Strawberry Picking Near Me: Best Ireland Farms Guide
If you’ve ever watched a child’s face light up at the sight of a sun-warmed strawberry still attached to the stem, you already know why pick-your-own farms keep drawing families back summer after summer. Ireland may not be the first place that springs to mind for strawberry picking, but a handful of farms scattered between Dublin and Wexford offer exactly that — and they’re worth the drive. This guide maps out where to go, when to go, and what to expect once you’re there.
Top Dublin Farm: Lambert’s Fruit Farm · Wexford Pick Site: The Village at Wheelocks · Season Peak: May to September
Quick snapshot
- Lambert’s Fruit Farm operates in the Dublin Mountains with a June–August picking window (Passports and Adventures)
- The Village at Wheelocks charges €7 per adult and €13 per kilogram (The Village at Wheelocks)
- Wexford strawberry farms have operated since the 1950s (Discover Ireland)
- Whether Lambert’s Fruit Farm is open on specific dates this season
- Current pricing at farms other than Wheelocks
- Whether smaller Wexford farms offer public pick-your-own or only pre-picked sales
- Wheelocks family began fruit growing in the 1950s (Discover Ireland)
- Kearns Fruit Farm entered strawberry production in the mid-1950s (Good Food Ireland)
- The Berry Farm in Wexford has operated for 30 years (Passports and Adventures)
- Check individual farm Facebook pages for current season status
- Dublin families can plan a summer outing once Lambert’s announces its opening
- Wexford visitors can pick from May to September at Wheelocks with guided polytunnel tours
These six farms represent the clearest options across Dublin and Wexford for families seeking pick-your-own strawberry experiences.
| Farm | Location | Season | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamberts Fruit Farm | Dublin Mountains (Cruagh Rise, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16) | June–August | Pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries |
| The Village at Wheelocks | Finchogue, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 YY67 | May–September | 17-acre site, polytunnel picking, café, playground, farm animals, free parking |
| Greenhill Fruit Farm | Ballinavary, Davidstown, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford | Seasonal | Traditional and table-top growing, open 7am–6pm |
| Kearns Fruit Farm | Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford | Since mid-1950s | Supplies Sunny Wexford Strawberries brand for Chivers Jam |
| The Berry Farm | Wexford | 30 years | Pick-your-own strawberries, family-run |
| McCarthy Strawberry Farm | Wexford region | Bord Bia approved | Quality-certified strawberry production |
What month is best for strawberry picking?
The short answer is late summer, but the longer answer depends on where you’re willing to drive. In Wexford, the pick-your-own season at The Village at Wheelocks stretches from May through to September, giving visitors a generous five-month window (Visit Wexford). Further north in Dublin, Lamberts Fruit Farm typically opens its fields between June and August (Passports and Adventures), though the exact dates vary year to year based on weather.
Strawberry season in Ireland
Ireland’s strawberry season is shorter than many visitors expect. Commercial growers like McCarthy Strawberry Farm supply most of the fresh fruit you find in supermarkets, but those seeking the actual experience of picking their own have far fewer options. Wexford has emerged as the unofficial strawberry capital of Ireland, home to farms that have been growing the fruit since the 1950s (Visit Wexford). The county’s reputation rests partly on the Wexford Strawberry variety itself, a cultivar developed in the region over decades of selective growing.
What is strawberry season in Ireland?
Ireland’s strawberry season runs from roughly May through September, with peak production typically falling in June and July. The Village at Wheelocks in Wexford has been operating for nearly 70 years and confirms that its pick-your-own strawberries are available from May through September each year (Discover Ireland). This timing aligns with polytunnel cultivation, which allows farmers to extend the season at both ends.
Peak months for picking
The warmest months — June, July, and August — consistently deliver the best quality fruit across Ireland. Lamberts Fruit Farm near Dublin operates exclusively within this window, typically opening in June and closing by late August (Passports and Adventures). If you’re planning a family outing, July tends to offer the most reliable conditions, though calling ahead to confirm the farm is open remains essential since weather can shift both the start and end of the picking season.
For Dublin families, book your trip for July or early August. For Wexford visitors, May through September works — but May and September trips require confirming current availability directly with the farm.
Do I need to wash fresh picked strawberries?
