Oakfield Park
Oakfield Park
4.5
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Oakfield Park is one of Donegal’s best-loved attractions. Our award-winning gardens and parklands are the perfect place to spend a wonderful day out in Donegal. Whether you’re on a Wild Atlantic Way adventure or a first-time visitor to Donegal, there’s so much to see and explore. Our beautiful landscape of parkland, woodlands, lakes and formal gardens has everything you need to entertain the whole family. Spend hours exploring the grounds at your leisure: from walled gardens to ponds, lakes, a lakeside Nymphaeum, our hedge maze coming soon, heritage trees and sculptures. Children can make a wish at Oakfield Park’s Faerie tree, while navigating their way through adventures on extensive walks and trails. Home to Ireland's longest miniature gauge railway with a diesel and steam train operating passenger trips daily. This is a magical way to explore the park’s gardens as the train passes through flower meadows, beautiful woodlands, willow tunnels, oak circles and heritage trees.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
318 reviews
Excellent
252
Very good
37
Average
13
Poor
6
Terrible
10
Orphan_Andy
Dublin, Ireland53 contributions
May 2021
I visited Oakfield park last year and was blown away by the beautiful upper gardens, wildflower meadow and walled garden around the house. The lower gardens contains the train for children, the cafe and 2.5km of walks around some dull fields and woodland. I was looking forward to my return visit this week and my plan was to skip the lower gardens entirely but I was shocked to find a big locked door over the entrance to the upper gardens- the guy on the cash desk informed me that the upper gardens are no longer accessible and are by appointment only. I was disappointed and pretty miffed that their website has not been updated to reflect the fact that the only reason I came back is now not open. I did the walk around of the lower gardens which is as uninteresting as I remembered. Really this is a very expensive and I would say only suitable for kids who want to go on the train- otherwise save your money and go to any of the countless beautiful FREE woodland walks we have in the Finn Valley- Drumboe and Mullaghary Steeple walks to name just two. I'll not be back.
Written May 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Orphan Andy
Although your review is both inaccurate and quite rude, we thank you for the feedback nonetheless.
The upper gardens are NOT closed to the public, but are accessible by guided tour which takes a much more interesting route and provides information and history for visitors coming from far and wide. This is fairly normal.
The important thing to note is that Oakfield Park is a private garden and has been subject to untold damage, in the past year particularly. We have also had issues with insurance (like many other businesses unfortunately) and with road safety at the public road crossing.
The alternative would be to completely close the upper gardens but this isn’t what we did. The feedback from the tours has been excellent, the guides are professionally trained and ratings on other platforms have actually gone up.
We plan to continue to develop the lower gardens around the railway and restaurant and hope that people do continue to avail of the tours and keep the upper gardens open in this way.
It’s clear that you won’t be back but this is often when Tripadvisor reviews are left. There does seem to be people out there who are happy with this arrangement, and to whom the railway and lower parkland are more interesting.
If you wish to discuss the details of our need to take this approach l, we are more than happy to be contacted directly rather than on this forum.
Written May 31, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Arpe
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • Family
The Santa express train isn't bad but is over priced. Been to cheaper Santa trains and they are every bit as good. The elves will single you out if you don't dance or sing then make you do something Infront of the crowd to embarrass you. Don't agree with this as they don't know what illness someone has and the reason why some isn't singing or dancing. I suffer anxiety and went home feeling very upset about the experience. Will not be back.
Written December 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry to hear that you had such a disastrous time to award a 1 star review. All others have been 5 star so it’s disappointing for us too, to say the least.
The elves are trained and very adept at getting parents to join in. Children tend to have a great time no matter what and I suppose that’s the primary objective. I hope that your children enjoyed their experience.
Perhaps there were other parts of the event that you enjoyed?
For this to be your first review, you obviously wanted to feed back and thank you for this. I know you won’t be back next year but hopefully you would enjoy a quiet summer visit more suited to the adults.
Have a nice Christmas, from everyone at Oakfield Park.
Written December 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Phil From Id
3 contributions
Oct 2022
Visited the park for the second time, last time was at least 6 years ago.
They have upgraded it so expect a bit more to pay. However, the upper gardens are closed this time of year and when they are available, then by guided tour. Apparently, they have suffered vandalism. Ok, so far acceptable, however, we paid 18 euros entry for two adults to the lower gardens. If we had gone on the train, then another 12 euros, making 30 euros. With two kids another 12 euros to get in and for train ride another 10 euros. So a family with two kids costs a whopping 52 euros. This is a bit OTT. Considering how much in Donegal is free to walk around, come on, get the prices right! We all know there are costs involved in running such a place but maybe lower prices would encourage more visits. It is not that Oakfield Park is not enjoyable, it's just the cost of that enjoyment is your pricing is your Achilles heel. This puts it off our list for a return visit! Totally off our list!
