There’s a moment on the drive around Northern Ireland when it hits you. You’re winding through narrow roads, passing fields in every shade of green you didn’t know existed and peacefully watching blackface sheep graze on hillsides.
The landscape rolls and dips, opening up to glimpses of the Atlantic. And somewhere between Letterkenny and the northernmost point of Ireland, you realize: I’m actually here. I’m actually doing this.
For me, that drive was the first time my solo trip to Ireland felt real. Ireland had been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, but I never thought I’d actually make it happen (and definitely not alone).
Yet there I was, staying in Letterkenny, County Donegal, and on my way to walk with alpacas at Malin Head, the edge of Ireland.
Yes, alpacas. At Ireland’s most northerly point. It was the one thing I absolutely had to do on this trip and I’ll be showing you how to experience it for yourself.
Here's what you need to know before you go:
📍 Wild Alpaca Way is a family-run alpaca farm located at Knockamanny Bends near Malin Head, where you're paired with your own alpaca for an hour-long walk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
📍 The farm is home to over 37 alpacas, each with their own personality.
📍 The views of Malin Head, Five Fingers Strand, and the rugged Donegal coastline are absolutely stunning, making walking with alpacas at Malin Head one of the most unique experiences in Ireland.
The Drive to Malin Head
I have to say that getting to Wild Alpaca Way is an experience in itself.
From Letterkenny, the drive takes about an hour and fifteen minutes and it’s one of the most beautiful stretches of road I’ve ever been on.
The landscape shifts constantly, but I was there for it. Blackface sheep are everywhere, dotting the fields and occasionally wandering close to the road.
If you look closely enough, you’ll even get glimpses of tiny villages that are so quintessentially Irish that it almost feels like a movie set, except it’s not. This is just what life looks like here, and it’s magical!
The morning started cold, rainy, and windy…classic Ireland weather, honestly. But by the time I reached Malin Head, the rain had stopped and the overcast skies made the landscape even more stunning.
🏨 Where to stay:
McGettigans Hotel — I Loved this hotel in Letterkenny and can’t recommend it enough. Excelent location at just 1 hour and 15 minute drvie from Malin Head.
🍴 Where to eat:
The Seaview Tavern Restaurant — A local favorite with hearty Irish comfort food.
Caffe Banba Coffee Truck — A fun stop near Malin Head for coffee with a view.
🎟️ Best things to do:
Visit the Malin Head viewpoint, walk the rugged coastal trails and enjoy the alpaca experience with the cliffs as your backdrop.
Don’t miss Banba’s Crown, the most iconic viewpoint on the peninsula, perfect for photos and wind-in-your-hair moments.
Travel Tip: Weather changes quickly here—bring layers, especially if you’re planning to spend time with the alpacas or hiking the headlands.
Meeting Charlie (Who Did Not Like Me at First)
When you arrive at Wild Alpaca Way, you’ll most likely be greeted by John and his sons, who run the farm.
They started the experience in 2019 as a way to share their stunning land while keeping it in its natural state.
You can really tell this is a passion project and they genuinely love these animals and enjoy introducing visitors to them.
After a quick welcome, you’ll meet the alpacas and have one assigned to you for the day. My group had about ten people, and each of us was paired with our own fluffy companion.
Mine was named Charlie.
Charlie, I learned very quickly, had opinions, to say the least.
At first, he wanted absolutely nothing to do with me. He didn’t want to walk or take pictures with me.
He just wanted to stand there and do nothing at all, while the other alpacas happily trotted along with their humans.
I spent most of the walk trailing behind the group, gently coaxing Charlie forward while he gave me what I can only describe as alpaca side-eye (but in the cutest way possible!).
But Charlie was so fluffy, so ridiculously cute, that I couldn’t even be frustrated. And somewhere toward the end of our walk, he started cooperating. He posed for pictures.
And then…I’m not making this up; he kissed me. (Keep reading, and you’ll see the pic at the end.) 😊
Needless to say, Charlie and I ended on good terms and I’ll be forever obsessed with the moments we spent together.
🎥 Watch video: Walking with alpacas at Ireland's northernmost point.
The Walk and the Views
The actual walking route takes you across Wild Alpaca Way’s property at Knockamanny Bends, overlooking Malin Head and the Atlantic Ocean.
The terrain is gentle enough that you don’t need to be an experienced hiker or anything like that, and the views are dramatic enough that you’ll stop constantly to take it all in.
And those views! I don’t have adequate words to describe how breathtaking and otherworldly they are.
