tayto park crisp tour

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Tayto Factory

Tandragee Castle Main Street, Tandragee, County, Armagh BT62 2AB

www.tayto.com

(028) 3884 0249

[email protected]

Tayto Castle in the Ulster countryside is where the terrific Tayto crisps are made. The castle is over 500 years old and was originally the home of the O’Hanlon clan, one of the mightiest and most powerful clans in all of Ireland. In 1619 King James I of England confiscated the castle from the O’Hanlon’s because they took part in a rebellion against Hugh O’Neill in County Tyrone. The ruins of the property were then passed into the hands of other families and became the home of the Duke of Manchester in the 1800’s.

In 1955 the castle needed repair and was bought by a visionary local businessman, Thomas Hutchinson. In 1956, he had the clever idea to make a new potato product called crisps, and started making Tayto crisps, creating one of the world’s best loved brands of crisps and snacks. Tayto became one of the first companies to sell different flavours of crisps with Smoky Bacon and Prawn Cocktail being two of the most popular as well as Cheese and Onion.

On the Tayto Factory Tour visitors will get the opportunity to meet Mr Tayto and experience the full magic of Tayto and see how our fantastic crisps and snacks are made. Pre-booking is required.

An enduring feature of Tayto has been Mr. Tayto, the brand’s lovable mascot. He’s a well-known and well-loved face across Northern Ireland and has travelled all over the world promoting Tayto, starring in many of his own advertisements.

Tours are conducted on Monday to Thursday 10.30am & 1.30pm and Friday at 10.30am only. The factory is closed on public holidays e.g. Christmas, Easter, May Day Bank Holiday and 12th July etc.

A Guide To Emerald Park: Home Europe’s Largest Wooden Rollercoaster

By Author Gillian Birch

Posted on Last updated: January 2, 2024

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Meath , look no further than Emerald Park (previously called Tayto Park).

Located in Ashbourne and home to Europe’s largest wooden rollercoaster, Emerald Park has something for young and old alike.

There’s also a 5D cinema, an Extreme Climbing Wall, Fossett’s Circus, Nisan Driving School and a zoo, too!

In the guide below, you’ll find everything from opening hours to the various things to do at Emerald Park.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about Emerald Park

Although a visit to Emerald Park is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Emerald Amusement Park is located at Kilbrew, Ashbourne in a rural area in Meath. It’s 28km northwest of Dublin via the N2/M2 and within easy reach of Navan and Drogheda . It is served by Bus Éireann 103 and 105 services daily.

2. Endless things to do

Emerald Park has a full range of exciting rides and things to do so you can easily fill a whole day here. Thrilling rides include the Shot Tower and Windstar, Air Race, Endeavour and gentler rides such as the Grand Carousel for young visitors. More on this below.

3. Europe’s largest wooden rollercoaster

One of the big draws to Emerald Park is the Cú Chulainn Coaster – the first ever roller coaster in Ireland and the largest wooden roller coaster with an inversion in the whole of Europe. The name refers to a mythological warrior in Ireland’s history. Are you brave enough to follow in his quest?

About Emerald Park

Photos via Emerald Park on FB

Opened in November 2010, Emerald Park is Irelands’s only theme park with something to suit all ages. Designed by Stewart and Sinnott Architects, it cost €8.5 million and was named after the popular brand of potato crisps – Tayto. It is now one of Ireland’s most popular attractions with over 750,000 visitors every year.

The initial investment is nothing compared to the €26 million investment adding new rides in 2015 including the thrilling Cu Chulainn Caoster. The park covers 22 hectares and is American themed with a Native Amierican village, a zoo, adventure playground, splash zone, live magic shows, a cucus and lots of roller coasters and other adrenaline rides.

Some rides have a height restrictions and are suitable for older kids and adults. However, the Junior Zone has plenty of thrills and fun. The most popular rides at Emerald Park include the Ladybird Loop, Shot Tower, the intense upside down Air Race, which is a dizzying ride for daredevils, as is the Power Surge.

