News
The purpose of this page is to keep readers up to date with our news
March 2023
Our National Halter show took place in Mullingar Equestrian Centre on Sunday 12th March. Please click on the file below for a list of all the winners
News 2022
November 2022.
AGM on Sunday 27th November @ 4.30pm. Details will be sent to members in the coming weeks
September 2022
Second Annual SSEAG fleece show was held in September and hosted by Moonhall Alpacas in Kilkenny. Almost 120 fleeces in total , of all colours (Suri and Huacaya combined) were judged by Barbara Hetherington of Beck Brow Alpacas in the UK. Paul Vallely from Art of Fibre was also there testing fleece samples. Full details of the winners below. A fantastic way to get information on your fleece from both the judge and the fleece samples. Keep an eye out for details next year when it will be hosted by Alpacas of Connaught
May 2022
On a wet Sunday 1st May we had our first combined Halter and Craft show in our new location , Mullingar Showgrounds. Have a look at the video on the Home page for a flavour of what was on offer during the day. Photos will follow soon. Halter and Craft show winners are available by clicking on the following links
The Alpaca Craft Show 2022 report
August 2021
31st of July/1st August saw the first Sunny South East Alpaca Group (SSEAG) All of Ireland Fleece show take place at Moonhall Alpacas in Co Kilkenny. It was a roaring success with many of our members taking home rosettes and championship sashes. A more detailed report will be included in our next Newsletter in the Autumn. Please click on the link below to see the list of winners
July 2021
Fibre course with Paul Valley on 13th, 16th, 20th and 23rd of July with two final days later in the Autumn.
The Sunny South East Alpaca Group (SEEAG) is a vibrant community of alpaca owners in the sunny south east of the country sharing advice, support and enthusiasm for all things alpaca. The SSEAG will hold its first ever Fleece Show on 31st July and 1st August 2021. Places are limited to 90 fleeces and they were filled up really quickly with numbers limited to 4 fleeces per farm across the whole island of Ireland. Roger Clarke from Amberly Alpacas will be the judge. A fleece show is always a great opportunity for owners to get an honest appraisal of their fleece by a qualified expert
June 2021
Our Fourth Zoom took place on Sunday 27th June, hosted by Elaine Clarke, on the topic of Fleece Skirting.
May 2021
Our 3 recent Zoom Webinars were very well received. The focus of the three was on birthing and cria care. The first two webinars were presented by Roger and Elaine Clarke of Amberly Alpacas in Tyrone and the final evening was presented by Sarah Caldwell, a UK Vet with specialist camelid experience.
There is always something to learn about alpacas!
Our next course will be about fleece and details will be posted for members here soon.
April 2021
As of April 2nd we have changed from http:// to the more secure https:// version of our website. We have never asked for personal details on our website so no one has been exposed to risk. This means in the future we can add more features to the website. 
All full members are encouraged to email info@alpaca.ie to ensure all their details are correct on the relevant Farms and Studs pages. We have lots of activities planned for the coming months for members. More details will be posted here as soon as final dates are confirmed
March 2021
Our new spring newsletter is now available on https://alpaca.ie/newsletters/ It’s our best so far. Lots of interesting articles. Thanks to Paula Lunn for editing.
It’s March and we are in lockdown again. Our thoughts turn to shearing and planning for this year. Have a look at our fleece page for information on taking fleece samples for analysis and how to skirt your fleece to maximise your return
News 2020
November 2020
29th November 2020 AGM held over zoom. MInutes will be available afterwards
28th November Craft show results released
September 2020
TB has reared its ugly head at a number of farms across the country over the past number of months. The AAI committee has been working with the Department of Agriculture to draw up a protocol that will protect us all. Please click on the link below to read the draft protocol.
