St Tola has been made in the townland of Inagh just south of the Burren in County Clare since the early 1980’s. Originally made by Meg and Derrick Gordon, the business was taken over by their neighbour Siobhan Ni Ghairbhith in 1999. Since then, new premises have been built, the process has been brought up to HACCUP standards and in 2001, St. Tola became a registered organic producer with I.O.F.G.A, The Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association. Both the farm and the cheesemaking operation are inspected individually, by I.O.F.G.A inspectors, twice a year.

The St Tola Herd comprises of Saanen, Toggenburg and British Alpine Goats approx 220 in total - a mixture of milkers, kids and pucks. Every year the herd increases by keeping the offspring from the best milkers while retiring goats and their kids are given away as family pets or sent onto Bothar.

St Tola Cheese has a unique and distinctive flavour that owes much to the clean fresh environment in which it is produced. The 65 acre organic farm (none of which is treated with any fertilisers) provides herb rich grass and hay for the goats. They also receive a supplement of organic grains for the winter, the price of which is around three times that of conventional feed.

We believe passionately in organic farming. Although it is more expensive and labour intensive than conventional farming, the principles and methods employed promote practises which co-exist with natural systems and help protect and enhance the environment.

We have a happy international crew here at St Tola, with a mixture of Irish, English, German, Romanian and French workers!

FARM VISITS:We are more than happy to welcome visitors to our farm for a visit but prior appointment is necessary.