
Strawberry Picking Near Me: Best Months, Farms & Tips in Ireland
There is something quietly satisfying about bending down in a sunny field and plucking a ripe strawberry straight from the plant. In Ireland, the pick-your-own season runs from spring into early autumn, and this guide pulls together verified details on three of the country’s best-known strawberry farms — Lambert’s in Dublin, Corderry in Dundalk, and Wheelock’s in Wexford — along with practical tips so you can plan your trip with confidence.
Peak picking months: May–September ·
Lambert’s picking hours: 10:00am–1:00pm ·
Wheelock’s adult entry: €7
Quick snapshot
- Lambert’s Fruit Farm is located in the Dublin Mountains near Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 (Travel Around Ireland (Irish travel guide)).
- The Village at Wheelock’s charges €7 per adult, €3 for under-12s, free for under-2s (The Village at Wheelock’s (official farm website)).
- Lambert’s has no card machine or ATM on site (Travel Around Ireland).
- Whether Corderry Fruit Farm charges an entrance fee — contact the farm directly.
- Exact opening hours for Wheelock’s pick-your-own (call 053 920 1900).
- Pricing for Lambert’s and Corderry baskets (estimated €5–€10).
- Strawberry picking in Ireland typically runs from May to September, with peak sweetness in June and July. (Fun Mum (Irish parenting blog))
- Lambert’s opens twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) 10:00am–1:00pm, Saturdays often booking-restricted (Fun Mum (Irish parenting blog)).
- Check each farm’s Facebook page or website before heading out — conditions change quickly. (The Village at Wheelock’s)
- Book in advance for Wheelock’s (max 6 people per slot) (The Village at Wheelock’s).
Here’s a quick reference of the key numbers to keep in mind.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Peak season | May to September |
| Top farms covered | Lambert’s, Corderry, Wheelock’s |
| What to bring | Container, water, sunscreen, hat, closed-toe shoes |
| Estimated cost | €5–€10 per basket |
What month is best for strawberry picking?
Strawberry season in Ireland
- Irish strawberry season runs from May through September, with the sweetest berries typically appearing in June and July.
- Travel Around Ireland (Irish travel guide) lists Lambert’s as a popular pick-your-own farm, active during these months.
Peak ripeness tips
- Visit mid-morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot — berries hold their texture better.
- Look for fully red berries with a deep colour and a sweet scent. Avoid white or green tips.
June and July offer the best flavour, but they also draw the biggest crowds. If you prefer a quieter experience, early May or late August can still yield good fruit, though the crop may be less abundant.
Is there an entrance fee for Corderry Fruit Farm?
Corderry Fruit Farm fees
- Corderry Fruit Farm in Dundalk may charge an entrance fee; the farm advises contacting them directly for current pricing. No online booking system is visible.
- The farm’s website does not list opening hours or fees — Family Friendly HQ (Irish family activity guide) recommends checking Facebook or calling ahead.
Other farms: Lambert’s and Wheelock’s
- Lambert’s Fruit Farm is free to enter — payment is based on the amount picked (Fun Mum (Irish parenting blog)).
- The Village at Wheelock’s charges €7 per adult, €3 for children aged 2–12, and free entry for under-2s (The Village at Wheelock’s (official farm website)).
Corderry remains a bit of a mystery online. If you’re driving from Dublin, it’s worth having Lambert’s or Wheelock’s as a backup — both have clearer pricing and hours.
What time does Lambert’s pick your own fruit farm open?
Lambert’s operating hours
- Lambert’s carpark opens at 9:30am; fruit picking begins at 10:00am. Last entry is 12:30pm, and picking ends at 1:00pm (Family Friendly HQ (Irish family activity guide)).
- On busy Saturdays, slots may be fully booked — the farm posts updates on its Facebook page.
Wheelock’s and Corderry hours
- The Village at Wheelock’s does not publish standard hours; bookings are made online for specific time slots. Call 053 920 1900 for details.
- Corderry Fruit Farm has not listed its pick-your-own hours online. Check their Facebook page or phone ahead.
Lambert’s can sell out within an hour on a good day. Arriving at 9:30am gives you the best chance.
Why are Irish strawberries so good?
Growing conditions
- Ireland’s mild, damp climate and fertile soil create ideal conditions for strawberry plants, producing berries that are consistently sweet and aromatic.
- The short growing season concentrates sugars — the fruit spends less time on the plant, but what it does produce is packed with flavour.
