WALK WITH ALPACAS
WALK WITH ALPACAS
***CONGRATS TO AMY LENNON - WINNER OF THE ALPACAS EXPERIENCE FOR 4 (inc lunch) GIVEAWAY***
"Ha ha - look! No way? Can you actually go for a walk with them!?"
That's pretty much how this one came about. Flicking through Facebook one night, we stumbled across this video...
(Opens in new window)
:)
A few messages later and we were on our way to meet some smiley...woolly...actually...what are alpacas? Hmmm...
Alpacas are a bit like llamas, and although both come from South America, there are a few notable differences (according this pic we stumbled upon)...
Image source: Openherd.com
LOCATION / HOW TO GET THERE
Long Acre Alpacas is a family-run business, lying just outside Ardee in County Louth. It's about an hour from both Belfast and Dublin - not far from the popular pit-stop at Applegreen Castlebellingham, just off the M1 motorway.
Once you're in Ardee town itself, you've only another 10 minutes out the other side to go. Plug it into your smartphone if you're stuck - they're on Google maps 👍
MEET THE LADS
As well as the curious ducks and chickens that wander freely (you can buy eggs!), Long Acre is home to five alpacas... Harry, Cecil, Walton, Perkanaus and Proudlock.
Starting with two alpacas a few years back, the family quickly fell in love with these native South Americans. As well as being good lawnmowers, their wool also makes for super-soft garments - which is why the lads here are looking a little leaner compared to normal.
CHECK OUT THESE HAIR-DOS!
A few images of alpacas grabbed from Google - what about those baby alpacas?! 😂.
Click to zoom and swipe through...
WALK WITH ALPACAS
There's no denying, alpacas are photogenic. Being naturally timid and good with people too - plus with Long Acre being right next to the beautiful Ardee Bog area - starting the walking experience was a great idea.
So, quickly introducing our pals for the afternoon - Perkanaus and his blonde friend, Proudlock - chilling in the afternoon sun at the end of our walk here...
A few highlights from the day...
In total, the Alpaca Trekking Experience lasted around 3 hours - which also included time before and after for introductions, learning, feeding and grabbing a few selfies with the lads 🤳.
Though it's officially called a 'Trek', the terrain was fairly flat ground - so suitable for most. Casual trainers and jeans are totally fine (apart from if it's a super-sunny or super-rainy day).
Great fun 👍
WHEN IN ARDEE
Don't forget to check out the Alice In Wonderland-themed Bliss Tea Rooms, plus Ardee Castle right in the centre of town. Across the road from it is a cool little curiosity shop worth a look in also. Make sure you get chatting with the owner - great craic!
THIS IS BRILLIANT
One more alpaca-thing. Out on the trek we were told about another friend's alpacas, that were recently 'borrowed' for a tv ad.
Cadbury's Chocolate!
AND NOW, EASY AS 1-2-3
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