Fun for all ages! • Great for children! • 1.5 Hour
Take a 1.5-hour horse-drawn carriage ride through Rathdrum’s scenic forest trails to meet Santa and his elves at the Woodland Workshop. A festive, family-friendly holiday adventure in County Wicklow’s natural winter landscape.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, requiring little physical exertion as you remain seated during the carriage ride.
Wildlife
History
Wicklow’s forests have long been a refuge for wildlife and a key part of Irish cultural stories, with Rathdrum known historically for its timber production.
Conservation
The Santa Agri-Express emphasizes sustainable tourism by using horse-drawn carriages, minimizing environmental impact and encouraging respect for the forest environment.
Clissmann Horse Caravans
Fun for all ages! • Great for children! • 1.5 Hour
Clissmann Horse Caravans is a family-run farm experience based in Rathdrum, County Wicklow. The business offers a small range of hands-on outdoor activities that combine animal encounters and carriage rides with seasonal farm attractions. Experiences include guided donkey walks, pumpkin-picking trails alongside donkeys or with wheelbarrows, and horse-drawn carriage trips that lead families to a woodland workshop for a festive visit with Santa.
All activities take place on the Wicklow family farm and are described as family-friendly and suitable for a broad age range. Several seasonal offerings emphasize Halloween and Christmas themes, including themed trails with witches' wagons, forest fairies and holiday lighting that lead to Santa’s Woodland Workshop. Typical experience durations range from about one hour for pumpkin and wheelbarrow activities to approximately one and a half hours for the Santa carriage trail.
Clissmann Horse Caravans focuses on simple, memorable farm outings that pair gentle animals with scenic Wicklow countryside. The business creates experiences designed to engage children and families through direct interaction with donkeys and horses, seasonal decorations, and carriage travel. Visitors can expect short, accessible tours that emphasize connection with animals and outdoor festive activities in Rathdrum, County Wicklow.
Location
Rathdrum, County Wicklow
Scenic east Wicklow farm location
Family Farm
Family-run
Offers family-friendly experiences
Typical Duration
1–1.5 hours
Short, accessible experiences
Tours Offered
5 experiences
Donkey, pumpkin & Santa rides
Book family-friendly farm experiences in Rathdrum, County Wicklow — seasonal dates fill quickly.
Dress warmly for the forest trail
Temperatures near the woodland trail can be much cooler; layered clothing ensures comfort throughout the ride.
Arrive early to park
Limited parking is available near the departure point in Rathdrum, so plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled ride.
Bring a camera for the workshop
The Woodland Workshop is a highlight — having a camera ready helps capture magical moments with Santa and the elves.
Watch your step on forest paths
Paths may be uneven or muddy, especially in winter; sturdy boots help keep footing safe during boarding and disembarking.
Warm jacket
Keeps you comfortable in the chilly outdoor winter environment during the ride.
winter
Waterproof boots
Protects your feet from mud and damp conditions on forest trails.
winter
Gloves and hat
Essential for keeping extremities warm throughout the carriage journey.
winter
Camera or smartphone
Useful for capturing festive scenes and moments with Santa and his elves.