If you told me I could see alpacas in Clare I would not have believed you. Situated in Kilkee, Loophead in country Clare you can find The Flying Alpaca. I was in Clare for my friend’s birthday (Happy Birthday Abs!) when her parents took us on a mystery road trip; I expected the Burren, a beach or a nature walk- I did not expect Alpacas!

We drove through the scenic Clare countryside which was lovely in itself and eventually arrived at The Flying Alpaca!The lovely couple that run the sanctuary and their dog Yuki welcomed us. We were offered wellies as in winter the stable area can get a little muddy. We were educated on the difference between alpacas and llamas and some more alpaca basics.

The Flying Alpaca look after animals that may have been abandoned. They can be abandoned if they were injured or just no longer profitable for farmers. Sadly they were not always well cared for and can be a bit nervous around humans. But thanks to some love and training they are happy and healthy now. If you spend a bit of time with these guys they’ll get used to you and be calm. You’ll be giving alpaca hugs in no time!

The alpacas were all named after airplanes and I got to know Spitfire the best. We even got to take him and his buddies for a walk!

After all our alpaca adventures and walkies we invited inside where the guys had made a delicious vegan birthday cake. Really the couple running the place could not have been kinder. They were so gentle and patient with the alpacas (and us!). It was really great to see that these animals had found a happy home! They also took some time to share some of their other crafts with us from weaving to kombucha brewing.

Although we just paid a flying visit to The Flying Alpaca you can also stay overnight at their BnB! It is well situated only a few minutes away from Loop Head, Kilkee cliffs and Scattery Island by car.

If you want to visit Alpacas in Clare you can check out all The Flying Alpaca offers here.