Similar to an inverted coaster ride, Endeavor leaves you dangling. For those looking for a scare, the Rotator will do the trick! Everyone should enjoy the Steam Train Express Ride around the park. You’ll get a soaking on the Viking Voyage which has excellent themeing and plenty of wild rapids.

Popular things to do at the Emerald Park Theme Park

One of the reasons that a visit to Emerald Park is so popular is due to the sheer volume of things there are to see and do there.

Below, you’ll find some of the amusement park’s most popular attractions, from the Cú Chulainn Coaster to the climbing wall.

1. The Cú Chulainn Coaster

The Cu Chulainn Coaster is the most popular ride at Tatyo and is the park’s biggest ride. It opened in 2015 and cost €8.5 million. Cu Chulainn remains Ireland’s only wooden roller coaster.

It rises to 32m (105 feet) before dropping, diving and navigating some tight turns along the way. It is over a 1,092 m in length and reaches speeds of 90kmh /56 mph.

It can carry 700 riders at a time on this 2.45 minute long ride. It is based on the heroic Irish mythical figure of Cu Chulainn and his image is emblazoned on the front of the train.

2. The Extreme Climbing Wall

Located in the All Access Zone, the Extreme Climbing Wall is exactly “what it says on the tin”. This complex 21m high structure offers multiple routes to the top with a series of hand and foot holds.

Ideal for adventurers and would-be mountaineers, it tests your strength and agility, as well as your head for heights. Climbers are attached to a safety rope and are provided with a hard hat.

3. The Sky Glider

Close to Dinosaurs Alive, Sky Glider recreates a gliding experience through the clouds. It’s the first ride of its kind in Europe and has two zip line tracks that intertwine.

Twist and soar through the air and conquer the blue or yellow line on this thrilling ride. All this at speeds of up to 40km/h. It stands 23 metres high and is over 120 metres long. Minimum rider height is 1.3 m.

4. The Sky Walk

Adventurers who are up for a challenge will want to try the Sky Walk . Climbers must conquer a series of obstacles and bridges while high above the ground on an open structure of bars and ropes.

There are three different heights to suit different skill levels. Young climbers must be at least 1.2m in height and accompanied by an adult. Those 1.3m or above can climb unsupervised.

Things to do at Emerald Park for kids

There’s also plenty of attractions at Emerald Park for the little ones (or for those looking for a more laid-back day out!).

Below, you’ll find info on everything from the cinema to the zoo and everything in between.

1. The 5D Cinema

Photos via Tayto Park on FB

Perfect for those rainy days, the 5D cinema at Emerald Park takes visitors on a thrilling journey while immersing them in an impressive virtual experience.

The cinema features everything from gusts of air and water jets to flashing lights, leg ticklers and bubbles, for a very unique experience.

2. The Factory Tour

Yes, you can take a tour of the Factory and see how Ireland favourite crisps come to life, from their humble beginnings to when they reach your fingers.

The tour is self-guided and, as you stroll, you’ll discover the secrets behind how the now-iconic crisp brand is made.

3. The Park Zoo

Yep, Emerald Park also has its very own zoo , and it’s home to a diverse mix of  very  exotic animals that now call County Meath ‘home’.

Those that visit will see everything from an Amur tiger to Squirrel monkeys and the endangered Sulawesi crested macaque. There’s also birds of prey, as you’ll see in the video above.

4. The Circus

Another favourite amongst visiting families, is the Emerald Park circus , and it’s run by the Fossett Family, who have been putting on circuses in Ireland since 1888.

The show involves everything from aerial stunts and comedy to illusion, knife throwing and plenty more to keep you entertained.

Hotels near Emerald Park

If you’re looking to stay close by, there’s plenty of hotels near Emerald Park , many of which are under a 20-minute drive away.

