Last Saturday brought me somewhere a little different, and a lot wonderful. As part of the Féile na mBan Festival in Bundoran, I travelled to Campview Farm in Ballyshannon to cuddle a cow. Yes, you read that right, and honestly, it was every bit as lovely as it sounds.
I’d never cuddled a cow before (it’s not something that usually comes up in everyday life!), but I’ve always loved the idea of animal‑assisted therapy. Cows are such gentle, steady souls, and the thought of spending quiet time with one really appealed to me.
When I arrived, I was greeted by Elspeth and Drew, who run the farm, along with the star of the show: Candy the cow. From the moment I met her, I could see why people fall in love with the experience. She has the calmest eyes and the softest presence, like a big, warm weighted blanket that burps (and yes she did burp on me!)
Elspeth showed me how to find Candy’s heartbeat, placing my hand just so. There was something incredibly peaceful about standing there, feeling that slow, steady rhythm. It’s amazing how grounding it is, you can’t help but relax. After that, I got to groom her, give her a proper cuddle, and we even went for a little walk together. She’s a lady who likes to set her own pace, which suited me perfectly. She was slightly distracted by the food – she’s like my spirit animal!
I also met Austin the cat, who clearly supervises the entire farm, and the llamas who were busy being their wonderful, quirky selves. Campview Farm offer llama treks, you can walk a section of the Wild Atlantic Way with a llama by your side, which sounds like the most joyful thing ever. There’s also pony whispering for anyone who fancies an even deeper connection with the animals.
Afterwards, Elspeth showed me their beautiful shepherd huts, and I have to say, they’re absolutely gorgeous. If you’ve ever dreamt of staying on a working farm – but with comfort, charm, and your own private beach – this is the place. There’s even an outdoor holistic area where you can scan a code and listen to relaxing music while taking in the views. I loved that touch.
The farm is also fantastic for bird watching, especially in winter. It’s one of the most active spots in Donegal Bay for wintering birds, so it’s perfect if you’re a nature lover.
Cow cuddles, llama treks, and pony whispering are available all year round and can be booked online through the Campview Farm website: https://www.campviewfarm.ie/
During the summer, they also offer general farm visits – and if you’re travelling in a camper van, they even have a few spaces for overnight stays.
I left Campview Farm feeling lighter, calmer, and with a new appreciation for cows and the people who care for them. If you’re looking for something different, something soothing, or just a chance to spend time with beautiful animals in a stunning setting, I’d definitely recommend it.
Candy the cow has won a little corner of my heart.
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