Yes, but not immediately. Freshly picked strawberries from a pick-your-own farm are handled differently from supermarket produce, and timing matters for both safety and flavour. Farmers at The Village at Wheelocks use polytunnel cultivation, which reduces soil splash and pest contact compared to open-field growing, but basic hygiene still applies (The Village at Wheelocks).
Caring for picked strawberries
The general consensus among farm operators and food safety guidance is to rinse strawberries just before eating, not immediately after picking. This preserves the natural protective layer on the berry’s surface. Store unwashed strawberries in a single layer in a breathable container — a shallow cardboard box works well — and refrigerate only when you’re ready to eat them within a day or two. Stacking unwashed strawberries in a sealed container in the fridge leads to faster spoilage because moisture gets trapped against the skin.
Avoid Hulling: Pulling the green cap (hull) off before storage lets moisture and bacteria reach the fleshy interior. The exception is when you’re freezing berries for smoothies or baking, in which case hulling beforehand is practical.
Commercial strawberry farms in Ireland, including McCarthy Strawberry Farm which holds Bord Bia Quality Approval, follow strict post-harvest handling protocols (McCarthy Strawberry Farm). When you’re the one picking, the responsibility shifts to you — and a few simple habits keep the fruit fresher longer.
Best strawberry picking near me
If you’re searching for the best strawberry picking near you in Ireland, two farms stand out from the limited options available. Lamberts Fruit Farm takes the top spot for Dublin-area families, while The Village at Wheelocks is the standout choice for anyone willing to travel to Wexford (Passports and Adventures). Both offer the pick-your-own experience, but they differ significantly in scale, amenities, and season.
Top farms like Lamberts
Lamberts Fruit Farm sits in the Dublin Mountains between the Hellfire Club and Pine Forest, making it a straightforward day trip for anyone in the greater Dublin area (Passports and Adventures). The farm grows not just strawberries but also gooseberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants, giving families options beyond the main attraction. The address is Cruagh Rise, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.
Lambert’s season is short — typically June through August — and the farm doesn’t always announce exact opening dates well in advance. Follow their social media or call ahead to confirm before making the drive. The experience is well suited to young children, which is why family travel blogs consistently recommend it (Passports and Adventures).
Dublin and Wexford spots
Wexford offers a different scale entirely. The Village at Wheelocks occupies a 17-acre site near Enniscorthy, accessible from the M11 motorway that runs between Dublin and Wexford (The Village at Wheelocks). The farm has been in the Wheelocks family since the 1950s, making it one of Ireland’s most established strawberry-growing operations. Beyond picking, the site includes a café, a woodland walk, a playground, farm animals, and free parking — making it a full day out rather than a quick stop.
Pricing at The Village at Wheelocks is transparent: €7 per adult, €2 for children under 12, free for those under 2, with strawberries priced at €13 per kilogram (The Village at Wheelocks). The experience includes a guided tour through the polytunnels, and the farm states that a typical picking session lasts about 20 minutes.
Strawberry picking near me today
Checking availability before heading out is essential. Unlike a café or restaurant that operates fixed hours, pick-your-own farms adjust their openings based on weather, fruit ripeness, and visitor demand. The Village at Wheelocks recommends checking its event page or social media for same-day updates before visiting (The Village at Wheelocks). The farm is one of the few in Ireland still offering guided pick-your-own strawberry experiences, which makes it worth confirming even if you’ve visited before.
Current availability checks
For Dublin, Lamberts Fruit Farm’s social media presence is less active than Wheelocks, meaning a phone call or direct visit to confirm opening may be necessary. The farm’s address in Rathfarnham makes it accessible, but showing up without confirming could mean finding closed gates during an early or late season visit.
The pattern across Wexford is more reassuring. Farms like Greenhill Fruit Farm near Enniscorthy maintain regular opening hours (7am–6pm) during their season, according to the farm’s own website (Greenhill Fruit Farm). However, not all Wexford farms explicitly offer public pick-your-own — some like Kearns Fruit Farm and Corderry Fruit Farm grow strawberries for commercial supply rather than visitor picking (Corderry Fruit Farm). Confirming before you go remains the safest approach across all farms.
How to pick strawberries: step-by-step guide
A successful strawberry-picking trip comes down to a few straightforward habits. Whether you’re at The Village at Wheelocks’ polytunnels or Lambert’s open fields, the principles stay the same.
