A perfect family day out which also supports a fantastic charity
The words ‘hidden gem’ are often thrown about too flippantly these days – but when it comes to a family day out, this urban farm truly is just that.
Carrickfergus Urban Farm was established in 1998 by Kilcreggan Homes, an independent charity based that provides housing, day and employment opportunities for adults with a Learning Disability, an autistic spectrum condition or an acquired brain injury.
Considered the “best kept secret” in the area, groups, individuals and families can visit Carrickfergus Urban Farm and Garden centre for free to see up close the pet goats, pigs, pony, poultry, waterfowl, geese and small pets.
The farm was the idea of Linda Bennett, who was a tenant at Kilcreggan, after she discovered that spending time caring for animals made her feel good.
Knowing others would benefit too, she was motivated to create the much-loved community space where service users can engage in therapeutic activities and demonstrate their skills, passion, and knowledge for what they do.
The farm space was originally an old, derelict site but was improved and made more accessible following a successful grant from Ulster Garden Villages for £70,000.
It was then passed to Kilcreggan by Carrickfergus Council for a peppercorn rent of £1 per year for 100 years.
Open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm, it is only a short 25-minute drive in the car from Belfast along the shores of Belfast Lough.
If a free, fun, family day out with plenty of lovely animals to pet and meet isn’t enough, the site also features buzzing social enterprises, including a beautiful garden centre and delicious cafe for a lovely browse or a bite to eat.
The Dancing Goat Cafe, located onsite, is a perfect spot to refuel after a busy day on the farm and also support the fantastic work the charity does with people with learning difficulties in the area.
You break the bank to make special memories this summer, so why not add Carrickfergus Urban Farm and Garden Centre to your list – not only for the free family magic, but also to support the amazing work that Kilcreggan do.
To find out more about the farm, see here
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