K2 Alpacas in Wicklow is home to a whopping 86 alpacas, all cared for by owner Joe Phelan - AKA Alpaca Joe - and his dedicated team.
The alpaca farm in Newtownmountkennedy offers highly enjoyable visitor experiences including alpaca trekking and a children's pen where the kids can get up and close to these quirky animals.
Having been first set up in 2016, the business has grown in popularity with its unique offering, which is helped by its close proximity to Dublin (around a 40 minute drive).
Read more: We visited the huge new treetop walk, viewing tower, and slide in Wicklow
The experiences on offer here include a trek with alpacas with prosecco, a kids' alpaca experience, and, recently, opened cottages to stay in.
Dublin Live visited K2 Alpacas and spoke to Joe about what the experiences with the alpacas are like. Then we got up close and personal with these cheeky creatures.
Speaking to Joe, you get an instant feel for his passion for these animals, especially when he tells you that he can identify and name all 86 of them.
"People come here for the experience but they leave with memories that last for years," Joe told us.
"We're well known for our Alpaca & Prosecco treks. It's a two hour experience. When our customers arrive, we give them a talk about our background, tell them about the alpacas and go for a walk across our 90 acre farm.
"On the walk, you get to feed your alpaca. They only have teeth in the bottom so they'll just tickle your hand as they're feeding.
"When we come back after our walk, we bring everyone back into our reception area and they have a lovely glass of prosecco or juice if you're driving."
Getting close to the alpacas is such a gorgeous experience as they're very friendly and rather curious.
Don't be frightened if they all flock to you at once. They're just coming to say hello and pose for pictures.
What is most striking about the alpacas is their soft fibre, which you can feel by giving them a friendly rub on the neck.
Joe tells us that each alpaca on the farm has its own unique personality which is hilariously true. A goofy alpaca might come right up to you for rubs while his more aloof friend might hover around you looking cool.
Joe said of the animals: "When you're with them, it just totally clears your head."
Joe has just recently opened seven self catering cottages at K2 Alpacas, offering accommodation close to popular attractions around Wicklow including Britta's Bay, Glendalough and Beyond The Trees Avondale.
"You have the alpacas and all of the wildlife around here. When people come, they get this sense of peace and calm," Joe told us about stays here.
The cottages feature bright and airy living rooms and kitchens with everything you need for self-catering stays. Additionally, there are bedroom with king size beds and modern bathrooms with large walk in showers.
Inside the cottages, guests will also find a plan of the farm with information on where you can freely roam and greet alpacas.
There is also the alpaca gift shop, where things from soft toys to hats are made with fibre from the alpacas on the farm.
Experiences and stays at K2 Alpaca's can be booked through the farm's website.
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