You can now book a private farm experience party!
About Us
The Drake Family Farm
Anne, William, Dara and Ava welcome you to Ballyhoura Farm Escape and Houndscourt Estate. Located on a historic 120-acre site and home to the hounds of nearby Castle Oliver in the 1800's. We are the third generation of Drakes to take care of this land and we are proud of our truly unique location in the heart of Ballyhoura Country with the Ballyhoura Mountains as our backdrop and the crystal clear waters of the Molanna river flowing through our working beef farm.
The perfect setting for a mindful escape
Our Farm Experiences
Farm Visits
What's Involved
What's Involved
Our farm will open on Sunday's.
We open for the 2026 season on Sunday the 3rd of May and will welcome guests until Halloween. You can book directly on the link below.
What's Involved
What's Involved
What's Involved
A visit to our farm experience includes meeting our friendly animals and feeding time - each guest is provided with a bag of animal food. Enjoy the fairy forest and playground area. Bring your own picnic or purchase from our on-site tuck shop.
Pricing
What's Involved
Pricing
We charge per person for each visit. Unfortunately we cannot facilitate group pricing at the moment. We offer free parking with each booking. The cost per person is 10 euro - whether adult or child.
Private Events
School Tours
Alpaca Trekking
School Tours
We welcome school tours from March to November. Depending on your class size, we offer private tours for large classes or shared experiences for smaller classes.
Price per child is 10 euro, teachers and carers are free. We can accommodate parking for up to mid-size coaches.
Parties
Alpaca Trekking
School Tours
We love to host birthday parties, yoga classes and other special occasions. These are available on Saturday only. We offer two time slots: 11am - 1pm and 3-5pm.
Price per person is 10 euro (adult or child). Complimentary access for birthday child.
Alpaca Trekking
Alpaca Trekking
Alpaca Trekking
30-minute alpaca trekking experience.
Meet and greet our Peruvian alpacas, learn about their diet, habits and their individual personalities. Take your individual alpaca by the lead for a guided walk through Houndscourt forest and estate.
15 euro per person, over 10s only.
Accommodation
Studio Room
Complimentary Farm Tour
Ballyhoura Trails
Boutique family-friendly accommodation, offering private en-suite room within the Drake family home which can accommodate up to 4 people across a double and two single beds. Comes equipped with a mini self-catering area and welcome basket.
Ballyhoura Trails
Complimentary Farm Tour
Ballyhoura Trails
Ballyhoura Mountain Biking tailhead is located a short 5-minutes drive from Ballyhoura Farm Escape. Ideal for adults and children alike, with a variety of beginner and advanced trails and on-site mountain bike rental.
Complimentary Farm Tour
Complimentary Farm Tour
Complimentary Farm Tour
All guests to Ballyhoura Farm Escape receive a complimentary farm tour. Join us each morning as we feed the animals, learn their personalities and habits and relax in our fairy forest with playground and picnic area.
BFE Social Farming
Get hands-on experience at our farm
Both Anne and William Drake are qualified social farmers and they love to welcome guests to participate in hands-on farming experiences.
Meet our extended farm family including falabella ponies, kune kune pigs, pigmy goats, sheep, giant Flemish rabbits and free-range hens and ducks who live alongside our Peruvian alpacas.