With views stretching to Scotland, the Isle of Man and the Mountains of Mourne, Ashtonelle Alpacas is a working farm set in a beautiful and unique corner of the Ards Peninsula in Co. Down. Here, my award winning alpacas graze peacefully across 16 acres of lush pasture, overlooking rolling countryside and the ancient ring fort (rath) that gives Fort Hill Farm its name.

Established in 2013, Ashtonelle Alpacas is a small pedigree herd of huacaya alpacas, founded on elite, prize-winning genetics from around the world. What began as a family venture continues today as a deeply personal one — lovingly run day-to-day by me.

I care for and breed my alpacas for the sheer joy of spending time with such intelligent and charismatic animals, while also celebrating the luxurious fibre they grow through a range of hand-crafted and hand-knitted creations. My love of fibre and knitting was inspired by my mum, whose remarkable skill continues to shape my own creative journey. Though she doesn’t live here on the farm, she remains very much part of the story — still producing knitting masterpieces that win prizes at shows around the country.

All my much-loved alpacas are registered with the British Alpaca Society.   I am also a member of the Northern Ireland Alpaca Group and the Alpaca Association of Ireland