This coming June, the Leahy’s Open Farm team will be opening their much anticipated ice-cream and chocolate factory to the public, where their homemade treats will be on sale along with a whole host of other sweets, ranging from crepes, waffles and also a chocolate fountain!
In talking to Teresa Leahy, it is clear to see that this latest development is a great source of pride and excitement for the Leahy family
“We really cannot wait to open the doors. It’s been a long time coming and so much time, work and effort has gone into not only building the factory, but also upskilling and educating ourselves to ensure our products are of the highest quality. We’re always looking to the future and how we can be more innovative – this is only the start!”
This new building will also be an outlet to expand their groups, corporate days out, communions and confirmations, as it will enable them to offer a private setting for these functions. They also have so many exciting activities going on for the Summer, which makes it the perfect family friendly destination!
Each day on the farm they have three daily petting times at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm, where the kids get the opportunity to hold a snake, meet the bunnies and guinea pigs, feed the alpacas and milk Mags the goat! As well, at 4pm daily they milk Maisy the cow – who supplies all the milk for the ice-cream and chocolate – with the help of the boys and girls that visit the farm.
A huge hit with families has been the pig racing, all of whom have extremely creative names, such as Chris P. Bacon, Streaky and Smokey! In addition there are dog agility displays, which see Kylie Harpur and her two well trained collies, Indie and Charlie, go through the challenging obstacle course of see-saws, tunnels and jumps!
Kylie is also a dab hand at the banjo and baking, so regularly does sing songs and bake by the open fire in the old cottage on the farm.
People travel far and wide to have a go on the JCB mini-diggers, that are specially adapted, so that even a child can safely operate it – although some mammies and daddies are more excited by this than the kids!
There is also a museum, maze, crazy golf, zip-line, go karts and so much more! But, despite all those activities, the kids just love the old fire engine on the farm!
Finally, as well as the Ice Cream & Chocolate Factory they also have a fully equipped café where they serve hot food, sandwiches, tea, coffee etc – although picnics are welcome too! This area is adjoined by a gift shop and indoor soft play area.
For more information, visit leahysopenfarm.ie or call 083 848 8142.