Note: if you book a stay through one of the links below we  may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. The Pillo Hotel (6-minute drive)

Photos via Booking.com

Modern and stylish, the Pillo Hotel is superbly family-orientated with 148 rooms including family rooms and suites. They all have cable TV, Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facilities and everything you need to sleep well after an exciting day at Emerald Park. Make use of the indoor pool and fitness room before enjoying breakfast in the restaurant. In the evening, kids have their own dinner menu while adults can tuck into burgers, salmon, pasta, curries and local favourites.

2. Ashbourne House Hotel (10-minute drive)

Treat yourself to an upscale luxury hotel experience at the Ashbourne House Hotel, located in the heart of Ashbourne. It has an excellent reputation. Guests love the exceptional personal service, friendly bar atmosphere and hearty breakfast to set you up for the day’s adventures. Boutique rooms are individually designed and furnished to give a homely feel. Dine in the elegant Loft Restaurant before relaxing in the Lounge Bar watching live sports. There’s plenty for families to do nearby including a multiscreen cinema, golf clubs and Emerald Park rides and zoo.

3. The Station House Hotel (25-minute drive)

Spoil yourself with a stay at Co. Meath’s top Country House Hotel! The Station House Hotel was established b the Slattery family in 1984 and retains an air of a luxury family home. Stay in one of the cabins or suites and you’ll enjoy a king-size bed with ultra comfy mattress and Egyptian linens. In the bathroom there are bathrobes, slippers and a goodie bag of Voya toiletries. Antique furnishings are scattered throughout the hotel, complemented by country chic fabrics and cushioned armchairs. Explore the 12-acre ground with lily ponds before dining in the award-winning Signal Restaurant. You simply won’t want to leave!

FAQs about visiting Emerald Park in Meath

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What months is Emerald Park open?’ to ‘What is there for adults?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

How expensive is Emerald Park?

General tickets to Emerald Park cost €35 for adults + €25 for Seniors. Junior Zone Ticket are €31. Tickets to the Christmas Experience are €15 for adults, €30 for children aged 5-12 and €22 for 2-4 year-olds.

Is Emerald Park really worth visiting?

Yes! Although the prices can put some people off, there’s endless things to do here with something to suit ever age.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Maureen Hughes

Wednesday 22nd of May 2024

I booked tickets on Monday evening 20th May 2024 and the money has been taken from the bank account but haven't received confirmation yet. When should I receive the confirmation/tickets?

Keith O'Hara

Hi Maureen - you need to get in touch with Emerald Park directly. They'll be able to help you best!

Tayto Park: A Visit to Ireland’s Only Theme Park 

• By Oisin Feeney
• April 14, 2018
• Category: Meath

Here’s What You Can Do in Tayto Park

Ride ireland’s biggest roller coaster .

Tayto Park Zoo

Dinosaurs Alive  

World of Raptors

Viking Voyage

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About The Author

Oisin feeney.

Oisin is a journalist and award-winning photographer. Published in Lonelyplanet.com, buzz.ie, Derry Journal and Irishcentral.com. Currently working as a tour guide in Ireland, Italy, France and Iceland, Oisin is an expert on Ireland.

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Keep In Touch

Top choice in County Meath

At Ireland ’s only permanent theme park you can ride Europe's largest wooden inverted roller coaster, Cú Chulainn . Just 45 minutes from Dublin city center, Tayto Park is a great family day out, pulling out all the stops with thrilling rides, a zoo, seasonal events and a variety of activities for all ages, including toddlers.

Why you should go

A theme park that celebrates a much-loved Irish potato crisp? Why not! Is it any stranger than a theme park dedicated to a cartoon mouse? Probably. But Tayto is an Irish icon, producing much-loved potato crisps (or just "crisps" as they're known here) since 1954, and then expanding its brand with a theme park in 2010. At Tayto Park you'll find a bit of everything. The big-hitters are dizzying rides rooted in Irish history and mythology such as the mighty Cú Chulainn , Europe's largest wooden inverted roller coaster, and The Viking Voyage , a viking-themed water flume ride.