The Atlantic stretches out endlessly and you can see Five Fingers Strand below, and on a clear day, all the way to the Isle of Doagh.
Even on a cold, windy, cloudy day (which is most days up here, let’s be honest), the scenery was breathtaking.
And no matter what others may say, I love the moody weather. I think it actually added to the magical atmosphere.
The whole experience lasts about an hour, which includes the walk and plenty of time for photos.
Trust me, you’ll want the photos.
Alpacas are incredibly photogenic, and the backdrop is unbeatable.
Planning Your Visit to Wild Alpaca Way
Wild Alpaca Way exceeded every expectation I had. The alpacas were better behaved than I anticipated, and the staff was warm and welcoming in that genuine Irish way.
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and you want something that combines adventure with jaw-dropping scenery, you’ll definitely want to put this on your list.
Getting There
Wild Alpaca Way is located at Knockamanny Bends, near Malin Head in County Donegal. You’ll need a car to get here, as there’s no public transportation to this part of Ireland.
- From Letterkenny: About 1 hour 15 minutes
- From Derry: About 45 minutes to an hour
- From Dublin: About 4 hours (but if you’re doing the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll likely be coming from closer)
The drive is stunning, so build in extra time to stop and take photos along the way.
Booking and Times
Wild Alpaca Way offers walks daily at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Each experience lasts about an hour.
I highly recommend booking in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the summer. The farm gets busy, and they’ve been known to turn people away during peak season.
👉 You can book directly through their website at wildalpacaway.com.
What to Wear
This is Malin Head. The weather is unpredictable, and it will probably be windy. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes (the terrain is uneven in spots).
Also, I highly recommend bringing a rain jacket just in case. Even if it’s sunny when you arrive, conditions can change quickly.
What to Expect
- You’ll be paired with your own alpaca for the walk
- The alpacas are gentle and well-behaved (even the stubborn ones like Charlie come around eventually)
- Plenty of photo opportunities and the staff is happy to take pictures for you
- The walk is suitable for most fitness levels, though the ground can be uneven
What Else to Do at Malin Head
In all honesty, I didn’t get to explore the rest of Malin Head beyond Wild Alpaca Way. My time was limited and I spent it all with Charlie.
But if you have more time, here’s what else is worth checking out:
1. Banba’s Crown
The actual northernmost point of mainland Ireland, with a viewing area and a tower dating back to 1805 from the Napoleonic era. This is also a filming location for Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
2. Hell’s Hole
A dramatic sea cavern where ocean tides surge into a subterranean chamber. You can view it carefully from above, but please maintain a safe distance.
3. The ÉIRE 80 Sign
During World War II, large stone letters spelling “ÉIRE” with a number were placed along the Irish coast to signal to planes that they were flying over neutral Ireland. The one at Malin Head is still visible.
4. Caffe Banba
Ireland’s most northerly coffee truck, usually parked at Malin Head from Easter to September. Grab a coffee and fresh baked goods while taking in the views.
5. Five Fingers Strand
A stunning secluded beach with some of the largest dunes in Europe. You can see it from Wild Alpaca Way, but it’s worth visiting up close if you have time.
Final Thoughts
My time spent with these alpacas, especially Charlie, is a moment I will treasure forever.
But most of all, I’m grateful there are still people who are passionate about what they do – like the amazing staff at Wild Alpaca Way.
If you’re considering a trip to Co. Donegal, Ireland, or if you’re driving the Wild Atlantic Way and wondering if the detour to Malin Head is worth it, let me make it easy for you.
It’s 100% worth it!
The drive alone is worth it. The views are worth it. And walking alpacas at Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point?
That’s the kind of experience you’ll talk about forever.
Even if your alpaca gives you attitude for the first half hour. 😉
Thank you to Donegal Tourism for sponsoring this visit. All opinions are my own.
🦙 Have you been to Malin Head or done the Wild Alpaca Way experience? Tell me about it in the comments. I’d love to hear which alpaca you got!
📌 Pin this for your Ireland trip planning!
Hey, I’m Yanitza 👋 Adventure Travel & U.S. Destination Specialist, travel writer, and hidden-gem hunter with over 8 years of experience helping travelers explore deeper and travel slower. I specialize in crafting authentic, stress-free adventures from small towns to scenic hikes and scuba dives. I’m a firm believer that the best stories happen when you venture beyond tourist hotspots. When I’m not planning getaways or writing travel guides, I’ll probably be home rewatching The Vampire Diaries like it’s my job and daydreaming about future adventures in Spain.