may still charge for parking or activities. Always confirm the fine print on the farm’s website before you go.

Pumpkin Patch Ireland: full list of locations

Seven confirmed patches across three counties, with a bonus location in Laois.

  • Dublin: LuggWoods Enchanted Forest, Papa’s Pumpkin Patch, Balbriggan Pumpkin Patch
  • Kilkenny: Nore Valley Park, Hughes Farm
  • Kildare: Clonfert Pet Farm
  • Meath: Ballymad Farm (Piltown)
  • Laois: Pumpkin Patch at Mollies Farm

No two patches are the same—some focus on spooky walks, others on pet farms or craft fairs. Pick based on what your family enjoys most.

Pumpkin patches in Dublin

LuggWoods and Papa’s Pumpkin Patch both operated in 2024; Balbriggan is confirmed for 2025. All three are within 30 minutes of Dublin city centre.

Pumpkin patches in Kilkenny

Nore Valley Park is the anchor—open daily, no advance booking, and includes a free pumpkin. Hughes Farm is a smaller, rustic option.

Pumpkin patches in Kildare

Clonfert Pet Farm is the only Kildare patch in the dataset, but it’s a full-day destination with multiple attractions beyond pumpkin picking.

Timeline

  • Mid-August: Tickets on sale at Ballymad Farm (MyKidstime)
  • Late September: Most pumpkin patches open for season
  • October 25–26, 2025: Balbriggan Pumpkin Patch and Fall Craft Fair (MyKidstime)

What’s clear and what’s not

Confirmed facts

  • Nore Valley Park opens late September–October
  • Ballymad Farm requires advance tickets from mid-August
  • Balbriggan Pumpkin Patch runs October 25–26, 2025
  • Nore Valley Park offers one free pumpkin per family
  • Clonfert Pet Farm entry includes the pumpkin patch

What’s unclear

  • Exact 2026 pricing for each patch without visiting
  • Whether any patch besides Nore Valley offers free pumpkins
  • Real-time “open today” status – most guides date from 2024

Quotes from the patches

“Enjoy Halloween at Nore Valley Park with pumpkin picking, a scare maze, a torchlight treasure hunt and family-friendly spooky fun.”

— Nore Valley Park, via MyKidstime

“Come and join us for a fun-filled day with the family.”

— Ballymad Farm, via MyKidstime

For families in Dublin, Kilkenny, and Kildare, the choice is straightforward: Nore Valley Park gives you the best value (free pumpkin + daily entry), while Clonfert Pet Farm packs the most activities into one ticket. If you’re after a quick fix, LuggWoods or Papa’s Pumpkin Patch are solid Dublin options. For Ireland’s pumpkin hunters, the season is short—book early or go midweek, or risk staring at an empty field.

Additional sources

pumpkinpatchkildare.rezgo.com

For a comprehensive list of farms, prices, and opening hours, see this guide to Irish pumpkin patches for the 2025 season across Ireland.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical cost for a pumpkin at a patch?

Most patches charge between €8 and €15 per pumpkin, though smaller farms like Mollies Farm start at €3.50 (MyKidstime).

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Several popular patches (Ballymad Farm, Mollies Farm) require advance booking. Walk-in patches like Nore Valley Park don’t, but expect queues on weekends.

Are pets allowed at pumpkin patches?

Policy varies. Nore Valley Park generally allows well-behaved dogs on leads; others may restrict pets. Check the farm’s website before you go.

What should I bring to a pumpkin patch?

Wear wellies or boots—patches can be muddy. Bring cash for extras like face painting or hot drinks. A wheelbarrow or sturdy bag helps carry your pumpkin.

Can I pick my own pumpkin at any farm?

All listed patches offer pick-your-own, though some (like Clonfert) assign a pumpkin from a pre-picked selection. Read the description on their booking page.

The upshot

Nore Valley Park’s free-pumpkin policy is the standout in Ireland—no other patch in this guide matches it. If you’re driving from Dublin, factor in the 90-minute journey; it’s worth it for the savings.

The catch

Most guides date from 2024. For 2026, expect similar pricing and opening windows, but confirm directly with each farm. Balbriggan’s 2025 dates are the only future-confirmed data we have.

Related reading