Beyond that there's a high-speed spinning Rotator , the stomach-churning Air Race ride and a 5D cinema. You can go on an aerial adventure at the zip lining or rock climbing courses. And when you need to catch your breath, visit the zoo where you'll find meerkats, squirrel monkeys, bison, alpacas, porcupines, birds of prey, mountain lions and tigers. In summer, a petting area is open within the zoo. For younger visitors there's a fantastic playground and age-appropriate rides. 

Admission to the theme park also covers the cost of a self-guided tour in the crisp factory (don't expect to be privy to any trade secrets). It takes about three to four hours to see and do everything. And, of course, when you enter and leave the theme park, you get a free packet of Tayto crisps.

Throughout the year, Tayto Park hosts seasonal events such as The Wicked Adventures at Tayto Park , a family-friendly Halloween event, and The Christmas Experience .

Tickets and other practicalities

Admission includes a self-guided crisp-factory tour and zoo and playground entry; the wristband day pass is the most economical option for the rides. There are a number of restaurants on site, as well as a picnic area.

Tayto Park is located in Ashbourne, County Meath and is just off the M2 motorway. Bus Éireann buses link it with Dublin (€6, 30 minutes, every 30 minutes).

What's nearby?

There's not a whole lot to do in the area but a short drive will take you to Ashbourne village, which has a nice choice of restaurants, cafes and bars. There isn't accommodation in Tayto Park but most villages and towns throughout County Meath have good B&Bs or hotels. The ancient sites of Brú na Bóinne and the Hill of Tara are both about a 20-minute drive from Tayto Park.

Kilbrew. Ashbourne

Get In Touch

01-835 1999

https://​www​.taytopark​.ie​/

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Tayto Castle to relaunch famous crisp tours of Co Armagh factory for first time since pandemic

"People will go a long way for Tayto crisps"

• 14:46, 24 APR 2024
• Updated 14:48, 24 APR 2024

Tayto has announced the reopening the reopening of its Famous Tayto Castle tours.

The iconic Northern Irish crisp brand is set to relaunch its popular attraction next month after closing during the pandemic over four years ago.

Located at the Tayto factory on the grounds of Tayto Castle in Tandragee , over 250 people work with the capacity to make 1,000,000 packs of Tayto every day.

Read more: Hollywood actor adopts NI lingo as he bids farewell to 'epic' time in Belfast

The reopening of the castle ours has created at least five new jobs and will offer visitors "a real treat".

Elly Hunter, Marketing Director, Tayto , said: “We had to close early in 2020 due to lockdown and we are incredibly excited to be in the position to reopen our doors.

“Following a NI wide search for tour guides, we’re delighted to report that we have found some incredibly enthusiastic people to join the Tayto team and ensure visitors have the best time possible when they’re with us.”

Tayto tours have attracted visitors from far and wide and are especially popular with school groups, colleges, universities, clubs and societies, together with family groups, and can accommodate all ages from 5 upwards.

Elly continued: “We’ve welcomed people from all over the globe, with a large number from GB, Canada, the USA and as far away as Australia and South Africa. People will go a long way for Tayto crisps.

“It’s lovely to see families on the tour and more often than not mum and dad did the same tour when they were children. It’s very touching to see them passing on the tradition.

“The Tayto factory is located within the grounds of a 500-year-old castle in Tandragee - A truly unique and stunning setting for everyone who comes to see us.”

Tayto Tours will be running from 7th May. There are two tours daily from Monday to Friday.

“On a tour, visitors will see firsthand how our famous crisps and snacks are made and get the chance to meet Mr Tayto," Elly added.

"They will see the production process from start to finish, witnessing the transformation of our local potatoes into packaged, delicious Tayto crisps. They will also see how our snacks and popcorn are made.

