Like it or not, it's time to get excited for Halloween.
Now, you may be thinking it's a little early yet to be thinking about pumpkin patches but given that several spots have already started selling tickets, and even have sold out dates on their hands, we think this is the
exact right time.
And sure why not? Autumn is by the far the most superior season (argue with the wall, I'll never change my mind on this); there's the return of pumpkin spice lattes, sweater weather, and of course, visiting pumpkin patches.
While we only have a handful of pumpkin patches in Dublin, there are plenty within an hour or two drive away that are well worth the journey out. So get busy booking, because slots will not be available for long.
Pumpkins After Dark
Location: Donabate
This immersive outdoor event features over 10,000 intricately hand-carved pumpkins, with visitors wandering through a one-of-a-kind pumpkin pathway.
The incredible displays feature classic Halloween scenes and fantastic new creations that are brought to life with synchronised music, sound effects, and special lighting.
Set to open October 3 in Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate, the event will take place on select dates between now and Halloween night.
Clonfert Pet Farm
Location: Kildare
A ticket includes entry to the
Clonfert Farm pumpkin patch, proudly listed in Ireland's Top 10 pumpkin patches.
This popular event takes place from Saturday, October 18th to Friday October 31st, a winner pumpkin patch with tons of time slots, particularly if you want to go more than once.
Tickets are onsale now. Clonfert Pet Farm is a 42 minute drive from Dublin.
Ballymad Farm Piltown Pumpkin Patch
Location: Meath
Piltown is described as a not so spooky pumpkin patch, for the little ones (and big ones) who don't love the scare aspect of Halloween. Instead you can expect a more soft approach to spooky season, and pick up your pumpkins without worrying there's an oncoming boo to fear.
Tickets have gone on sale for Piltown already, so don't stall too long if you want to make a journey there.
Check out all the info on their website. Piltown Pumpkin Patch is a 36 minute drive from Dublin City Centre
Alright Pumpkin
Location: Meath
Alright Pumpkin is based in Girley, Navan, with pumpkins starting at €5 depending on their size. You can also stock up on other autumnal vegetables to get yourself in the mood for the changing season.
Tickets have already gone on sale, costing €8pp, so don't stall if you're looking to go.
Alright Pumpkin is open for pumpkin picking between the 4th and 27th October. It's just under an hour drive from Dublin City Centre.
Papa’s Pumpkin Patch
Location: Oldtown
At Papa's Pumpkin Patch, there will be face painting, a straw maze, farm animals, as well as pumpkin picking.
Tickets have gone on sale already; a car load of people costs €40, which will entitle you to one pumpkin, but you can purchase more upon arrival.
Papa's Pumpkin Patch is a 30 minute drive outside of Dublin city centre.
Pumpkin and Fun at Navan Adventure Centre
Location: Meath
The pumpkin patch at Navan Adventure Centre is a great spot to go with friends or family to get into the Samhain spirit.
Navan Adventure Centre have
bookings available for October 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th and 27th. Each slot runs for three hours.
Kid tickets cost €20, and include a pumpkin, while adults tickets cost €11, and don't include a pumpkin. However your ticket includes a comedy variety show, an obstacle course, a Halloween disco, and tons more.
Navan Adventure Centre is based one hour from Dublin City Centre.
Clissmann Horse Caravans
Location: Wicklow
After roaring success last year,
Clissmann are back with their pumpkin patch with both their donkey or wheelbarrow guided tours.
Clissmann Horse Caravans hosts an annual pumpkin patch on their farm, and tickets are already on sale. You can opt for a donkey tour, where you'll be led through the pumpkin patch atop a donkey, or a wheelbarrow tour. Before all that you can use your chosen method of transport to explore spooky farm trails with Witches Wagons, a Fairy Forest, a Ghoulish Graveyard and Halloween Horses. Truly this is a must-try experience coming up to spooky season.
And to satiate you after an hour of family fun is their coffee dock; you can choose between tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.
A word of warning, they are booking up super fast, so do not delay if this sounds like a bit of you.
Clissmann Horse Caravans is based an hour and fifteen minutes from Dublin City Centre.
So there you go - which of these pumpkin patches near Dublin will you plan to visit?
Header images via Instagram / Clissmann Horse Caravans 
