Forget chocolates and flowers, a Wicklow-based farmer has come up with a novel idea; a Valentine's experience with alpacas.

Joe Phelan of K2 Alpacas in Newtownmountkennedy, Wicklow, has devised the experience - an enhancement of their alpaca and prosecco experience - running today, Saturday and tomorrow, Sunday at 10:00am and 2:00pm each day. Booking is essential.

Phelan explained: "The Valentine's experience is a two-hour experience, where each customer is paired up with their own alpaca.

"Each alpaca has their own individual personality and guests will get to know their alpaca. They will get to feed them and have loads of opportunities to take selfies and photos."

He added that the alpacas are "dressed to enhance the photo opportunities".

After the walk, guests will be offered a glass of prosecco with Valentine's treats.

The reception and shop areas will be decorated for the occasion, and Phelan has "put an itinerary together for those who might want to make a day of it".

Getting into alpacas

"Back in 2014 I was looking at the farm on which my dad was brought up - 90ac of good land in south Kilkenny," Phelan said.

"His brother ran the farm and when he died, he left it to my dad in 2002.

"My siblings and I were well-established in our careers. I worked in Bank of Ireland for 39 years and retired in 2018.

"However, I started looking at the farm in 2014 to see if I could get it up running."

He quickly found out that the capital cost was huge and the returns were not viable.

"I then started researching alternative farming with a view to doing something on the farm.

"It was then that I came across alpacas. I didn't rush into it as I had time and spent two years researching alpacas.

In 2016 he did a business start-up course for mature entrepreneurs, which kicked what was an idea into a business.

"I set the business up that year and started getting myself organised in 2017 with my first animals.

"For me it had to be a business from the outset and the alpacas had to earn their keep."

Phelan was still working full-time in the bank at that time.

"They were very good to me and encouraged me to pursue the business.

During this time he was renting land around Dublin, which he said was quite difficult, and in one year had to move six times.

"I realised that my business was in Dublin. My business is agri-tourism, all based around the alpacas."

Settling down

In 2019 he took the decision to sell his house and buy a 90ac derelict farm outside Newtownmountkennedy in Wicklow.

"I have not looked back since. The farm is perfect for what I do.

"It's scenic, peaceful and ideal for alpacas. The farm allowed me to expand my business and activities.

"We converted seven outbuildings into seven high spec self-catering cottages who look after the activities and the cottages," said Joe.

His alpaca enterprise started with five males.

"I just wanted to see if they would get on with each other," he said.

They have a kids' alpaca experience for small children and those with mobility issues, and they also provide therapeutic services to a wide range of individuals and groups.

"Our alpaca wedding services are popular," Phelan said.

"We provide corporate and promotional services and wellness and wellbeing is ideal for what we do."

Joe is delighted with the alpacas.

"They are true livestock animals and are quite hardy. The climate in their native South America is severe compared to our temperate climate. They make great sheep and poultry guards.

"You need to work at them to make them work. They are a long-term investment, not for quick returns," Joe contended.

His advice to anyone thinking of following in his footsteps is to do their research and not to rush into anything.

"Work out why you want them," he said.