"We are so looking forward to welcoming visitors back once again and introducing a new generation of Tayto fans to our famous Tour.”

To find out more, see www.taytotours.com

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Tayto Castle Tour: Realising The Dream

“Um, what? Where?” was my response the first time I heard about Tayto Castle. Despite being one of the UK's largest crisp manufacturers, I'd never even heard of Tayto, let alone their castle. I was assured this was a highlight of Northern Ireland, right up there with the Giant's Causeway. It was only when we were parked outside the castle however, that we realised the high walls and leafy trees completely obscured the view. We couldn't go in, couldn't see anything and ended up consoling ourselves with a packet of Tayto's crisps instead. Many years later, we finally realised the dream and joined a Tayto Castle tour to see their factory in action.

Welcome To The Tayto Castle Tour

After the safety briefing, our group was joined by a surprise visitor, Mr Tayto. Looking remarkably dapper in a smart red suit, the potato-headed mascot happily greeted us and a photoshoot ensued. It was then time to get dressed for the factory. We were each issued a blue plastic apron and an attractive shower cap style hat. Earrings were taped up and anyone with even the slightest hint of designer stubble was handed a beard net as well. With a healthy dollop of hand sanitiser for good measure, we were ready to go.

The Potato Store At Tayto Castle

First up was the potato store, a dingy and largely empty shed. Up to 400 tons of potatoes can be kept in one room here. They wrap the potatoes in a frost-protecting blanket, and leave them 'sleeping' in the dark until they're needed. It sounds like a lot but with Tayto Castle producing a million bags of crisps a day, they don't last long.

We dodged a forklift that zipped past us, depositing a crate of potatoes into a cradle suspended over a huge machine. The cradle flipped, dumping the potatoes into the hopper where they started their journey through the factory. Next, the spuds were de-stoned, washed and sliced before disappearing inside.

Ready For Our Tayto Tour

Keen to keep waste to a minimum, Tayto try to recycle wherever possible. The potato peelings are sold to farmers and used to make animal feed. Even the starch washed off the freshly sliced potatoes is dried out and sold to glue factories. This extra washing process doesn't happen to all of the crisps though. The poshest varieties are left with the starch intact.

Making Corn Snacks

As we walked on to the factory floor, we spotted a steady stream of crisps flying through transparent tubes.  The maize starch is shaped and baked in one part of the factory.  The freshly cooked corn snacks are then blasted elsewhere for flavouring and packing.

The Frying Room

Next up was the best bit, the frying room. We skidded and slid across the wet, oily floor to see the sliced potatoes disappearing into one end of the fryer. Just a few minutes later a torrent of freshly cooked crisps came flying out of the other end at around 30 mph. Surprisingly this didn't seem to damage the crisps.

They flew through the optical sorter, a machine that detects overcooked or burnt crisps. Any crisps that aren't up to scratch are shot down by a quick puff of air and discarded. One of the factory workers has the important task of scanning the conveyor belt, picking out any rogue crisps missed by the machine. With the opportunity to eat freshly baked crisps all day, we wondered how she managed to stay so slim. We were told the workers at Tayto Castle very quickly get over the novelty of the crisps. Most of them prefer chocolate instead.

At this point, we found out why our protective clothing was so important. We were shown how to tie up the bottom corners of our aprons to form a sizeable bowl for carrying crisps around. Our new bowls were filled with fresh, unflavoured crisps still warm from the fryer. They were delicious. We snacked on these as we learned about the flavouring process. Crisps and their flavourings rotate together in a large drum until the crisps are properly coated. They are then sent for packing.

Packaging Tayto Crisps

We saw carefully measured portions of crisps being dropped into long tubes of packaging. A couple of hot rods simultaneously seal the bag and cut it off from the main roll. The bags are then packaged by hand into boxes labelled WIP, or Work In Progress. Our bowls were refilled with the WIP crisps and we continued munching as we walked.  We passed a small lab where the WIP crisps are tested to ensure they are up to scratch.  They certainly tasted ok to us.

