In the run-up to Halloween, most families pick up a pumpkin and settle in for an evening of carving. But instead of just adding one to the weekly shop, why not make a day of it and go pumpkin picking instead? Many of the farms and patches below also run Halloween-themed activities alongside the picking, so it’s an easy way to turn a simple errand into a proper family outing.
There are lots of great spots for pumpkin picking around Ireland, so whatever size or shape of pumpkin your kids have their hearts set on, you’re likely to find it. Wrap up warm, bring your wellies, and head out for some seasonal fun with the family.
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Get Set for Pumpkin Picking!
Luggwoods Enchanted Forest, Dublin
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Take the forest trail, where you’ll meet spooky characters along the way who need your help finding ingredients for some friendly witches’ brew. Afterwards, head to the pumpkin patch to choose your own pumpkin to take home and decorate.
This event typically runs across October — check their website for current dates and booking details.
K2Alpacas Pumpkin Patch, Wicklow
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K2Alpacas in Wicklow partners with the Down Syndrome Centre to host a fundraising Halloween event. Make a family day of it with activities including:
- Pick your own pumpkin
- Meet the alpacas
- Spooky game boards
- Enchanted fairy forest walk
- Photo booths
- Refreshments and goodies
The Down Syndrome Centre provides bespoke services for children and young adults with Down syndrome, so supporting this event helps fund that work.
For dates, bookings or to make a donation, check the website.
Alright Pumpkin, Meath
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Alright Pumpkin in Fordstown, Co. Meath, offers pick-your-own pumpkins and sweetcorn, along with a pumpkin maze and pumpkin carving demonstrations.
For dates and details, check their Facebook page.
Michael’s Pumpkin Patch, Galway
Michael started his own pumpkin patch as a teenager and has grown it into a firm local favourite each Halloween season. As well as Michael’s pumpkins, you can see baby animals, and kids take home a party bag while parents enjoy a cuppa and biscuits.
A percentage of proceeds from tickets and pumpkin sales goes to Cancer Care West.
For dates and tickets, check the website.
Papa’s Pumpkin Patch, Dublin
Based in Oldtown, north Co. Dublin, Papa’s Pumpkin Patch is a fun-filled family day out. Pick your own pumpkin to take away and decorate, enjoy the straw maze, and visit the farm animals. Extras such as face painting, plaster pumpkin painting, refreshments and additional pumpkins are usually available to purchase on the day.
For current dates and times, check the Facebook page.
Pumpkin and Fun at Navan Adventure Centre, Meath
Your ticket includes a trip to the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin, plus the carving area, witch’s slimy snot-making, inflatable obstacle courses and slides, an adventure obstacle course, inflatable maze, mini golf and FootGolf.
For current dates and times, check the Facebook page.
Killarney Pumpkin Farm
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Pick your own pumpkin from the patch — or a ghoulish gourd from the “wonky patch”! Other activities include a corn maze, a chance to meet the alpacas, seasonal storytelling, a walk through the haunted ghost bus, a visit to the pumpkin pixie village, and a meeting with the witch at her haunted cottage.
For current dates and tickets, check the website.
Clissmann Horse Caravans, Wicklow
Choose between the Donkey Tour or the Wheelbarrow Tour. Collect your donkey or wheelbarrow and head to the pumpkin patch to choose your perfect pumpkin, then transport it back to the yard to take home. Along the way, enjoy the Spooky Farm Trail, Hocus Pocus Hay Barn and ghostly games.
For current dates, check the website.
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Galway Pumpkin Patch
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Galway Pumpkin Patch takes place on the Whelan family farm in Ardrahan, south Galway, and is one of the county’s most popular Halloween events. Check out the huge selection of pumpkins in every shape and size, plus Halloween decor and child-friendly games.
For current dates and tickets, check the booking page.
Kilkenny Pumpkin Picking
There’s pumpkin picking at Hughes Farm, Kells, Co. Kilkenny throughout October — wellies advised! Previous years have included a dedicated food area, a carnival shop and coffee area under cover, plus a kids’ entertainment zone, play area and digger zone.
For current dates and details, check the Facebook page.
Joe’s Farm, Cork
Better known for its crisps, Joe’s Farm opens up each October for visitors to pick pumpkins on a working farm. Tickets are usually purchased in advance, and picking goes ahead in all weathers, so dress for it.
For current dates and booking, check the website.
