MINDFULNESS WITH FUR: Spend time with some delightful alpacas

Among many things available to do in Co Down, a visit to the Cranfield Alpacas Experience could be just the ticket for some cuddly family fun
f you have children aged seven and under it's reccommended that you take a guided walk around the beautiful designated field at Cranfieldf you have children aged seven and under it's reccommended that you take a guided walk around the beautiful designated field at Cranfield
f you have children aged seven and under it's reccommended that you take a guided walk around the beautiful designated field at Cranfield

Ever met an alpaca?

If a poll was taken for the cutest, cuddliest, most child-friendly fun animal, these boys would be topping it.

That’s why you should head to the Cranfield Alpacas Experience, Kilkeel, in Co Down for some family-oriented fun as soon as possible.

Meet and mingle with the alpacas at CranfieldMeet and mingle with the alpacas at Cranfield
Meet and mingle with the alpacas at Cranfield
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Domesticated 2,000 years ago in South America, alpacas were introduced to this island for their fleece and to help look after and protect sheep when lambing.

They’re gentle, inquisitive creatures and each has their own very distinct personality.

Add great big eyes and a general furry adorableness and you really couldn’t hope for a better companion.

Don’t rush them though: they’ll come to you.

They’ll bat their eyelashes, they’ll tilt their heads, they’ll give you a sniff and then you’re friends.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They tend to hum to each other. They might be humming about you. (The sound is a bit like lambs bleating).

If you’ve got children aged seven years and under it’s recommended that you take a walk with the alpacas in the large field available at Cranfield.

It’s beautifully located - with amazing views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.

Here younger children can even get a chance to take the reins of their own alpaca.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

At the end of the walk, it’s feeding time, with an opportunity to meet and mingle with the rest of the gang.

Alternatively, you can try a coastal alpaca trek.

There are more majestic views as you meet your alpaca and take him for a leisurely stroll.

Walk along country lanes and down to the beach.

Breathe in that fresh salty air.

Feel the stress evaporate in the company of a beautiful animal.

This is mindfulness that’s got its fur on.

Interacting with animals -alpacas being right up there - has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood - so time spent with these furry fiends has well proven phychologicaland physical healh benefits for young and old.

At Cranfield, you’ll also learn a little about the history of the area too from Viking invasions to an American World War Two bomber base that was located nearby.

On your return there’s time to meet and feed the rest of alpaca gang.

There’s plenty of great photo opportunities along the way of course: Alpacas are actually well known to be very selfie-friendly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And, even better, for youngsters, they love starring in Tik Tok videos!

Beach treks, family walks and meet and mingle sessions with the animals are all available.

Try the Cranfield Alpacas Experience, 35-37 Cranfield Road, Kilkeel, Co Down. To book visit https://cranfieldalpacas.com/.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Ben Lowry

Editor

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.