Once Tayto are happy that the crisps are perfect, they're properly packaged in branded boxes. A couple of robot arms were constantly whirling around, grabbing boxes and stacking them onto palettes. A giant spinning machine then wrapped the full palettes in plastic, much like the baggage wrapping machines at an airport.

The Number One Tayto Flavour

How many crisps can we eat.

Our guide ran around collecting different flavours and types of crisps for us to try. We sampled many of Tayto's original flavours along with their corn snacks, low-fat options and fancy crisps specifically branded for local supermarkets. They fed us so many crisps that even our guide was joking about the risk of tour participants being sick on the way home.

When we couldn't eat any more we were given bags of crisps to stuff in our pockets for later. And at the end of the tour, we were invited to choose yet more crisps from their shop to take home. In a moment of madness, they had nominated Chris as a responsible adult. He had to wear a high viz vest and help herd our tour group around the factory. The reward for his efforts? More crisps!

Who Are Tayto?

After being used by the US Army in WWII, Tandragee Castle was sold to Thomas Hutchinson.  He had come across the newfangled idea of potato crisps while travelling the world and was keen to get involved in this up and coming industry.  Shortly after, Tayto was born.  The first crisps produced at Tayto Castle were sold in tins and were only available in one flavour.  Over 60 years later, the original cheese and onion flavour is still the most popular.

Tayto make crisps and snacks for many of the big supermarkets in the UK but they're mainly sold under the supermarkets' own brand names.  They also export crisps to the USA.  Called O'Hanlons after the original owners of the castle, these crisps have an authentic Irish theme.  Each packet is decorated with Celtic patterns, shamrocks and even a photo of Tayto Castle itself.

At Tayto Castle Entrance

How to take a tayto castle tour.

Tayto Castle only offer tours on weekdays.  Monday to Thursday there are two tours a day.  There is only one tour on Fridays.

Tours can be quite busy so book in advance.  You can book a tour on the Tayto Castle website, or phone Tayto directly.

The tour lasts around 90 minutes and there can be up to 45 people in a tour group.  When we visited, there were about 25 people but we were split into 2 groups when we entered the factory.

Tayto Castle Tour Tips

We were asked to fill in a couple of forms before our tour.  Arrive early so you have time to complete the paperwork before the tour starts.

You will have the chance to meet Mr Tayto so have a camera ready if you want a photo.  After that, you will be asked to leave your camera, and other belongings, at the front desk.  You will not be allowed to take photos inside the factory.

If you have any visible piercings, it's a good idea to remove them before the tour.  Otherwise you will be expected to tape them up.

The information we were given in advance stated that all jewellery had to be removed before entering the factory.  In practice, anyone wearing rings was given a pair of gloves to wear.

The factory floor was wet in several places and the frying room was particularly slippery.  Wear sensible closed-toe shoes for your Tayto Castle tour.

How To Get To Tayto Castle

Tayto Castle is on the main street in Tandragee.  Use the smaller of the two gates next to the war memorial.

The easiest way to get to Tandragee is to drive yourself.  However you can take a bus from Portadown, Lurgan or Newry.  Coming from Belfast, take a train or bus to Portadown.  Then change to the No. 63 bus to Tandragee.

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Tayto Park promises fun for the whole family in Ireland

Sick of sightseeing tayto park in ashbourne, co meath is the perfect reprieve for families on vacation in ireland..

There are some things that are just quintessentially Irish, and the red and blue bag of Tayto crisps may top the list.

Historically, Ireland has done a splendid job of marketing itself as endearing and its Tayto Park in Co Meath is no exception.

You’d be hard-pressed to blame children and teens for growing bored with the scenic sights that are a staple of so many Irish tours, so why not treat them to a day out at Tayto Park, Ireland’s only amusement park?

Less than an hour’s drive from Dublin’s city center, Tayto Park embodies all that the beloved Tayto brand has become known for - fun, banter, and accessibility.