Any comments or suggestions would be welcome at info@alpaca.ie
July/August 2020
From late July and for the month of August we will be launching an online photo competition(just for fun). As the cria hit the ground and as the weather improves, alpaca owners across the island of Ireland are encouraged to sort through their phones and cameras to chose their favourite alpaca photo. Each farm/family can send their chosen photo to info@alpaca.ie. The photos will then be uploaded to the website ,a closing date which has still to be confirmed. Keep an eye on our FB page for more details
May 2020
The Covid 19 Crisis has seriously curtailed our plans this year. Our National Show was due to take place this Bank Holiday Weekend and has been cancelled as with many other events this year. Hopefully we will announcing new workshops and events this autumn. In the meantime cria are being born and we’re getting to isolate with our lovely alpacas
February 2020
Newsletters from our members now available on our website
October 2019
30 minute presentation on alpacas as part of the Rural Business Expo in Kilkenny. More details later
September 2019
Hillside Farm Alpacas charmed the crowds at the National Ploughing Championships 17th-19th September in Carlow
August 2019
2019 Fleece Show 11/8/19
Fleece results from our recent All Ireland Fleece show are now available here. Please click the link below
2019 “Conformation only” Show results. Please click on link below
Tullamore Conformation Show Results August 2019
Rural Business Expo Ireland is a business event for agricultural and rural communities, providing in-depth information and guidance on farm diversification.
Diversification is essential for all sizes and types of business. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the agricultural and rural sectors where unpredictable weather and market volatility can have devastating effects.
Rural Business Expo Ireland will outline the opportunities available to farmers and landowners wishing to explore additional revenue streams; reduce typically high energy bills through the generation of renewable energy, manage its use more effectively, become more environmentally
conscious and generally future-proof businesses for the years ahead.
The ‘how to’ workshops within the will provide ideas on possible new diversification ventures. Farmers and landowners that have already diversified will share their experiences and advice provided on associated subjects such as planning, finance, marketing, legal ramifications and health & safety requirements.
This is a show for innovative, forward thinking decision makers who want to make informed choices.
The Expo is free to attend, simply register here: www.energyandruralbusiness-ireland.com or call the team on +44 1293 854405.
June 2019
To Book please follow http://alpaca.ie/workshop-booking/. Spaces limited to 25 to ensure quality
April 2019
National Show 2019 ; Sunday 21st April at Mullingar Equestrian
National Alpaca Halter Show
National Craft Fair 2019 Results
Report available shortly
March 2019
Great article about our 2nd indoor dedicated Alpaca show in Mullingar. Follow the link below
New for 2019. Alpaca Crafts show as part of the AAI National Show in Mullingar. This is open to anyone, with or without, their own herd. More details available here
February 2019
Listen to Alan McIntyre of Hiltop Farm talking about bringing his alpacas to local nursing homes.
January 2019
Plans are now being made to improve on the runaway success of our first indoor National Alpaca Show in Mullingar April 2018. This year promises to be bigger and better with lots of new events and exhibitions planned. More details will be published here soon
We are set to make this year a bumper year for new members and new cria registrations.Members are asked to complete their registrations asap please.
November 2018
Our AGM for 2018 takes place on Saturday 10th November at Hushabye Farm in co Laois at 2pm. Members are encouraged to attend. Full members are asked to return nomination forms by Friday 09/11/18
September 2018
The results from our ALL Ireland Fleece Show are now available. Please click on the link
AAI 2018 National Fleece Show Results
July 2018
National Show Results 2018 now available. Please click the link below
Irish National Show 2018 RESULTS
April 2018
Our National Show 22nd April 2018.Entry is now open. Closing date for receipt of entries is 8/4/18. All entries are through the “Manage my Herd screen in the AAI registry. If you have any problems please email info@alpaca.ie. A tutorial is available here
March 2018
Keep an eye out on St Patrick’s day for an alpaca or two, you never know which parade they’ll appear in. Please send in any pictures you may find and we’ll publish them here
January 2018
Happy new year from all of us in the Alpaca Association of Ireland. We have lots happening this year so continue checking back regularly
Our National Show ill take place this year, for the first time, in April. The location is Mullingar equestrian centre and the date is Sunday April 22nd
October 2017
Registration of this years cria is now overdue. Please login to www.grassroots.co.uk/AAI.html and fill in the online forms. Payment should be made via PayPal (aai@grassroots.co.uk) cost is €10 animal.
