Watch: Alpacas bring a touch of the Andes to rural Roscommon

This is not a typical farm in County Roscommon. There are no cattle grazing the fields and no sheep dotting the landscape. Instead, soft-footed alpacas roam gently across the land at Knockvicar, near Lough Key, where a unique farming and tourism venture has quietly flourished over the past decade.

For the last ten years, Andrew Chilton and his wife Angela, along with their family, have run Knockvicar Alpacas, a farm dedicated to breeding, caring for and showcasing these unusual and captivating animals. Alpacas are domesticated members of the camel family, native to South America and most commonly associated with countries such as Peru and Chile. Smaller than many traditional farm animals, they stand approximately 32 to 39 inches tall and are instantly recognisable for their fluffy appearance and calm, inquisitive nature. They are also prized for their fine fibre, regarded as one of the most luxurious natural wools in the world.

Knockvicar Alpacas has grown to become much more than a conventional farm. Visitors are welcomed throughout the year and offered a range of experiences, from guided farm visits to alpaca trekking along the surrounding bogland. Feeding the alpacas, learning about their origins and understanding how they are cared for has proven popular with families, schools and tourists alike.

Due to the gentle, social and non-threatening nature of alpacas, the farm has also become involved with organisations supporting people with additional needs. The interaction with the animals has been particularly beneficial in therapeutic and educational settings, leading to collaborations with the HSE, Tusla and disability support services.

Years of hands-on experience have taught the Chilton family a great deal about alpaca husbandry. Their herd is diverse, with animals imported from Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Australia, as well as many bred at Knockvicar itself. Each alpaca has its own distinct personality. They have good days and bad days, cheeky days and quiet days. You really get to see their character once you start working with them.

Andrew’s journey to alpaca farming was far from conventional. Originally from South Africa, he moved to Ireland in 1999 and began working with Vodafone, then known as Eircell. However, as he readily admits, farming was always in his blood. That dream finally took shape when he and Angela purchased a small organic farm in north Roscommon.

The couple’s alpaca adventure began in 2014, when they purchased seven alpacas from an Irish farm. What followed was a steep learning curve, underpinned by research, training and practical experience. Today, Knockvicar Alpacas typically has a herd of around 31 animals at any given time.

The farm operates across four distinct but interconnected areas. Firstly, it serves as a breeding station, producing high-quality fibre alpacas that are sold to other breeders or to individuals hoping to start their own alpaca journey. Maintaining strong genetics and animal welfare standards is a central focus.

Secondly, the farm operates as an open and educational visitor attraction. Tours are designed not only to offer close encounters with the alpacas, but also to inform visitors about their history, purpose and care.

The third element of the business is alpaca trekking. While female alpacas and young cria (babies) generally remain within the farm setting, the trekking experience is led by the breeding males. These walks offer a relaxed and enjoyable way for visitors to explore the local landscape while spending time with the animals.

Finally, and most importantly from a farming perspective, Knockvicar Alpacas is a wool-producing enterprise. The fibre shorn from the herd is used to create high-quality, luxury duvets and pillows, valued for their warmth, breathability and hypoallergenic properties. This aspect of the business reinforces the farm’s commitment to sustainability and value-added agriculture.

Knockvicar Alpacas maintains an active presence on social media, particularly on Facebook, where visitors can find updates, photos and further information. Farm visits can be arranged by appointment by contacting 086 052 6560.

In a county steeped in agricultural tradition, Knockvicar Alpacas stands out as a creative and thoughtful example of diversification, combining farming, tourism, education and wellbeing – all centred around a herd of quietly captivating animals from the Andes.