- Choose firm, fully red berries. Look for strawberries with consistent colour from tip to stem — any white or green near the cap means it won’t ripen further after picking.
- Grip the stem above the cap. Twist gently rather than pulling the berry directly. Pulling risks tearing the plant or damaging nearby unripe fruit.
- Check under leaves. The best strawberries often hide beneath the foliage. Lift the plants gently to find clusters that colour evenly.
- Place berries in a shallow container. Single-layer packing prevents crushing. The farm typically provides containers — take more than you think you’ll need.
- Pick quickly and move to shade. Strawberries heat up fast in direct sun, degrading flavour and texture. Once your container fills, move to the car’s boot or a cool bag.
- Rinse just before eating. Don’t wash at the farm — moisture accelerates spoilage. Rinse under cold water immediately before serving or consuming.
Irish pick-your-own farms are limited enough that planning ahead is non-negotiable. Turn up at an unannounced hour and you may find the fields empty or the farm closed. The Village at Wheelocks’ guided polytunnel experience mitigates this somewhat — but still, a quick check before driving is always worth it.
Quotes from farms and visitors
The Village at Wheelock’s is one of the few fruit farms in Ireland where you can pick your own strawberries.
— The Village at Wheelocks (Farm Operator)
Lambert’s Fruit Farm is one of the best places to go in Ireland for strawberry picking for children.
— Passports and Adventures (Travel Blog)
Wexford is famous for its sweet and juicy strawberries.
— Strawberry Picking in Wexford (YouTube Content Creator)
The handful of dedicated pick-your-own farms in Ireland means demand often outweighs supply — especially on summer weekends. Booking ahead where possible, or targeting midweek visits, delivers a calmer experience for families with young children who need unhurried time in the fields.
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Frequently asked questions
How many years will a strawberry plant last?
Most strawberry plants produce fruit for 3–5 years under good conditions, but yield declines after the first or second year. Commercial growers like those in Wexford replace plants regularly to maintain quality. At home, cutting back runners and renewing beds every two to three years keeps production viable.
What are strawberry picking prices near me?
At The Village at Wheelocks, the most consistently priced PYO farm, adults pay €7, children under 12 pay €2, and under-2s enter free. Strawberries cost €13 per kilogram at the farm (The Village at Wheelocks). Prices at other farms are less consistently published — confirming by phone before visiting remains the best approach.
Is there free strawberry picking near me?
Free strawberry picking is rare in Ireland. Most farms charge an entry fee or per-kilogram rate. Some farms allow children to pick small quantities without charge, but this isn’t a reliable option for filling a basket. Budgeting €10–20 per family for a PYO visit is realistic.
Where is strawberry picking in Wexford?
The Village at Wheelocks is the primary PYO destination, located at Finchogue, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 YY67, near the M11 motorway (Discover Ireland). Other Wexford farms like Kearns, Greenhill, and Corderry grow strawberries but primarily for commercial supply rather than public picking.
What strawberry picking Dublin locations exist?
Lambert’s Fruit Farm on Cruagh Rise in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, is the main option within reach of Dublin city. It operates between June and August and is frequently recommended as the best Dublin-area choice for families (Passports and Adventures).
What strawberry picking Ireland near me options exist beyond the main farms?
Northern Ireland has farms like Claggan Fruit Farm (open mid-June to early August) and Finlay’s Place (established 2011), but these require a separate trip across the border. The Berry Farm in Wexford and several roadside sellers in Wexford offer strawberries — though not all explicitly offer picking (Passports and Adventures).
Caring for strawberries after picking — any tips?
Don’t wash immediately. Store unwashed strawberries in a single layer in a breathable container at room temperature for a few hours, then refrigerate only when ready to eat. Eat within one to two days for best quality. For freezing, hull and spread on a tray to freeze individually first, then transfer to bags.
For families in Dublin, the choice is clear: head to Lamberts Fruit Farm in June or July and plan for a summer morning out. For those willing to make the drive to Wexford, The Village at Wheelocks delivers the fuller experience — guided polytunnel picking, a working farm, and a season that stretches from May right through to September. Either way, the fruit you bring home will taste nothing like what the supermarket stocks, and that’s the whole point.
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