Seaside Alpaca Walk to the Beach: Private Time Slot in Union Hall

On the windswept edge of County Cork, Seaside Alpacas offers a slow, tactile way to meet the Atlantic: a private alpaca walk from Ardra House out across grazing fields and low cliffs to a sheltered cove. The experience begins at Seaside Alpacas, Ardra House, Union Hall, where guides introduce you to gentle, curious alpacas and teach calm, safe handling before pairing one animal with each handler. For 90–120 minutes you follow farm tracks and grassy coastal paths, the pace unhurried so conversation, quiet, and the animals’ personalities can take the lead. Key features of the route include wide pastoral fields, hedgerow-lined lanes, and the small, sheltered seaside cove where the walk pauses for photos and soft surf sounds. The land opens toward the Atlantic; winds shape the short turf and exposed rock, and seabirds wheel above—this is a working farm that meets rugged coast rather than manicured parkland. Back at the farmhouse, the itinerary continues in the wool workshop where raw alpaca fibre is shown being carded and spun into finished knitwear over tea and light snacks. What makes this private time slot special is the intimacy: groups are small, the guides attentive, and the rhythm of the walk set to the comfort of the animals. It’s a hybrid—part animal encounter, part coastal ramble, part craft demonstration—so visitors leave with a sense of place, a handful of insight into fibre production, and photos of alpacas at the shoreline. Families appreciate the carefully defined roles (Alpaca Handler, Companion, Child Companion) and the relaxed structure that suits younger walkers while maintaining safety standards. Accessibility is limited—the farm trail includes gravel roads and uneven ground—so sturdy shoes and a sensible stride are essential. Practical details: arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in; parking is nearby with a short gravel approach; the farm can lend a limited number of wellies. The experience complements stays in Union Hall and surrounding towns—pair it with a coastal day in West Cork for a quieter, animal-led interlude. This offering connects local craft and coastal ecology: you meet animals adapted to humane farming, glimpse Atlantic shoreline geology, and walk pathways used by the farming community. For anyone visiting County Cork who wants a thoughtful, hands-on encounter with animals and a behind-the-scenes look at traditional fibre work, the Seaside Alpaca Walk to the Beach is a quietly singular way to spend a morning by the sea. Bookings run as private time slots for up to 10 people, with Alpaca Handler tickets allocating one alpaca per handler and Companion options for additional guests. Minimum age for participation is eight, with handlers aged 14+ walking independently. The farm asks guests to bring weatherproof layers and footwear; refunds require 24 hours notice.