HERITAGE HOT SPOTS: What is it?Glendeer Pet Farm is a six-acre open farm in the heart of the midlands run by the O'Connell family. An additional six acres, open during the summer, has a nature walk through fields and along historic paths.
Why visit?
It can be a great way for children who live in towns and cities to experience farm animals close up. A wide range of animals live on the farm, from goats, cows and sheep to the more exotic emus, llamas, alpacas, wallabies and monkeys. Children can feed the larger animals, and see pheasants, turkeys, ducks, geese and hens roaming freely in the farmyard.
Why now?
The farm is decorated with winter scenes and lights galore, as well as Christmas-themed cabins, an animated snow scene, a Santa’s Workshop and a “Winter Wonderland” where children can run around as snow falls around them.
Santa and his two of his reindeer, Dancer and Prancer, are also in residence. Children can cuddle kittens, puppies, rabbits and guinea pigs on their way to meet the big man in red. There is also a nativity crib with a donkey and newborn calf.
How do I get there?
Glendeer Pet Farm is in Curryroe, Drum, Athlone, Co Roscommon. Take exit 13 (for Tuam) off the M6 and follow the signs for Drum.
The farm is open every day until December 23rd, between 4pm and 7pm from Monday to Friday and between 3pm and 7pm on Saturday and Sunday. After that it is open daily from March 17th to September 30th and at Halloween. Christmas admission costs €16 for children (including a visit to Santa) and €8 for adults. Normal admission is €8 per person. Call 0906-437147or see glendeerpetfarm.ie.