Varieties and taste
- Traditional varieties like Elsanta and newer ones like Flair are commonly grown across Irish farms, prized for their balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Because pick-your-own berries are harvested at peak ripeness rather than shipped green, they taste noticeably better than supermarket fruit.
What should I wear when strawberry picking?
Clothing recommendations
- Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty — strawberry plants are low to the ground and soil can stain.
- Closed-toe shoes are essential; the ground is often uneven or muddy. A hat and sunscreen help, because even a cloudy Irish day can deliver a sunburn.
Essential items to bring
- Bring a water bottle and a container for your strawberries (some farms sell buckets if you forget).
- Leave sandals and open-toe shoes at home — you’ll be walking between rows of plants.
Upsides
- You get the freshest possible strawberries — picked and eaten the same day.
- It’s a low-cost family outing with high fun factor for children.
- You support local farmers and reduce food miles.
Downsides
- Opening hours are limited and can change without notice.
- Weather can cancel a session (rain or heat stress).
- Some farms have no toilets, card machines, or shade.
How to plan your strawberry picking trip: step by step
- Choose your farm — Compare Lambert’s (Dublin), Corderry (Dundalk), and Wheelock’s (Wexford) using the details above.
- Check the season and hours — Most farms open May–September. Confirm on Facebook or the farm’s website the day before.
- Decide on payment — Bring cash. Wheelock’s and Lambert’s may have limited card acceptance.
- Pack your gear — Container, water, sun protection, closed-toe shoes, and a raincoat if there’s a chance of drizzle.
- Arrive early — For Lambert’s, aim for 9:30am. For Wheelock’s, arrive five minutes before your booked slot.
- Pick selectively — Only take fully red berries. Gently twist the stem to avoid damaging the plant.
- Pay and enjoy — Weigh your haul and pay. Eat some on the way home — they don’t keep long.
Confirmed facts
- Strawberry picking in Ireland runs from May to September (general season).
- Lambert’s Fruit Farm picking hours are 10:00am–1:00pm, carpark from 9:30am (Family Friendly HQ).
- Wheelock’s charges €7 per adult and caps groups at six (The Village at Wheelock’s).
What’s unclear
- Whether Corderry Fruit Farm charges an entrance fee.
- Exact opening hours for Wheelock’s and Corderry.
- Pricing for Lambert’s and Corderry baskets.
“Visitors can pick their own fruit from May to September.”
— Discover Ireland (Irish tourism body)
“Carpark opens from 09.30am and fruit picking only begins after 10:00am, last entry 12:30pm.”
— Lambert’s Fruit Farm via Facebook (check farm page for updates)
For a Dublin-based family, the choice often comes down to Lambert’s (quick, no booking needed on weekdays) versus Wheelock’s (reliable online booking, clear pricing). Corderry remains a wildcard — you might get a wonderful afternoon, but you’ll need to do some research first. The season is short, so plan ahead and treat each trip like a small expedition. For the rest of us, the best advice is simple: go early, bring cash, and enjoy the taste of a strawberry that has never seen a refrigerator shelf.
mykidstime.com, youtube.com, dublin-du.irelands-advisor.com, visitdublinga.org, youtube.com, uk.pickyourown.farm, thevillageatwheelocks.ie, passportsandadventures.com
For a full breakdown of the top farms, peak season, and picking tips, check out our comprehensive guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many strawberries should I eat a day?
A typical serving is about one cup of whole strawberries (around 150g), which provides vitamin C and fibre. There’s no hard limit, but moderation is wise — too much fibre can upset your stomach.
Does Corderry Fruit Farm have a shop?
Corderry Fruit Farm has a farm shop, but its availability varies. Check their Facebook page or call ahead to confirm opening hours and offerings.
How long does strawberry picking take?
Most visits last between 20 minutes and an hour, depending on how much you want to pick and the size of the farm. Wheelock’s notes that their experience takes about 20 minutes.
Can I bring my dog to a strawberry farm?
Most pick-your-own farms do not allow dogs, especially near food crops. Contact the farm before bringing a pet.
Is strawberry picking suitable for children?
Yes — it’s a classic family activity. Children as young as three can enjoy hunting for ripe berries. Keep an eye on toddlers near uneven ground.
What payment methods are accepted?
Lambert’s is cash-only (no card machine or ATM). Wheelock’s accepts online payments for booking. Bring cash as a backup.
Are there restrooms on site?
Lambert’s Fruit Farm has no toilets on site. Wheelock’s and Corderry may have facilities — call ahead to confirm.
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