September 2017
Our First National Alpaca day took places on 23rd September 2017. Please click the link below for a short report and some photos
August 2017
Alpacas made a very welcome return to this year’s Tullamore Show. Interest was huge and we hope to welcome more members very soon.
Our show was a composite show; Animals were judged on the day for their conformation while their fleece was scored the previous day. The two scores were added and prizes awarded.
Congratulations to Paul from Hushabye Farm who was awarded Supreme Champion with Coincidence
Please click on the link below for a full list of winners on the day
July 29th 2017
Alpacas are becoming increasingly popular and there is big demand this year for these adorable and versatile animals. Click on the link below to read about the latest from the Alpaca Association and one of its’ members
Alpaca article in Agriland.ie
11th June 2017
The National Alpacas Show was held in Bellurgan Park Dundalk on Sunday.While the weather was mixed with showers and sunshine it was a great show day enjoyed by all.The show was well organised by Bernie Neary of Mullagh Lane Alpacas, Bernie has decided to hang up her wellies and retire from Alpacas we will miss Bernie hugely. The show was judged by Nick Harrington-Smith with Roger Clarke as ring steward and Michael Mclaughlin keeping us all on time … well done to them all.
A big welcome to some UK visitors Felicia Sanders of Popham Alpacas and Barbara Hetherington of Beck Brow who kept a sharp alpaca eye on all proceedings. It was great to meet alpacas owners of such high reputation.
National Show Results 2017
Please follow the link below for the results of our first show at Dundalk 11th June 2017
June 7th 2017
Alpacas re appear on Dermot & Dave on TodayFM
27th May 2017 Shearing & Fibre Workshop
Venue: Hushabye Farm Alpacas 10am-5pm
Cost (member €80 and nonmember €100)
10th March 2017
Alpacas on Dermot & Dave on Today FM
podcast coming soon
Alpacas in Farming Independent 6th March 2017
Neonatology Course Saturday 22nd April 2017
Farming Independent 7/2/17 Mia Doran with her two alpacas bought from a member of the Alpaca Association of Ireland
Cria Registrations 2016
Now that this year’s crop of cria are on the ground, it’s time for members to think about microchipping, tagging and most importantly registering. Please register your animals in plenty of time so there will be no delays before next year’s showing season
AlpacaSeller Deal for Members
We are delighted to announce that the Association has negotiated a Special Offer for AAI members with AlpacaSeller. AlpacaSeller is the largest source for buying and selling Alpaca’s globally.
The offer is available to AAI members for new subscriptions.
We have negotiated a 13 month free subscription to AlpacaSeller.
Yes that’s 13 months subscription free. If you open an account with AlpacaSeller and let them know you are a member of the Alpaca Association of Ireland AlpacaSeller will give you a free subscription for 13 months.
We have also negotiated a reduced subscription fee of €40 (down from €50), this compares favourably to £50 for UK members. Thus for your AAI membership fee of €80 you are already getting €50 back.
AlpacaSeller also has free mobile apps for searching (iOS and Android).AlpacaSeller has recently added a facility for uploading videos of your alpacas.
Deja Vu at National Show in Dundalk on 12th June
Congratulations to Tinryland Alpacas ;Overall Supreme Champion with Burren Kantordan for the second year running. Congratulations goes too, to Hushabye Farm for Reserve champion and Supreme Champion female; Inca Glowing,also for the second year running.
Thanks to everyone who showed animals. The standard is phenomenal and has improved year after year.
Thanks to everyone who made the show run so smoothly; Bernie, Siobhan, Roger and Joe.
