Category: Oakfield Park

Oakfest 2026

Posted on by Clare McCahill

Oakfest 2026 at Oakfield Park

Join us for Oakfest 2026, a two-day family music festival in Donegal, taking place on 5th and 6th September. With live entertainment across two stages, fantastic food, family activities and an exciting mix of original artists and tribute acts, Oakfest promises a memorable weekend for music lovers of all ages.

Saturday 5th September – Live & Original Acts

Saturday’s programme showcases original music from some of Ireland’s most celebrated performers:

• The Boomtown Rats
• The Stunning (Special Guests)
• Super Céili
• Fake Friends
• Lazember

Sunday 6th September – Legends Reimagined

Sunday brings a full day of tribute performances celebrating some of the biggest names in music:

• Daft Punk Tribute
• The Elvis Spectacular
• Proud Mary & her City Limits Band – Tina Turner Tribute
• Legendary – A Tribute to Bon Jovi
• Luke & Lainey Live – A Nashville Experience
• Taylor NI hosted by Sabrina C

More Than Just Live Music

Alongside a packed programme of performances, visitors can enjoy an expanded food and drink offering throughout the weekend. Our bars will be larger than ever, Buffers will be serving a selection of delicious food, and the BBQs will be fired up across the festival site.

Families can also look forward to additional children’s entertainment, with a full programme of family activities to be announced.

VIP Experience

A limited number of VIP tickets are available, including access to The Green Room VIP area, a welcome drink on arrival, private bar facilities and views of both festival stages.

Travel Information

Shuttle bus services operated by McGettigan Travel will run from Letterkenny, departuring from and returning to The Orchard Venue. A Raphoe pick-up point will also be available. Please follow our social media channels for the latest transport updates and schedules.

Important Information

Capacity for Oakfest 2026 is limited.
Tickets will not be available at the gate.
Parking must be booked before completing checkout.
Ticket prices increase as the festival date approaches.
Children under 3 years of age are admitted free of charge and do not require a ticket.
While pets are normally welcome at Oakfield Park, they will not be permitted during Oakfest.

Please note: All ticket purchases are non-refundable. Refunds will only be issued where required by law.

Want to see the full Oakfest 2026 line-up? Visit the festival page for performer profiles.

When you’re ready, book your tickets online to secure your place at one of Donegal’s biggest family-friendly music festivals before availability runs out.

>> Book Single Day Tickets

>> Book Weekend Tickets

>> Book Parking

Oakfield Bark Dog Show 2026

Posted on by Clare McCahill

The Oakfield Bark Dog Show promises to be a tail-wagging day of fun with dog classes, live demos, stalls, and pawsome prizes. 

Sunday 7th June 2026

11:00am-6:00pm

A fun-filled Oakfield Bark Dog Show is planned with Dog Entry Classes, workshops, demonstrations, plus many doogie-related exhibitors in attendance, with proceeds going to the Irish Guide Dogs Donegal Branch.

Oakfield Bark Dog Show at Oakfield Park 2025 demonstrations

Enter your furry companion into any category(s) you wish. There will be prizes for each winning class as well as an overall prize for Best in Show, which is sponsored by Cooneys / Gary’s Pet World.

Oakfield Bark Dog Show at Oakfield Park 2025

Paw Patrol characters will be in attendance to entertain the kids along with free facepainting, and the train will be running throughout the day, and you can even take your dog on board!

Photo of Paw Patrol characters ready to entertain the kids at Oakfield Bark Dog Show, at Oakfield Park in Donegal

Buffers Restaurant will be open, serving delicious hot and cold dishes with a selection of refreshing drinks.

A day out not to be missed for all dog lovers!

Oakfield Bark Dog Show - 7th June 2026

Normal gate fees apply for the humans with an additional fee of €8 to register each dog for the show.

Dog Classes:

1. Best Puppy – under 12 months

2. Prettiest Girl – over 12 months

3. Handsome Boy – over 12 months

4. Owner Lookalike

5. Waggiest Tail

6. Best Trick

7. Best Senior Dog – over 8 years

8. Best Rescue Dog

9. Best Young Handler – under 16s

10. Best Adult Handler

11. Best Crossbreed Dog

12. Best Large Dog

13. Best Medium Dog

14. Best Small Dog

15. Best Pedigree Dog

Awards include the overall BEST IN SHOW and winner of The Oakfield Bark Cup. In addition, a trophy will be presented for RESERVE BEST IN SHOW.

Judged by IKC Judge – Marty Potts.

ENTER NOW

The Santa Express 2025

Posted on by David

The Santa Express 2025 in Oakfield Park is back bigger and better than ever before!

What’s new at The Santa Express 2025 in Oakfield Park?

