Ark Farm Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled a list of questions we often get asked and answered each of them below

Do I need to book?

Pre-booking is strongly recommended to guarantee entry and receive our best ticket price. We may be unable to admit walk-in visitors when the farm is fully booked. Farm Entry dates can be booked up to three weeks in advance.. You can book your tickets here.

How do the arrival timeslots work?

Hourly arrival timeslots are available from 10am to 3pm. You can arrive at any point during your selected hour and stay until the farm closes at 5pm.

 

Is there a café?

Yes. Our Cottage Café is open every day, serving a delicious selection of hot and cold food and drinks. We also have our Horse Box coffee truck and our Ice Cream Hut for cool snacks, ice cream and drinks.  Click here to view our menus and find out more. The Horse Box coffee truck and Ice Cream Hut are open on select weekends and days during our peak season

Can I bring a picnic?

Absolutely! We have several picnic areas around the farm, including some under cover for those rainy days, so feel free to bring a picnic and make the most of your day out. Don’t panic if you don’t have time to make one or forget, we have a range of items that can be purchased from our Cottage Café that are perfect for picnics.

Do you accept card payments at the farm?

Yes, we accept both cash and card payments in the gift shop, café, and mobile catering units.

Does your Season Pass Operate all year round?

Our Season Pass runs from 7 February to 30 September, giving pass holders unlimited Farm Entry throughout spring, summer and early autumn.

Season Pass holders must still book each visit online. Log in to your account to access your tickets and bring your membership card when you visit.

Pass holders also receive priority booking and 15% off selected seasonal events, including Easter, Halloween and Christmas, plus 10% off in our café and gift shop.

Full details can be found here

Is there parking available on-site?

Yes, we have two car parks. One at the main entrance to the farm and one larger car park beside it.

Are Gift Vouchers available for purchase?

Yes. Please click here for more information on our Gift Vouchers

How do I redeem my gift voucher?

What are your Farm Entry ticket age groups?

Our standard Farm Entry tickets are:

  • Adult: aged 18+
  • Child: aged 3–17
  • Toddler: aged 1–2
  • Baby: under one

Babies under one visit free and do not need a ticket. All children must be accompanied and supervised by someone aged 18+.

What is included with a child or toddler ticket?

Child and toddler Farm Entry tickets each include one Quad Barrel Ride.

Why are the tickets cheaper to purchase online than on the gate?

Booking online in advance is cheaper because it helps us plan better and reduces our operational costs. We can predict visitor numbers, schedule staff more efficiently, and avoid the extra administrative work of processing payments at the gate. These savings get passed on to you as a discount.

Plus, advance booking guarantees your entry on busy days when we might otherwise reach capacity and have to turn walk-ins away.

Do you have indoor areas for rainy days?

The majority of our farm is outdoors, however we do have our two main animal barns, covered areas in the Fairytale Forest, the tractor shed, the Reptile Room, our cafe and gift shop that are entirely sheltered and perfect for hiding from a rain shower! Our tractor ride is also covered.

Do you host birthday parties or private events?

Yes, please click here for more information on this.

What payment methods do you accept?

Cash and card payments are accepted at the shop, cafe, and all kiosks.

Is there a refund policy if I need to cancel my booking?

Tickets to the farm are non-refundable, however we know that plans change or something crops up unexpectedly. If you are unable to make your visit please get in touch with us at least 24 hours beforehand and we can postpone your visit for another time or issue a gift voucher for the value of your booking.

Is the farm wheelchair/buggy accessible?

Yes. The majority of our paths are accessible by buggy or wheelchair. Our tractor ride is wheelchair accessible and can even accommodate taking a buggy on-board the journey with us. 

WHEN DO EVENT TICKETS GO ON SALE?

Keep an eye on our social channels and sign up to our newsletter for updates on when our very popular event tickets go on sale.

CAN WE GET PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO THE FARM?

Yes, the farm is located between Bangor and Newtownards and Bangor rail & bus station are located nearby.  The Bangor to Newtownards bus, (Number 6) stops close to the farm near the Somme Heritage Centre. Please note that if travelling Bangor to Newtownards the stop is on the far side of the dual carriageway and a taxi would be recommended to avoid crossing the carriageway. We’re looking forward to the local council putting in an overpass to solve this issue moving forward.

Who is the concession ticket for?

Concession tickets are available to visitors aged 60+ and students. Please bring valid proof of age or student ID.

Who is the carer's ticket for?

An essential carer is entitled to free entry when accompanying a visitor (adult or child) who requires care and has purchased a full-price admission ticket.

The carer must be attending specifically to support the named visitor during their visit. Proof of carer status and the visitor’s eligibility will be requested during the checkout process or on arrival.

What proof do i need to provide when booking the carer's ticket?

We ask for proof of carer’s capacity whether that’s proof that the person requires a carer, or if the carer themselves receive carer’s allowance. We would also accept a DLA letter, or similar documentation as proof.

You can also enter your Access Card details to unlock the Essential Companion Ticket

Are dogs permitted into the farm?

We welcome guide and assistance dogs to the farm by prior arrangement.

For animal welfare reasons and to control potential disease transmission, we do not permit pet dogs into the farm.

What do I need to bring on the day?

Please show your booking confirmation email when you arrive. Season Pass holders should also bring their membership card.

Don’t forget socks for our Jumping Pillows! During Foam Party season (July & August), we also recommend bringing towels and a change of clothes and footwear. Wellies are useful during wet weather.

Do you take part in the bank of ireland open farm weekend?

No. This is a weekend intended for farms who aren’t usually open to the public.  You can visit us any time! We do not take part in this event.

Why are Farm Entry prices lower in summer 2026?

 

We are passing on the Government’s temporary VAT reduction through lower Farm Entry prices for visits from 25 June to 1 September 2026 inclusive. The reduced price is applied automatically when you select an eligible date.

If you can’t find your answer below, please feel free to email us via the button below.