Full Results available here soon
On now to Clonmel Show on Sunday 3rd July, our first fleece off show this year and our first ever outing to Clonmel show. See you there!
New deal with AlpacaSeller for full members. More details coming soon…
Shows planned for this year (2016)
Mullingar Equestrian Show 5th June 2016
Co. Louth Agriculatural Show 12th June 2016
Clonmel Agricultural Show 3rd July 2016
Mullingar Agricultural Show ( Fleece Off) 10th July 2016
Fleece Show 9th July 2016
Cost of entries is €10 per animal per class
Parasitology Course 2016
Seagrave alpacas was the venue for our Parasitology course in on February 20th. Bob Broadbent from the UK was our guide for what was a very educational day. Samples were prepared, microscopes were focused and we searched and searched for parasites. As is common this time of year, the parasites were very few on the ground (or in the poo). We were urged to check monthly and to tailor our worming programme to what we do or don’t find. Thanks to Bernie for organising the course, to John and Eugene for the venue and to Glyn & Fiona for providing the equipment for the day.
Photos to follow…….
National Show 2016
Our national show will take place as part of Louth Agricultural Show on June 12th. Our judge this year is Jay Holland of Pure Alpacas in the UK. Please ensure that your show team is registered in time and that you have paid your membership for 2016. Get halter training! Show Rules are available here
Official Alpaca Association of Ireland approved Course in Parasitology February 20th 2016
Payment for this course can be made online here or by cheque, made payable to the Alpaca Association of Ireland, sent to Bernie Neary of Mullagh Lane Alpacas.
We have added PayPal to our website. This will make it easier for everyone to pay membership, pay for courses and entry to shows. PayPal is totally secure and will greatly increase our speed in processing payments.
BAS Evaluation Course 27th February 2016This one day workshop will be held in Clogher, Co. Tyrone. The cost id £65+vat for members and £85 + Vat for non members. Booking is essential as places are limited. Please click here to be redirected to the BAS website for more information
December 2015
The year is nearly over. All membership should be up to date. If you still have to pay for 2015 please do so immediately.
Members are also asked to register this year’s cria asap.
3/12/2015
Damien Dyar, one of our founding members presented with a token of our appreciation, for all his hard work over the years, at his farm Burren Alpaca, Co Clare
Alpaca Owners in Ireland are asked to click on the link below to complete a short survey on herd size and interest in the Irish Alpaca industry.
Survey (survey now closed)
Irish Alpacas get a great write up in this new online fibre magazine
Save the date; 20th February 2016
2015 AGM
Our recent AGM at Millbrook Alpacas was our best attended meeting to date! Members can view minutes from the AGM by clicking on the Members Only tab on the top of the screen
AGM of the Alpaca Association of Ireland will take place on Saturday 14th November @ 2pm hosted by Millbrook Alpacas
Non members/potential members are invited to attend for the first hour to get a chance to talk to members and to tour the mill
Irish Alpacas star in the new Harrods 2015 print ad
Alpacas in the Irish Headlines this week 5/10/15
http://www.thejournal.ie/offaly-llama-2368238-Oct2015/
2015 AGM of the Alpaca Association of Ireland takes place in November. Please check back for exact dates a bit closer to the time
AAI National Show 2015
Congratulations to Burren Kantordon at Tinryland who won Supreme Champion in Dundalk on 14th June 2015.
Results
1st Place – Millbrook Black Jack
Champion Female Hushabye Gerbera
Reserve Inca Blackberry, Millbrook Alpacas
Champion Male Burren Kantordan, Tinryland Alpacas
Reserve Inca Goldsmith, Hushabye Farm Alpacas
Overall National Supreme Champion Burren Kantordan of Tinryland Alpacas
More results to follow shortly….
AAI Summer Show 2015
Our First show of the Year took place on Sunday 31st May in Mullingar Alpacas battled it out across a range of categories for rosettes.
Results
1st Place – Millbrook Black Jack MBE18