Meet Our Farmers

The People Behind West Cork Farm Tours

  • A man in a blue jacket and tan cap works inside a dairy farm, standing near metal rails and equipment.
  • A group of people greet a man stepping out of a van on a sunny day, shaking hands and smiling outdoors.
  • Smiling person in red boots holds a blue westcorkfarmtours.com sign; a dog stands nearby on a grassy path surrounded by trees.

    • The Heart of West Cork

    Nestled along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, our farmers are the heart and soul of West Cork — a region known for its rugged beauty, lush green fields, and deep connection to the land. 
    Each farm tells a story of family, tradition, and innovation. From dairy herds that graze overlooking the ocean to free-range pigs raised in harmony with nature, these farms represent the passion and pride that make West Cork’s produce truly special. 

    Come meet the people behind the food — the families who nurture the land, care for their animals, and keep the spirit of rural Ireland alive. 

    Our Farmers

    Denis & Collette O’Donovan – Rouryhill Farm

    Denis & Collette O’Donovan – Rouryhill Farm 

    Perched between the charming coastal villages of Rosscarbery and Glandore along the iconic Wild Atlantic Way, Rouryhill Farm is home to Denis and Collette O’Donovan and their son, Eoghan. 
    Here, rolling green fields meet sea views, and a herd of 160 Friesian cross Jersey cows graze contentedly on rich pastures of grass and clover. 

    The O’Donovan family pride themselves on producing high-quality milk in harmony with nature. They’ve embraced new, eco-friendly practices such as growing grass without artificial nitrogen, thanks to clover—a natural soil-enriching plant. 
    Visitors to Rouryhill Farm can expect not only to learn about sustainable dairy farming but also to experience breathtaking ocean views and discover the mystery of a 16th-century castle ruin that stands watch over the land. 

    Father and son farmers - John Joe & Andrew O’Sullivan - demonstrating beehive in shed

    John Joe & Andrew O’Sullivan – Rosscarbery 

    Nestled near the picturesque village of Rosscarbery, John Joe and Andrew O’Sullivan’s dairy farm is a true testament to West Cork’s farming heritage. 
    This family-run enterprise combines tradition and innovation, producing milk of exceptional quality—a dedication that has earned them the Carbery Milk Quality Award and recognition from Origin Green for sustainability. 

    But there’s more to the O’Sullivans than dairying. Their love of nature, beekeeping, and Irish heritage shines through every corner of the farm. Ancient stone walls, ring forts, and old dwellings dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s rich past and the family’s deep respect for the land they call home. 

    Avril Allshire of Caherbeg shown on her farm

    The Allshire Family – Caherbeg Free Range Pork

    Set just outside Rosscarbery, the Allshire family farm is unlike any other—and that uniqueness begins with Avril and Willie Allshire themselves. 
    Avril grew up on a self-sufficient mixed farm in West Cork, while Willie came from the world of business in Cork City. United by their shared passion for local food and community, they set out 30 years ago to find a little piece of West Cork to call their own.

    That small 17-acre dream has since blossomed into a 58-acre farm that’s home to: 

    • Ireland’s oldest herd of free-range outdoor pigs (established in 1997) 
    • A fully equipped on-site processing unit, where their sons William and Maurice now work with a small, dedicated team to supply top restaurants, hotels, and shops 
    • Over 50 acres of trees, including 8 acres of agroforestry, creating a rich habitat for wildlife  

    Visitors can unwind here with refreshments and home-baked treats, surrounded by peaceful countryside and warm West Cork hospitality. (Please note: for food safety reasons, access to the processing unit isn’t permitted.) 

    A Day in Our Boots

    You might see us tending to animals, fixing a gate, or sharing a laugh over the fence with a neighbour. Our lives are busy, but we always make time to welcome new faces to the farm.