Open from July through August, the theme park operates in peak and off-peak cycles which affect ticket prices. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and groups. Basic admission grants you access to both the amusement park and zoo, but Unlimited Access means you don't have to purchase additional tokens for rides once you're inside.

The amusement park is divided into two sections, Eagle’s Sky Adventure, which has the more adventurous rides, and Eagle’s Nest, which is comparatively tame and kid-friendly.

If you’re looking for a thrill, get in line for Cú Chulainn, Ireland’s first roller coaster and Europe’s largest wooden roller coaster with an inversion. The roller coaster is named after the Irish mythical hero and promises an exciting ride.

If rides aren’t quite your scene, head over to the zoo in Tayto Park. A selection of mammals and birds are on display, and you can get up close and personal with some farm animals in the petting area.

Traditional playgrounds dot the entire layout of Tayto Park where towers, slides, swings, climbing frames, mazes and rope bridges help children aged 6 through 12 burn off some energy. There’s also some water playgrounds if you happen upon Tayto Park during one of Ireland’s heat spells.

If rides, animals, and play areas aren’t enough to keep you and your clan satisfied, check out The Show by Fossett’s, a circus-like performance that’s hosted four times daily. The Show includes astonishing acts of illusion, knife throwing, aerial stunts, and comedy.

All that running around is bound to stir up a hunger, and Tayto Park is more than prepared to keep its visitors fueled and ready for fun. Restaurants, a pizza place, a tea room, and an ice cream shop will make sure bellies are full and fed throughout the day.

Whatever you do, don’t leave Tayto Park without checking out the Tayto Factory Tour. The self-guided tour provides a behind the scene look at how Ireland’s most beloved crisp is made.

Outside of the factory is where Mr. Tayto himself is available at intervals during the day - don’t leave without snapping a selfie!

Have you been to Tayto Park? Let us know in the comments!

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The Cake Mum

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Tayto Park Tips

Read on for some tips from our recent visit to Tayto Park in Co Meath.

My kids consider a trip to Tayto park the ultimate day out & always ask me can they go there. When they were 4 & 5, we had an annual pass and used it lots. We had so many great days out there, it was hard not renewing the pass. Why didn’t I? because they started to want wristbands every-time we went and it stopped being a cheap day out. When they were younger, we used to see the animals and maybe go on 1 or 2 rides, that changed after that ‘one time’ when I bought wristbands….. So the pass expired and we took a break.

We went last week. Our first visit in 2 years. The excitement was huge and I wanted to make the most of our day out. We were getting wristbands and going on as many rides as we could. Value for money and all that jazz. The entry fee this year is €17.50 and the same again for wristbands. €35 pp is a lot but if you go prepared you really can have the most amazing day.

Wristbands:

Are they worth the money? I’d say yes. You take the hit at the door and then forget about the cost. You can pay to go on rides using tokens 1 token costs €1, but plenty of the rides cost 3 tokens or more, so you would fly through money fast.

I think if I was visiting with young kids (say all 5 ish or under), I wouldn’t bother with the wristbands. They could easily be entertained with walking around the seeing the animals, the crisp factory and the playgrounds. I did a survey on instagram and two thirds of people said they wouldn’t bother with wristbands for smallies.

However, if the ages are mixed and you just have one kid who is 4 or 5 (not a young toddler), with the rest being older, I’d recommend wristbands for everyone. There is a 5D cinema and a circus show that everyone would enjoy – I think they are 4 or 5 tokens each. There are also a few nice rides in the kiddy area that require tokens. The carousel (1.1m minimum height), is 3 tokens as far as I recall so the amount of money you spend on tokens would rack up fast.

I do think it’s a shame that Tayto Park don’t have a slightly cheaper wristband for younger kids, ones that can’t go on the bigger rides.

