Scenically situated on the River Ilen (after which the farm takes its name), Alan and Valerie Kingston’s small West Cork dairy farm has been in Alan’s family for generations.
In 1997 Valerie started using their creamy milk to make cheesecakes to sell at Bantry Country Market, and they were so popular that her hobby quickly grew into a business - and the Kingstons have since earned national recognition for their range of Glenilen Farm Dairy Products.
It’s a family affair, with Alan in charge of milk production and Valerie overseeing production of a growing range of excellent handmade products which includes clotted cream, double cream, low fat cream cheese (creme fraiche and quark) and yoghurts - including a lovely variety layered with fresh fruit compote, in classy glass jars.
There are also fresh desserts in the range (including a cream and fruit mousse and four varieties of cheesecake) and - most interestingly given this region’s proud history of quality butter - farmhouse butter, which is made in the traditional manner, using ripened raw milk.
These fresh artisan products are made without preservatives, and delivered directly to shops and restaurants for faster distribution - well worth looking out for, in the area and beyond. It is always a treat to spot their lovely yoghurts in their little glass jars on a breakfast buffet, or a pat of their deep golden butter with its little signature Glenilen greaseproof paper 'cap' in a restaurant - and tells you a great deal about the high standards upheld by any establishment that is proud to showcase these special products.
Not a member? Register for your free membership now!