Over Fifty Years of Supporting Farmers, Wool and South West Ireland

In 1974, a group of visionary sheep farmers on the Dingle Peninsula came together to form Kerry Lamb and Wool Co-Op (Comharchumann Uain Chiarraí). At the time, mountain lambs were fetching poor prices, and there was no viable outlet for local producers. These farmers decided to act — guided by the co-operative ethos of solidarity, fairness and community self-reliance.

They built a co-op that would not just market lambs, but eventually support the entire sheep-farming community through turbulent times and changing agricultural landscapes.

Originally focused on lamb fattening, the co-op quickly expanded — adding veterinary supplies, feed, fertiliser, wire, fencing, and the cornerstone of its business today: wool collection and export. From our base in Lispole, we’ve grown from 350 shareholders to a network of over 1,200 farmers, and continue to collect wool across Munster for export to wool markets in Bradford, the UK and beyond.

Built to Last — Adapted to Thrive

Under the steady stewardship of our long-time manager, Seán Moriarty — who has been with the co-op since day one — we’ve stayed true to our mission:

to get the best possible price for our farmers’ produce and to supply what they need at the best value.

Our wool continues to reach global markets, with strong demand for high-quality Irish wool in the UK and China — where it is used in knitwear and carpets alike.

We are proud members of the Irish Grown Wool Council, and collaborate with MTU Tralee and University College Cork on research to keep Irish wool and upland farming viable.

A Voice for Farmers

While we celebrate five decades of service, we remain alert to the challenges our community faces. Shrinking flock numbers, rising costs, and the lack of support for dry stock farming threaten the future of food production and rural life.

We continue to call for fairer agricultural policies and better supports — so that sheep and cattle farming can thrive once more in our hills and valleys.

Looking Ahead

The next chapter of Kerry Lamb and Wool Co-Op builds on a proud past. We remain committed to:

  • Strengthening Irish wool's place in global markets

  • Promoting the Irish language and our cultural heritage

  • Supporting farmers young and old through every season

Where there are sheep on the land, there is a need for wool, fencing, feed, and community — and we are proud to be at the heart of it.