SANTA’S MAP ROOM:

Brand new interactive feature. Atlas the Elf hosts a live demonstration in Santa’s state of the art cabin full of maps and plans. Learn how to say “Merry Christmas” in different languages or explore how other countries celebrate the season, and uncover the secrets of Santa’s worldwide delivery route. Every 20 minutes, Atlas welcomes a new group of young explorers to take part in interactive games and festive challenges all designed to help chart the perfect path through the night sky. Children of all ages can play and parents can watch and cheer from the viewing area.

NEW LOG CABINS IN CHRISTMAS VILLAGE:

Tootsie’s Toyshop and The Sensory room have both moved into newly refurbished cabins and completely redecorated. New gifts on offer as well as a large selection of confectionary and Oakfield Park Items.

THE FROST FOUNTAIN AND LIGHT SHOW:

Each year, our Christmas light display grows brighter and this year, the magic has reached the water. Introducing the brand new Frost Fountain: a dazzling spectacle where lights and water come to life across the lake.

BIGGEST CHRISTMAS TREE IN IRELAND

Has got even taller and more spectacular – This magical construction can be seen from the train journey as well as with the newly extended Candyland, Toytown and Unicorn Kingdom.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT, PAINTING ELF DOORS:

Introducing The Magic Door Co. AKA Our Elf Door Painting Station.
Children select their door to become their elf’s portal and paint it however they choose—classic red, snowy white, or rainbow colour explosion! On Christmas Eve, place the finished door out for your elf and it becomes their magic passageway back to the North Pole. Next year, bring it back out to welcome them home in style. A fun and festive craft to start a new family tradition.

EVEN MORE SNOWFALL:

More snow cover across the Christmas village from our snow machines.

NEW HEATED CHALETS:

This year, the cabins outside Santa’s Grotto have been completely transformed. Rebuilt and lovingly redecorated in the style of a ski chalet, they’re now cosier and more magical than ever. As you step off the train, you’ll be welcomed into a warm alpine retreat where Santa’s top elves have been hard at work creating new ways to keep you entertained before your meeting with the Man himself!

Please note that the most popular tickets sell out first, so we advise early booking to avoid disappointment. When you receive your tickets, please keep them safe. There will be no refunds under any circumstance. It is essential that only the ticketholders attend on the day. We encourage everyone to read the Terms and Conditions carefully before booking, and before contacting us. 

The start time on your ticket is the time that the TRAIN LEAVES THE STATION. We advise arriving at least 10 minutes before your allocated time. However, if your train time is later in the evening, you can arrive a long while BEFORE and enjoy the other activities, have a meal and take in the atmosphere. The same applies for early trains – you can hang around AFTER the train comes back to the station. On later trains there won’t be enough time after your train ride to enjoy all the activities.

We advise having at least an hour set aside either before or after your train ride to fit everything in. The train ride and Santa visit itself takes approximately 40 minutes. Therefore the total experience can take 2 hours or even more. 

Join us for one of the country’s biggest Christmas events, and take a real train to meet the man himself by visiting www.oakfieldpark.com/santa or ticketmaster.ie

The Easter Express 2026

Posted on by Aidan Spence

“An Egg-citing Springtime Easter Adventure Awaits!

Hop aboard The Easter Express this Easter and enjoy a fun-filled day out at Oakfield Park.

This is more than an Easter hunt — it’s a full park adventure with a train ride, characters, games, bunnies, crafts and plenty of springtime fun. Your visit starts with a ride on the Easter Express train, decorated with colourful Easter eggs along the track. Keep your eyes peeled — spring is popping up everywhere!

A Lovely Easter Day Out

The Easter Express is designed to be relaxed and fun, with plenty to do at your own pace — no rushing, just happy Easter memories.

Who shall you meet along the way? As you explore the park, you’ll meet lots of friendly egg-citing characters, each with something fun to do:

The Easter Bunny welcomes you at the Piazza and station. The Mad Hatter plays silly time games and riddles in his den. The Spring Fairy helps children hang a spring wish on the Fairy Tree. The Keeper of Spring shares short stories and helps wake up the castle. Woodland Friends help spot signs of spring by the Fountain Lake. The Busy Bumblebee gets everyone buzzing between giant flowers. The Queen of Hearts guards the maze with help from her Playing Card Guards

🎨 Crafts, Bunnies & Extra Fun

 Peter Rabbit’s Workshop – colouring, crafts and creative fun (indoors)

 Petting Zoo – meet and cuddle real bunnies

Face Painting available on the day

 Easter Shop for treats and gifts

 The Easter Hunt (With a Twist!) Solve it, swap your token, and enjoy a chocolate Easter treat at the end!

Capture the Memories: There are lots of great photo spots around the park, plus a professional photographer will be in attendance if you’d like a special family picture.

 A Springtime ending: Before you leave, each child will receive a seed card as a plantable memory of your visit.

Harry Potter Experience at Oakfield Park 2025

Posted on by David

📢 Event update 02/10/25

A spell of wet and windy weather is expected over the coming days. For everyone’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment, we have taken the decision to postpone The Harry Potter Experience at Oakfield Park this weekend. 