They have upgraded it so expect a bit more to pay. However, the upper gardens are closed this time of year and when they are available, then by guided tour. Apparently, they have suffered vandalism. Ok, so far acceptable, however, we paid 18 euros entry for two adults to the lower gardens. If we had gone on the train, then another 12 euros, making 30 euros. With two kids another 12 euros to get in and for train ride another 10 euros. So a family with two kids costs a whopping 52 euros. This is a bit OTT. Considering how much in Donegal is free to walk around, come on, get the prices right! We all know there are costs involved in running such a place but maybe lower prices would encourage more visits. It is not that Oakfield Park is not enjoyable, it's just the cost of that enjoyment is your pricing is your Achilles heel. This puts it off our list for a return visit! Totally off our list!
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear PhillipdP3431CE,
I hope all is well, thanks for choosing to visit Oakfield Park,
We appreciate your review however due to the cost of living crisis we are one of the only businesses who has not increased their prices. Our prices have remained the same for the past four years now.
We do hope to welcome you back again in the not to distant future.
Kind regards,
Caoimhe
Written December 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
perfectcousin
5 contributions
Jun 2021
Paid a visit to the park on Saturday 26 June and had a wonderful day walking around the lower park, a guided tour of the upper gardens and a fab lunch in Buffers. Whilst i understand some visitors are disappointed that the upper gardens are now via tour guide only, I understand the reasons for the changes. Bronwyn was a top class tour guide and gave us a very interesting slant on the gardens. We also learnt a lot about the flora, and fauna as well as lots of interesting tidbits on the history of the house and grounds.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the balanced and kind review.
We really appreciate it and we’re delighted you enjoyed the guided tour. There is so much to learn, so much history and we’re still finding new things years later.
Hopefully we can welcome you again soon over the summer and again, thank you.
Written June 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Georgina P
1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Friends
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Oakfield Park despite showers.It’s a beautiful estate and railway with beautifully restored and manicured gardens .
We thoroughly enjoyed the guided tour of the upper gardens.Bromwin was our tour guide.She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of the house and gardens.She’s friendly and clear speaking to the tour.She pointed out the various plants and mature trees and beehives walled gardens kitchen garden badgers hole ,ancient working water pump from 1800’s still functioning.Above all she’s tells with a great respect of the positive ethos of the Robinson family ,their love of nature ,art ,railways ,steam engine among many other interests.
There is a lovely restaurant called Buffers with a nice menu.Families may bring picnics and eat outside on the lovely benches and tables .
I’d highly recommend a visit to Oakfield.Beware the guided tour is only at the weekend though.
There’s plenty to see in the lower gardens too and no tour guide necessary any day of the week.
We thoroughly enjoyed the guided tour of the upper gardens.Bromwin was our tour guide.She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of the house and gardens.She’s friendly and clear speaking to the tour.She pointed out the various plants and mature trees and beehives walled gardens kitchen garden badgers hole ,ancient working water pump from 1800’s still functioning.Above all she’s tells with a great respect of the positive ethos of the Robinson family ,their love of nature ,art ,railways ,steam engine among many other interests.
There is a lovely restaurant called Buffers with a nice menu.Families may bring picnics and eat outside on the lovely benches and tables .
I’d highly recommend a visit to Oakfield.Beware the guided tour is only at the weekend though.
There’s plenty to see in the lower gardens too and no tour guide necessary any day of the week.
Written September 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Georgina P,
Thank you for taking the time to review your trip to Oakfield Park.
Thank you for joining us and thanks for your valued feedback. Your kind words are very much appreciated.
We hope to welcome you back to Oakfield Park again sometime soon.
