Dovecote Open Farm

The working farm sits just outside Newry, a proper hands-on place where you can actually get stuck in rather than just gawp at things from a distance. Animals roam freely - sheep, goats, chickens, the lot - and you're welcome to feed and handle them, which keeps children occupied for a good two or three hours, easily.

It's the sort of place that works brilliantly if you've got young kids who need to burn energy and see where food actually comes from, rather than assuming it materialises in Tesco. The farm experience is genuine, not sanitised - you'll see how a working operation actually runs. Staff know their stuff and aren't just going through the motions.

If you're staying at Kilbroney Caravan Park nearby, this makes an easy half-day outing. Close enough that you're not spending hours driving, far enough that it feels like a proper excursion. The Mourne countryside around here is lovely for walking, so you could combine it with a stroll afterwards.

Bring a change of clothes - wellies are essential, and kids absolutely will get mucky. The farm doesn't charge entry fees in the traditional sense; it's donation-based for most areas, though specific activities like pony rides may have their own cost. Check ahead before you visit, as farm operations can shift seasonally. Best visited in warmer months when the animals are more active and the muddy bits are manageable.