Rathbaun Farm
Rathbaun Farm is situated in a rural area of Southwest County Galway in Ardrahan. The Burke and Connolly family have been farming the 80 acres of land for over 200 years and Fintan Connolly continues this tradition today. On Rathbaun farm the main livestock are sheep, with some cows and horses.One of the few farms in the country to stock all of the 7 breeds of animal native to Ireland.
Visitors to Rathbaun Farm will become enchanted by its thatched cottage home, turf fire, stone walls and an array of animals.
Time spent here gives a glimpse into the daily workings of a sheep-farm with plenty of time to see the animals,you are also invited to hand feed the new lambs which are in plentiful supply between March and November and talk to the family and explore the farmyard.
The farm is nestled in the west of Ireland with the Slieve Aughty Mountains to the South and the Atlantic Ocean to the West. A wonderful setting for a wonderful family experience!
Activities On Rathbaun Farm
- Scone Making
Don the apron, roll up your sleeves, and follow the step-by-step instructions of the Frances and the farmhouse cooks. Mix the ingredients and knead the dough to make your very own delicious scones. Take a visit down to the farm with Fintan, while your scones are cooking, and when you return, smell and taste your culinary creation when it comes out baked from the farmhouse oven. Enjoy with fresh cream and preserves and a delicious cup of tea or coffee and you’ll be eager to show off your new talent when you return home!
- Fintan’s Farm Tour
During a visit to Rathbaun Farm there are many opportunities for everyone to experience farm life. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and participate along the way. Fintan will talk about the animals and give an insight into the daily chores of a rural farmer.
- Sheep Shearing
Sheep are sheared coming into the summer months. Fintan will give a skilled demonstration of this task. Years of hard work make it look all too easy.
- Rounding up the Sheep
Fintan is joined by Buff, Rathbaun’s very own Border Collie, a valuable member of staff who will help him round up the sheep from various corners of the field.
- Feeding The Lambs
Plenty of oohs! and aahs! as tiny lambs toddle out to be hand-fed with bottles of milk. This is a necessary part of farm life but a truly remarkable, fun experience for visitors of all ages.
Opening Times For The Farm
Times vary from day to day. Please call Frances to arrange farm visit. 353 91 635385
Rathbaun Farm Admission
During opening times independent visitors are welcome to visit the farm. Please call Frances well in advance i.e 24 hours to arrange a suitable time.
- Visit Only:-
- Morning Coffee/ Afternoon Tea & Visit:-
- Lunch & Visit:-
Groups
- Visit Only:-
- Morning Coffee/Afternoon Tea & Visit:-
- Lunch & Visit:-
Groups are welcome to Rathbaun Farm year round. Booking can be made directly or with your local tour operator or travel agent. A group tour of the farm takes 1 hour 15 minutes including a guided tour of the farm and refreshments be it morning coffee or lunch.
For Tour operators with groups with early arrivals at Shannon Airport can have sit down breakfast at Rathbaun Farm.
Directions To Rathbaun Farm
- From Dublin:
Take the M4 out of Dublin towards Galway. At Kinnegad take the N6 to Galway.
Follow all signs for Galway until your pass through Ballinasloe and Loughrea. After Loughrea travel on to the village of Craughwell. As you pass through the village watch out for “Cawley’s Pub” on the left hand side of the approach road. Turn left here – the signpost says “Ardrahan”. Follow on a straight stretch of road under a railway bridge and turn left at the next cross-roads. Farm is well signposted from here. Continue for 1 ½ miles. Farm is situated on a “little road” to the right. It is well signposted.
- From Galway:
Leaving Galway city take the N18 south.
Follow the signs for Limerick, by passing Oranmore en route. You will pass through Clarinbridge and Kilcolgan. Travel on to Ardrahan. In Ardrahan make a left turn. Travel on for 1 ½ miles to cross-roads and go straight through. Continue for approx. 1 mile. The farm is situated on a little road to the right and well signposted.
- From Limerick/Shannon:
From Limerick take the N18 north to Galway. Follow road signs for Galway as far as Ardrahan. Towns you pass through en route are, ClareCastle, Ennis, Gort. In Ardrahan turn right. Continue for approx. 1 ½ miles until you reach a cross-roads. Continue straight through for about 1 mile until you turn right on to a little road. Signpost for “Rathbaun Farm” at the head of the road.