The event will now take place next weekend

 📅 Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th Octoberfrom 12-6pm 

As much as we’d love to proceed, a waterlogged pitch simply wouldn’t make for a very good game of Quidditch! Rescheduling ensures that all visitors can enjoy the event in the best possible conditions.

🎟️ All Day Passes purchased for the original dates will remain valid for the new dates – no further action is required.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to welcoming you later than scheduled for a spellbinding weekend at Oakfield Park.

We are very much looking forward to the return of our popular Harry Potter Experience this October, resheduled to 11th & 12th of Octobe, from 12-6pm. Take a trip on the Hogwarts Express Steam Train through the Forbidden Forest before stopping off at Platform 9 ¾. Keep an eye out for the Basilisk, Dobbie, and others – and enjoy a game of quidditch on a real quidditch pitch! All witches and wizards are encouraged to dress up in their finest house robes. All Muggles are welcome. Enter the Triwizard Tournament by challenging yourself to solve the Enchanted Maze and test your Harry Potter knowledge by completing the champion’s quiz with a prize for every successful wizarding student at Honeydukes. Sit under the sorting hat to decide which house you belong to.  Test your knowledge with our Harry Potter Geo-Quiz and finish of your magical day by popping into the Three Broomsticks to sample some Butterbeer, your favourite Cauldron Cake or choose from a special themed hot food menu.

THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT TO PRE-BOOK. Normal entry and train fees apply – there is no extra charge for this event, and entry is free for 2025 Seasonal and Gold Pass holders.

Contact us on 074 9173922  or [email protected] to arrange a bespoke package for your group.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Posted on by Aidan Spence

Oakfield Park Teddy Bears’ Picnics are one of the most popular family days out in Donegal. Watch out for 2026 dates nect season!

Don’t forget to bring your favourite teddy and have fun meeting the Oakfield Bear, Peppa Pig, Winnie the Pooh, Tiger and friends, as you spend time enjoying outdoor games, crafts, and bear hunt, with train trips all day long, so you can take your teddy for a journey around the park!

The Teddy Bear Hospital will be open where you can put your teddy through all our tests, including the amazing TED-X scanner, and receive a health certificate for your teddy!

Choose to bring your own picnic, eat in Buffers indoors and outdoors, enjoy treats from the Ice-cream van, or purchase one of our kids’ pre-made picnic packs for €9 on the day.

We look forward to welcoming you and your Teddy Bears!

For future 2026 dates please follow our social media channels for updates – Facebook & Instagram!

No pre booking required |Normal gate fees apply | Trains are running all day 

Photography Competition

Posted on by David

Each month the team at Oakfield Park choose a winner who will receive a Family Pass with the overall annual winner receiving an Annual Pass.

To enter, visit the park and explore and send your best photographs of your visit to [email protected]. The winner is announced on social media at the end of each month. Good luck!

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Our judges decision is final. By submitting a photo you will be giving permission to Oakfield Park to use your photos for future marketing purposes. Drone photography is not permitted.

Steam Sunday: the last one until 2023! – 25th September 2022

Posted on by David

The last Steam Sunday of the season is here.

The grounds at Oakfield Park include a host of sites to explore, including walled gardens, ponds, lakes, an outdoor playground, a hedge maze, heritage trees and sculptures. Children can make a wish at Oakfield Park’s Faerie tree, while navigating their way through extensive walks and trails.


Weave your way through the park’s gardens along 4.5km of narrow-gauge track on Oakfield Park’s diesel and steam trains, the ‘Duchess of Difflin’ and ‘The Earl of Oakfield.’ The trains operate passenger trips around the grounds, which is a magical way to explore the park’s gardens as the train passes through flower meadows, beautiful woodlands, willow tunnels, oak circles, boardwalks, heritage trees, a wooden causeway and sparkling streams and lakes.


After a day exploring the parklands, visitors can refuel in Buffers Restaurant, which is open alongside park opening hours and is returning with a delicious new menu created with produce from the park’s gardens.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic – Tuesday 30th August 2022

Posted on by David

On Tuesday August 30th our popular Teddy Bears’ Picnic returns. This famous event is one of most popular and we can’t wait to welcome you & your teddy bears!
Join us anytime between 12-5pm. Bring your teddy & meet the Oakfield bears, Peppa Pig, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and friends.
There will be outdoor games, crafts, gummy bear hunts, nature walks, and train rides all day long.
You can bring your own picnic, eat in Buffers indoors and outdoors, enjoy treats from the Ice-cream van or purchase one of our pre-made picnic packs for €8 on the day.
The Teddy Bear Hospital is back again, where you can put your teddy through all our tests including the amazing TED-X scanner and receive a health certificate for your teddy!
No pre booking required. Normal gate fees apply.