Past, Present & Future

  Emma bird , originally  from Bath, fell in love with Ireland during a childhood holiday in Connemara. During her years in Bath she worked for different animal charities and care agencies, assisted the director of the Theatre Royal Bath's youth theatre and taught autistic children,including one very special boy "Ollie"* that she was lucky enough to have the privilege of working with for 3 years.

 In 1999 she finally moved to West Cork and started looking for a
small site to build a humble home! As soon as she saw the land at
Castledonovan...... a dream was born...... and although it left her with nothing, she had to have it ! Details like a house , electric or water would have to come later!

On the 26th of July 1999, with 4 dogs and a tent
she "moved in/on!" then the hard work began..........
as she set about reclaiming the wilderness and gaining access to the rivers and waterfall.

Luckily, Emma then met Marcus and gained some much needed help,skills & support. 

Before long 2 sons came along, Luka and Ruben, bringing yet
more life to the land .....  with the addition of some alpacas, miniature donkeys and giant rabbits and  help from the "Drimoleague Heritage Walkway," the project has leapt forward and the "alpaca walk " is now open to the public.  

 The aim at waterfall farm is to provide people, young and old and especially those with special needs, with a place where they can have a fun, positive and educational experience with nature and animals.

 In the long term they hope to offer a cafe / farmshop for walkers and visitors, by next year they intend to have a workshop space for feltmaking (with alpaca fleece) spinning and wood turning demonstrations, and  adorable donkeys available to hire for walks ! (they are,also, in the process of training the Alpaca's to walk to halter.)

The first " childrens fun day " was held for the Drimoleague community playschool on the 18th of june 2009 to rave reviews from all who attended  despite slightly dodgy weather ! (see fun days slide show)
 

* Ollie's story written by Stephen Venables is available through Amazon Books and reviewd here :-

 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/ollie-by-stephen-venables-472770.html