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The Farm Grenagh, Cork
At The Farm Grenagh in Grenagh, Co. Cork, you can visit the Pumpkin Patch in the Secret Garden and choose the pumpkin that’s right for you, then have the witches carve it while you enjoy some face painting. Help the Good Witch, Esmeralda, practise her spells for Halloween and make some sweet treats to take home.
For current dates and details, check the Facebook page.
Pumpkin Patch at Mollies Farm, Laois
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Come and pick your own pumpkin straight from the field, then design and carve it to keep the ghosts away this Halloween. Booking in advance is recommended.
For current dates and prices, check the Facebook page.
Maxwell’s Pumpkin Patch, Tyrone
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Explore this American-themed pumpkin patch in Castlederg, where you can pick your own pumpkin, grab a photo at the Witches’ Log Cabin, or pose alongside Rusty McTruck, a 1950s Ford pick-up. Travel through the maize maze, and keep an eye out for the friendly monster!
For current dates, check the Facebook page.
Clonfert Pet Farm, Kildare
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Pick your own pumpkin from the patch before carving it ready for the big night. You can also enjoy a fun fair, haunted house and more.
For current dates and tickets, check the Facebook page.
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Piltown Pumpkin Patch, Meath
Piltown Pumpkin Patch at Ballymad Farm in Co. Meath runs pumpkin-themed fun on weekends during October, including Halloween-themed photo opportunities, a woodland walk, plenty of pumpkins to choose from, and a great time with the family on the farm. A small selection of soft drinks and snacks is usually available to buy (cash only). Sensory-friendly sessions have run in previous years — check ahead if this matters for your family.
For current dates and details, check the Instagram page.
Secret Valley Wildlife Park, Wexford
Enter Scarecrow Valley, where you can enjoy a scarecrow village, pumpkin patch, corn maze, mystery adventure hunt, tractor rides and more.
For current dates, check the Facebook page.
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Nore Valley Park, Kilkenny
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Nore Valley Park runs a full family day of fun for Halloween. Pumpkin picking is usually included as part of normal farm entry, with pumpkins available to pick daily during daylight hours. Get creative and carve your pumpkin on the farm, or take it home with you.
For current details, check the Facebook page.
Killruddery House and Gardens, Wicklow
Pick and carve your very own pumpkin from the patch at Killruddery House and Gardens, and take part in their annual scarecrow competition through October.
For current dates, check the Facebook page.
Tinahely Farm, Wicklow
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Tinahely Farm gives kids the chance to pick their pumpkin in the run-up to Halloween. The children’s ticket typically includes a tractor run to the pumpkin patch, a pumpkin, hot chocolate, face painting and unlimited time in the activity barn.
For current dates and prices, check the Facebook page.
Funtasia, Drogheda, Co. Louth
Hop aboard the Pumpkin Express to be transported to the pumpkin patch of your dreams! Handpick and decorate your own pumpkin to take home, enjoy spooky tales and arts and crafts, sweet treats, and games to win prizes.
For current dates and times, check the Facebook page.
Rathwood, Tullow, Co. Carlow
Take a spooktacular train ride through the enchanted forest before arriving at the Rathwood Big Top for a Halloween panto. Afterwards, search for your perfect pumpkin in the pumpkin maze and visit the funfair — each child usually receives a hot chocolate.
For current dates, check the Facebook page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does pumpkin picking season start in Ireland?
Most pumpkin patches around Ireland open from late September or early October and run right through to Halloween, though exact opening dates vary from farm to farm. Always check the individual venue’s website or Facebook page closer to the time for their current season dates.
Do we need to book tickets in advance?
Many of the farms above ask visitors to book online in advance, especially for weekend slots, while others operate on a turn-up basis. Since this varies by venue and can change year to year, check the relevant link before you travel.
What should we bring or wear?
Most pumpkin patches are outdoors on working farmland, so wellies and warm, weatherproof clothing are a good idea whatever the forecast. Some farms proceed with picking in all weathers, so it’s worth checking in advance if you’re unsure.
Is pumpkin picking free?
Pricing varies widely between venues — some charge general admission, others charge per pumpkin, and some include picking as part of a wider Halloween event ticket. Check the current pricing on each farm’s own page before you go.
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- 14 Haunted Halloween Colouring Pages for Little Monsters
- 12 Not-so-Scary Halloween Games Perfect for Younger Kids
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Save This for Later
Planning pumpkin picking around school runs and other Halloween activities takes a bit of juggling — bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you have the list of farms and links handy when you’re ready to book.
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