Many only associate the brilliant Causey Farm with the yearly Farmaphobia event, but this is far from a ‘one-horse’ business.
With connections to the Kings of Meath a thousand years ago, the Murtagh family are intrinsically linked to this corner of County Meath.
The family now call Causey Farm home, and they invite you to discover their remarkable kingdom via a plethora of brilliant events, activities and, of course, their Christmas experience.
In the guide below, you’ll find why a visit to Causey Farm is one of the more popular things to do in Meath. Dive on in!
Some quick need-to-know before you visit Causey Farm
Although a visit to Causey Farm is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Causey Farm is nestled between the R154 and R164, just below the Girley Bog. It’s a 10-minute drive from Kells, a 20-minute drive from Navan and a 50-minute drive from both Drogheda and Dublin Airport.
2. Heaps of things to do
Causey Farm isn’t your usual farm with livestock. Instead, it’s an all-encompassing enterprise that encourages visitors to reconnect with agricultural and to embrace often-forgotten skills. Visitors can get hands-on with baking brown bread, watch a sheepdog demonstration, learn how to cut turf and much, much more (see below).
3. Annual events
Aside from the everyday activities on the farm, Causey Farm also hosts a whole calendar full of special events throughout the year. The Causey Farm Christmas events and, yes, the Causey Farm Ice Cream adventure are two of the more popular.
4. Booking needed
Causey Farm does require a bit of forward planning, as it’s not open to the general public as an ‘Open Farm’. As such, all activities and events must be pre-booked, and this can be done via their online booking system on the Causey Farm website.
Things to do at Causey Farm
One of the reasons that people from all walks of life flock to Causey Farm is due to the sheer volume of things there are to see and do here.
From the Causey Farm Halloween events to Santa, hen parties and more, there’s endless things to see and do.
1. Farmaphobia
Ireland’s biggest Halloween event, Farmaphobia is bound to terrify even the bravest of visitors. Spread out over 100 acres of fear, there are zombies from World War II waiting to feast upon you, so escape them if you can!
But be careful where you wander, there’s chainsaw carrying evil clowns, and the Baker family’s murder maize waiting to lure you to your doom… Understandably, Farmaphobia is a very popular event, so online bookings are the best way to ensure your enjoyment.
2. Causey Farm Christmas
Young of age or young at heart, it matters not as everyone will enjoy a Causey Farm Christmas this year! Visit Santa’s home and see what Mrs Claus is packing for his big trip. You can even slide down into the workshop where the toys are made, and play with them before they’re wrapped up!
When you’re ready, wander on through the Elves’ door and into Santa’s Parlour to regain your energy. But don’t make too much noise, or you might miss hearing that all-important rumble by the fireplace… Don’t leave without stopping by the reindeer and cheer them on for the busy night ahead.
3. Pooka Spooka
Get your scariest face on and head down to Causey Farm for their annual Pooka Spooka spectacular! With a mirror maze to lose yourself in, a magician and hayride to keep you entertained, there’s also a scarecrow corn maze, broomstick rides, limb throwing, and traditional games and crafts galore.
When it’s time to wind yourself down, you can settle down for the storytelling, just remember not to get too spooked! If you’re not familiar with the Irish ghost, see our guide to the Puca.
4. Farm activities
Ever wondered what it’s like living and working on a real farm? Well, wonder no more! At Causey Farm you can get hands-on with traditional activities, just climb on board the tractor and head out to cut some turf.
Or you can head over to the dairy to milk some of their cows. You can always help the farm dog, Chip, to round up her woolly companions, or apply some domestic science and bake brown bread in the farm’s kitchens.
5. Hen parties and team-building
If your special day is coming up, you can always do something a little different and spend your hen party with some… hens. Causey Farm offers brides-to-be and her side-chicks an itinerary that’s clucking amazing.
Poultry jokes aside, they cater for hen parties of between ten and fifty, and activities can include milking, baking, music, and animal antics – everything a farmer’s wife masters in her everyday life. Wellies and laughter are to be expected, and memories are assured.
6. Cultural activities
Always wanted to learn, or practice, you Gaeilge (that’s Irish for Irish!), well you’re in luck! Not only that, but you can also learn some authentic dancing at a céili in the old stone barn, or pick up a beater and take a few lessons on playing a bodhrán – the heartbeat of all traditional Irish music.
If you still have energy to burn, why not get geared up and take to the field to play a game of hurling, dubbed the fastest ball sport in the world.
8. Easter events
At the opposite end of the year is Easter, and Easter at Causey Farm is a very special time of year. With activities like egg painting, carrot planting, eggciting eggsperiments, and all the usual fun of Causey Farm you’re bound to leap into Spring with a smile.
Don’t forget to stop by the new arrivals, there’s going to be lots of lambs, calves, chickens, rabbits, and piglets making their big arrivals into the world. You can also explore the Easter Bunny’s house, and see if you can find his supply of Easter eggs!
Things to do nearby
One of the beauties of Causey Farm is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Meath.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Causey Farm.
1. Girley Bog Walk (8-minute drive)
The Girley Bog Walk is one of my favourite walks in Meath. The environment is unique, and takes approximately 1-1.5 hours to complete, and covers around 5.6kms/3.5mi. The trail is way marked and is relatively level with only slight inclines. Wearing sturdy footwear is recommended, and it’s worth noting there are no amenities on site.
2. Kells Round Tower (10-minute drive)
Part of the Kells Abbey and St Columba’s Churchyard, the round tower in Kells is located near the main gate and is easily accessible from the curbside. There’s street parking nearby, and the churchyard also contains four of the five High Crosses of Kells, the fifth is close by at the Old Court House Heritage Centre.
3. The Spire of Lloyd (14-minute drive)
Just outside of Kells, the the Spire of Lloyd at the People’s Park is well worth visiting. The heritage structure is a 30-metre high tower and is accessible to climb on Bank holiday Mondays, with an amazing view from the top, nearby is an historic Pauper’s Graveyard for victims of the Great Famine.
4. Loughcrew Cairns (25-minute drive)
Erected around the same time as Stonehenge, these Neolithic burial chambers at Loughcrew contain impressive stone carvings and rock paintings that date back to 3000 BCE. The Cairns were once known as the Hills of the Witch, and visitors can explore them either on their own or as part of a guided tour.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.