Four of the witchiest Cork pumpkin patches to visit this October

Carve out some time in your diary
Now that our last fling with the summer heat has come to an end we can finally start focusing on the important stuff, like cosy jumpers, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and, of course, picking pumpkins.
The US trend of pumpkin picking has firmly found its way to Irish shores and with the air turning crisp, it’s the perfect family-friendly activity — from scoping out the perfect homegrown pumpkin to sampling the hot refreshments to getting some gorgeous photo ops.
And let’s not forget the chance to make your own jack-o-lantern for your front steps, or going all Rachel Allen and making a soup, stew, or pie with your bounty.
Here are some Cork Instagram-worthy patches for your perfect pic.
Just remember, leave the pooch at home as dogs aren’t allowed in the pumpkin patches, and dress appropriately for the Irish weather.
Joe’s Farm, Killeagh
A stalwart of the occasion, every year Joe’s Farm in Killeagh welcomes visitors to learn a little about farming and pick their very own pumpkin to take home. Tickets — pickers are €22 and non-pickers €7.50 — are available here, with the pumpkin patch open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout October.
FYI: Wellies are essential.
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Field of Dreams’ Pick-A-Pumpkin Festival, Curraheen
Taking place at the Field of Dreams, the Pick-A-Pumpkin Festival is a lovely spooktacular event in Curraheen.
It includes a Haunted Cabin and Photo Booth, arts and crafts and even a Guess the Pumpkin Weight competition and takes place over two Sundays – October 8th and 15th — and tickets are €20 for pickers and €5 for non-pickers. Or get a family ticket for €32.50 with children under two going free.
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Leahy’s Open Farm, Dungourney
You can pick and carve your pumpkin at Leahys Open Farm as part of its Halloween event Boo!, running from Saturday, October 22nd to Tuesday, October 31st.
There will also be haunted hay rides and a witches’ forest — perfect spooky fun. Entry to the farm, which is located a few miles from Dungourney, is included in your Boo ticket, which you can get here. It’s €22 per person (under twos go free) and pumpkin picking and carving is an additional €5 per pumpkin.
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The Farm, Grenagh
Spread across 40 acres, The Farm in Grenagh will see you walking the trails to their pumpkin patch… but watch out for the witches in the barn.
There’s also a barrel ride to try and, of course, the farm walk complete with a petting zoo. Tickets can be nabbed here — €18 for children, €10 for adults, and €5 for under twos — for weekends throughout October.
It kicks off on October 7th and also runs on Monday, October 30th and Tuesday, October 31st.
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