Lisduff Adventure Farm, outside Errill village, will open on October 27. Rosaleen and John Fairbrother are behind the €200,000 venture which has been grant-aided by Laois Partnership Company.

Set on 150 acres of land, divided into an organic suckler farm, an extensive forestry plantation and a bog, the adventure farm is the latest addition to the family’s enterprises. The family home on the farm, already incorporates a childminding facility. The idea for the adventure farm stemmed mainly from the childminding business, according to Rosaleen Fairbrother. “We noticed an opening in the market for children’s summer camps and a lack of adventure activity-based opportunities for children and families,” she said. “We researched the  market and noted that our area had no facility that offered indoor play and outdoor activities and we felt we could try and see how we could possibly start this business in our area,” said John.

Facilities

When Lisduff Adventure Farm opens at the end of September, facilities will include an indoor play facility which includes an obstacle course on split levels, slides, bouncing castles, ball shooters and cannon. “Our outdoor area consists of crazy golf; a pet farm with calves; a goat; sheep; pigs; a donkey; a pony; rabbits; guinea pigs; ducks and many other animals. It will also include a go kart area, play grounds, a mini farm, a pond, picnic  areas and a barrel train,” Rosaleen said. Lisduff Adventure Farm will open 51 weeks a year, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A coffee shop is part of the offering. “Our vision is one for families looking for entertainment for the children in a safe yet entertaining environment while adults can relax and enjoy all the amenities,” said Rosaleen.

Tours and Halloween and Christmas Camps

The Fairbrothers will cater for school and pre-school tours. “We will be offering our birthday party experience to those booking birthday parties. There will also be camps throughout the year including summer, Easter and Halloween. These will give children the opportunity to experience a real working farm as well as all the activities organised to keep them active and entertained,” said Rosaleen. Packages for boys’ and girls’ brigades and scouts will be available. Facilities include shower rooms and changing rooms.

The festive spirit will be strong at Lisduff Adventure Farm, with Santa in situ throughout November and December. The Santa experience will feature a Santa train; a polar express route through the woods encountering all the farms features en route to the Santa cabin where Mrs Claus and all the working elves will meet and greet. Children will then get to meet Santa Claus, get their photo taken with him and receive a gift. They can then play indoors at the coffee shop while parents stock up on festive foods.

Future exapnsion

The Fairbrothers have started work of one element of the future expansion to be completed over the coming year. “We will be offering a challenge mud and obstacle laden course specially designed by C.A.M.P. – Cheshire Adventure Motivation Project, an official charity that provides outdoor challenges for people with high level of physical disability – to challenge those from a high level of fitness to beginner, with proceeds of this going to C.A.M.P.,” said Rosaleen.

Why not come along to the free opening on Sunday – for more details and directions for to www.lisduffadventurefarm.ie