General tips:

• Go early. We went for 9.30am as the park is nice and quiet for the first while
• Check the height of your kids and the height restrictions on the Tayto Park website. A lot of rides have a 1.1m or 1.2m min height restriction. If your kids is below either of these, plant the seed that they won’t be allowed on all rides.
• Avoid flip flops and opt for runners. I wore flip flops and they were a pain doing some of the rides. I have to go barefoot! It’s especially important for the kids as they may want to do the climbing wall or sky walk.
• Midweek will be quieter than weekends or Bank Holidays. I know that’s kinda obvious but may as well mention it. We went on a Tuesday and it was really pleasant, I’d say the longest queue was 20 mins but most of the time it was 5 mins or less.
• Bring lots of treats and drinks. I also brought a picnic. My bag was heavy but I took it for the team (and for my wallet)
• Throw in some extra sweets or treats to keep the energy levels up. It can be a long day!
• Pack a change of clothes and a towel to leave in the car. There are areas where they can run through water and you might need the dry clothes later! The Viking Voyage (min height 1.1m), involves a lot of water too….
• Walking around and seeing the animals is a nice break from the rides. There are plenty of unusual animals to see and there is normally free face paining too.
• The crisp factory tour is also enjoyable. Not majorly exciting but kids like to see the crisp production. The factory operates Mon-Fri so it’s best to do the tour if you are there during the week.
• You will see people carrying around fairground style toys at Tayto Park. There are a few stands that you can pay extra for to try win a prize. Of course my kids wanted to have a go. I made a deal with them, they could have a go at the end of the day – I didn’t fancy carrying around a massive ball or cuddly toy. Some stands guarantee a prize so that also avoids a melt down.
• If you book tickets online you get a small discount, emphaiss on small. €2 pp but you need to book 48 hours in advance of your visit. I learnt this 12 hours before our visit! I just bought tickets at the reception

How we spent our day at Tayto Park:

• My kids are 7 & 8, we headed to the Eagles Nest Adventure Zone (aka kiddy area) first and did some stuff there to keep the younger one happy. When we walked into that area it was empty, my kids did the climbing wall (min age 3), straight away and there was the added bonus of no queue.
• The Nissan driving school (min height 1.1m) is also well worth a visit early in the day. We went over there after the climbing wall. It wasn’t there on our last visit. The kids got to drive around in little cars, go around roundabouts and junctions. Before they were allowed in the cars, they watched a driving video explaining some basic rules. They went in one ear and out the other, but it was fun. A staff member told us that wait times can be 40 mins for this later in the day – so I’m glad we went over early. My kids had three goes back to back as there were no other kids waiting.
• We had heard that the newish ride the Viking Voyage (min height 1.1m) is good fun and can get busy, so we headed there after a quick play in the playground and by quick I mean 20 mins. You will have to drag your kids away from it….
• The Viking Voyage is really enjoyable but you will probably get wet and not just a few splashes of water! You can buy a poncho for €2 and it’s €2 well spent. I hated forking out extra for it, but was so glad I did. We ended up on this ride 3 times over the course of the day,  as we all enjoyed it.
• We went to Tayto Park with a gang of friends and I’d really recommend this. It means different groups can split up and do rides that appeal to them. There is a lot in the adult section, that younger kids either can’t or won’t want to do. My daughter wouldn’t try any of the rides there, even though she was old enough, so she went off with some friends to the kiddy area again. The older kids had such fun going on the more grown up rides all day and felt all grown up.
• The rollercoaster deserves a mention! A lot of kids love it and show no fear. I was terrified but did it and when I say terrified, I mean it. There was no queue the day we went, so the kids went on it numerous times.
• The 5D cinema was our surprise hit. It’s a short movie but gets a good reaction. Smallies and adults enjoyed it
• We didn’t make it to the circus show. I had wanted to but we ran out of time. Next year eh.

I hope that the tips and summary are helpful. We had such a great day but we were wrecked after it. That said, we stayed ’til it closed at 7pm……

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