Meet the sheep.
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Our Swaledale Ladies
The Swaledales ewes make most excellent lamb rearers. The wool is admitted to be more durable in wear and of even texture. Being excellent feeders and of strong constitution, as mutton producers, they are second to none.
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Our Swaledale Boys
The Swaledale sheep has proven itself to be a bold hardy sheep, well-fitted to endure the hardships of exposed and high lying situations. It is of an alert nature and a good thriver.
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Our Herdwicks
The word “Herdwyck”, meaning sheep pasture, is recorded in documents going back to the 12th century. Herdwick sheep are the most hardy of all Britain’s breeds of hill sheep, grazing the central and western dales of the Lake District with fells running to over 3000 feet. So it‘s no surprise that they love Ireland‘s highest mountain here at Curraghmore.
Our Mission.
We follow farming principles and practices that seek to restore and enhance the farm’s entire ecosystem by placing a heavy premium on soil health and more. Organic and regenerative agriculture is a method of farming that improves the resources it uses, rather than destroying or depleting them. So where do sheep fit in?
Mixed farming is the way forward for many of us, and introducing systems such as rotational grazing and agroforestry improve soil structure and health. In turn, these approaches result in higher quality yields and a richer, more natural environment without the need for purchased inputs such as concentrate feed and artificial fertilisers, together with reduced pesticides and herbicides.
Furthermore, sheep have a minimal carbon footprint, and carbon neutrality is a real option for many of us as we incorporate sequestering woody vegetation to offset on-farm emissions. This can be done sensibly whilst adding value to the farm infrastructure and its ecosystem, and producing high quality, nutrient-dense food. And while output is often reduced there is frequently a healthier bottom line.
In organic conversion
Our farm is currently in organic conversion with the Irish Organic Association.
We adhere to strict organic standards when it comes to both animal husbandry and environmental management.
We want our customers to be confident that the food they are buying is free from chemicals and has been raised as nature intended.
