A UNIQUE herd of goats which were brought to Waterford by Huguenots fleeing persecution in their native France more than 300 years ago are set to feature in the Waterford Harvest Festival next month when cheese made from their milk will go on display.
Bilberry Goat Heritage Trust herd keeper Martin Doyle explained that the Huguenots brought the goats up to Bilberry Rock to graze on common land when they arrived in the Waterford quays at the end of the 17th century and the goats bred and remained there ever since.
In the 19th century, when times were hard, the women of Ballybricken used to go up to Bilberry Rock to milk the goats and the milk was used to feed their families and the surplus sold.
Over the years, the grazing land was gradually eroded and by 2000, the herd was facing extinction with only seven goats left but with the establishment of the Bilberry Goat Heritage Trust, a breeding programme was started and goat numbers have increased.
“We’re delighted to now have the herd of Bilberry goats producing cheese, the herd in particular is of huge historic importance to the city and while they’re currently maintained through the trust, they will be shortly contributing to their own upkeep.”
Mr Doyle explained that the cheese hasn’t been sold to the public yet but two batches have been produced – one for shipment to South America and one to visitors to the herd and both have been well received.
“The feedback so far has been phenomenal and this is the only ‘heritage cheese’ being produced in Ireland at the moment, so there really is huge scope for the product on the international market,” he said.
In addition to the cheese, milk from the Bilberry goats is also being used to produce natural soaps which are suitable for people suffering from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, Mr Doyle said.
Visitors to Waterford Harvest Festival which takes places from September 3rd-11th will get an opportunity to taste the cheese if they participate on one of the festival’s “Slow Food Tours” which offers local food producers the opportunity to showcase their products.
Those who participate in the Slow Food Tours can see how Flahavan’s porridge is made in Kilmacthomas as well as learn about local Waterford speciality meat dishes including crubeens, chucks and pigs’ tails. See waterfordharvestfestival.ie for more details.