Grow South Antrim

Clementsmount Fun Farm is in a spin, over its latest attractions.

Situated outside Crumlin the farm has been in existence for over 30 years but just ten years ago business owner, Breidge McAlister combined operating the working farm with running a children's nursery. From this a Fun Farm developed where the family's passion for farming combined with Breidge's love of the outdoors and caring for children.  Now the business is a successful day out attraction, welcoming almost 5,000 individuals and groups per year. 

From the moment you arrive at the fun farm it is evident that there is something to suit everyone.  Breidge commented "Visitors have the opportunity to see and even hold some of the smaller animals such as the rabbits, guinea pigs and chicks in the petting barn, the children love this experience and it was this that sparked the idea to invest in the equipment to make this a mobile animal petting service and take the animals to schools and community groups which could not come to us". 

During the spring the farm gives visitors the chance to bottle feed the lambs as well as seeing the ducks, hens, cows, sheep goats, ponies and pigs in the fields. Your action packed day at the farm can also include a pony ride, a race around the track on the pedal go karts, a game of mini golf, our jumping pillow, trampolines, a game of football and a barrel train ride. You can take the trim trail challenge to test your skills of balance and co-ordination to the limit, there is even a chance to explore the indoor soft barn, find your way through the three dimensional maze and explore the  new and exciting toddler play equipment. 

Breidge saw a niche in the activity market to introduce Zorbing on the Fun Farm, with Human Hamster balls, an activity which would target teenagers, groups and parents to visit and join in the fun.  Having applied for funding from the Rural Development programme in the past to set up the Fun Farm, Breidge approached GROW South Antrim for assistance to purchase the activity equipment to help her grow her business and purchase the Zorb balls and invest in the additional facilities which included the mobile animal petting service, toddler equipment and climbing frames.  A total investment of £3,264 was awarded from the Local Action Group GROW South Antrim under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme, which is part funded by the European Union. 

Breidge went on to add  "We have invested in a range of new equipment which really does offer a family day out, an experience for everyone from adults and children to get involved in and enjoy themselves, and after all this activity you may need to take a seat and a well deserved rest in the tearooms and enjoy some of our home cooked treats".

Date Posted: 03 May 2012