Kind regards,
Caoimhe
Marketing & Events Co-Ordinator
Written May 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bf329
541 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Visited here for the easter event with my husband and 2 year old. Having done the Christmas event previously I knew we wouldn’t be disappointed. The event was really well organised, lots of characters in costume including Peppa Pig, lots of garden games including snakes and ladders, potato and spoon race etc, face painting and even a craft station. The play park is large enough to accommodate a lot of children. The train ride is always lovely, takes about 10 minute which led us to the start of the treasure hunt. The hunt led to the Easter bunny where you were given the opportunity to meet him and get a photo. It was an additional €10 for a photo and I didn’t feel you were given much of a choice if you wanted one or not. The two boys posted outside the Easter bunnys room were very friendly and great with the children, providing treats if successfully competed the treasure hunt. We ate in the cafe, service was very friendly and quick, food was tasty but I did find it very expensive for what it is. Oak field park is always a great day out for all the family, I have no doubt we’ll do further seasonal activities here.
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear bf329,
Thank you very much for taking the time to post a wonderful review of your experience and providing us with a 5 star rating. We are delighted you enjoyed your visit and look forward to seeing you again soon!
Kind Regards,
Emma
Written April 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
richard111076
Armagh, UK36 contributions
Aug 2021
Had never heard of this place but it's a real gem.
Reasonable admission (€9 for adults, €5 for children).
Lots of things to do - 2km walk is worthwhile and plenty to see during it
Train trip is €5 each and very popular
Maze and play park very good
Restaurant well priced and plenty of outdoor seating
Reasonable admission (€9 for adults, €5 for children).
Lots of things to do - 2km walk is worthwhile and plenty to see during it
Train trip is €5 each and very popular
Maze and play park very good
Restaurant well priced and plenty of outdoor seating
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Richard111076,
Thank you for taking the time to review your trip to Oakfield Park.
Thank you for joining us and thanks for your valued feedback. Your kind words are very much appreciated.
We hope to welcome you back to Oakfield Park again sometime soon.
Kind regards,
Caoimhe
Marketing & Events Co-Ordinator
Written May 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PCampDonegal
Donegal7 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
We brought our 6 and 7 year old to Oakfield park to see santa and it was a fantastic experience for all of us. From the decorations to the energetic elves playing games with the kids to the breathtaking train ride and although we had a social distance visit with santa in a mask it didn't dissapoint. Delicious food from the Buffer restaurant afterwards, takeaway only but outdoor heated area provided with a puppetshow from Mrs Claus. Bitter cold so wrap up well and enjoy.
Written December 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review.
We really appreciate you taking the time and moreover, we are delighted your family had such a great time.
Happy Christmas and hope to see you again in 2021!
Written December 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
2020vision
Dundonald, Belfast.5,110 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We loved this place , it is absolutely beautiful !
There's so much to see and lots of walks to enjoy .
You could very easily spend an entire day here and not be at all bored .
Lunch at Buffers was very tasty and much enjoyed , all Covid restrictions were very obviously being adhered to .
We thoroughly enjoyed our entire visit and shall most definitely return .
There's so much to see and lots of walks to enjoy .
You could very easily spend an entire day here and not be at all bored .
Lunch at Buffers was very tasty and much enjoyed , all Covid restrictions were very obviously being adhered to .
We thoroughly enjoyed our entire visit and shall most definitely return .
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your detailed and accurate review and for the 5 star rating!
We’re delighted you enjoyed your visit and hope to welcome you again in 2021.
Written September 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cathy M
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We did the Santa Express visit and it was wonderful.
Greeted 'as Gaeilge' by the elf when she heard us speak Irish.
Happy & fun elves greeted us at the train and helped us board.
The train took us to Santa and before we met him more elves entertained us while we waited to see him with games and songs and crafts.
Wonderfully magical day topped off with play in the playground and a play.
Greeted 'as Gaeilge' by the elf when she heard us speak Irish.
Happy & fun elves greeted us at the train and helped us board.
The train took us to Santa and before we met him more elves entertained us while we waited to see him with games and songs and crafts.
Wonderfully magical day topped off with play in the playground and a play.
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear E8977D0cathym,
Thanks for choosing to visit the Santa Express and Oakfield Park.
We appreciate your kind words about your visit. We hope you have a wonderful christmas and even better New Year.
Best wishes.
Caoimhe
Written December 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
is it wheelchair accessible and do you have motorised scooters available
Written August 10, 2017
Hi Deborah.
We have partial wheelchair access. Our car park has dedicated spaces and the paths to the restaurant and train station are wheelchair friendly. We have a carriage on the train which allows wheelchair access. The lower gardens can be seen from the train journey. The main parts of the upper gardens can be accessed by wheelchair. Being a 100 acre garden there are parts which are not accessible. We do not have motorised scooters available. We have visitors in wheelchairs every week. We hope to see you soon and that you enjoy your visit.
Written August 19, 2017
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