Loop Head Alpacas is a small working farm consisting of a small herd of alpacas and four friendly horses. The alpaca herd is growing as is the work on their fleece and fibre which is sheared every year. Alpaca fibre is considered to be among the best quality natural fibre in the world, on a par with cashmere and silk.
On the approximately two hour visit to Loop Head Alpacas you will see these special animals up close and find out all about them and see the small workshop where the fleece is prepared and handspun on a traditional Irish spinning wheel or woven on the loom. Visitors can feel the quality of the fleece, see it carded and spun and see examples of the finished wool skeins including the fibre which has been dyed naturally. They can also experience the carding and spinning themselves. Information is also given on dyeing naturally with surrounding plants, including flowers and berries picked around the farm.
A pre-booking system ensures that no visit is oversubscribed resulting in a very personal experience. At the end of each visit a traditional ‘cúpan tae’ will be offered and maybe even a piece of homemade apple and blackberry pie. Small groups of interested parties such as craft people, spinners and knitting groups are also welcome for their own private experience. The fleece and fibre is available for sale, as is the homespun wool and knitted products as and when available.
Loop Head is an unspoiled part of the west coast where a few days can be filled full of fun and activity such as walks, sandy beaches, cliff scenery, dolphin watching from sea and bird watching from land, fish restaurants and castles to name just a few. So why not make Loop Head Alpacas part of an exciting Loop Head visit.
