Cork's Old Head dairy farm bringing flavoured milks directly to the community 

Lush, green pastures on a Cork peninsula, happy and healthy cows, and a dedicated and driven family...

These are the vital ingredients that are producing protein- and nutrient-rich milk worthy of any kitchen table in Cork - straight from the farm on the Old Head in Kinsale itself.

McCarthy’s farm is a 39-acre dairy plot headed by Gerard McCarthy, who was previously shortlisted for Farmer of the Year at the West Cork Farmers Awards.

Over several generations and many decades, the family have farmed beef, sugar beet, and barley, and are now producing Old Head Milk from their dairy herd. As Gerard says: “My cows are my number one.”

His son Stephen says it was during covid lockdowns that he and his wife Louise came up with the idea of selling their milk directly to the customer in as a sustainable and customer-focused way as possible.

Stephen’s mum Anne, came across an article on milk vending machines and the family knew it would work for them, not only because of the local interest but with the volume of passing trade in this stunning area of Cork.

And so started a journey that brought to life Old Head Milk.

Unfortunately, there were no grants available. So, a loan was acquired from AIB, who Stephen says were very helpful, and the work began in earnest.

The initial idea was to have the vending shed in the yard, but the Department of Agriculture didn’t agree, so the McCarthys decided to get planning permission to move their farm entrance and build a whole new dedicated structure for their new enterprise.

The first job was to find vending machines to suit their needs. These were found in Limerick at Unison, while the glass bottles were sourced at International Glass in Cork and designed by One M Graphics in Bandon.

The next task was to get custom-built pasteurisers.

Stephen and Gerard, having worked in construction, designed the lay-out of the building with approval from the Department of Agriculture, as the milk would be brought from the milking parlour directly to the new pasteurisation room.

From idea to opening took the bones of five years. From planning to approval, from building to training, from custom-made pasteurisers and intricate details in the hand-crafted floors and counters, it has been a labour of love.

Both Stephen and Gerard are carpenters and put their exceptional skills to good use. Not only did they make the panelling, they made the gates and plastered the entrance walls and used local tradesmen wherever possible in bringing their vision to life. There are two mobile pasteurisation units on site. One in the vending machine and one in the pasteurisation room. Each can hold 200 litres. They pasteurise every second day.

Stephen explains that he inputs how many litres he will need and the machine keeps track of what is being drawn from the system and will send him a text when it’s running low.

Stephen says a fantastic job was done by East Cork Dairy Services, who installed and service the pipe work. Local men Michael White and Sean Donovan did the plumbing.

The resin floor was made using Italian stone. The counter top is a piece of art in itself.

Anna Jane, from the Flour Patch in Castlefreke, supplies the cakes for the customers. She says the milk is wonderful for her baking, and the customers agree.

The cleaning routines and the sterile rooms are hugely impressive and every action and process is followed to the letter, ensuring a perfect product.

Stephen, his wife Louise and two daughters Amelia and Shóna keep the place spotlessly clean with a routine that takes at least an hour both morning and evening, and during the day the place is checked on and kept to the standard the family insist on.

It is what you notice straight away when you arrive, the attention to detail.

Stephen says they never doubted that the business would be well received.

So, how does it work?

Firstly, you pick out your lovely glass bottle, either litre or half litre. You pay for this using cash or card. The litre is €3.50 and the half litre is €2.

Next, you can add a flavouring if you wish. There is salted caramel, chocolate, strawberry, milky bar, and for Halloween they added two spooky flavours for the children, Green Strawberry and Scream Egg!

Next, you place the chilled bottle into the vending machine and pay either cash or card.

The glass bottle is yours to keep, so when you come back you bring your bottle with you and just refill.

So, who is using the milk vending machines? Everyone!

Mums having a coffee while their children have their chocolate milk. People will arrive with their four or five bottles and refill them for the week.

Golfers from the Old Head club. Sports players will sit outside and easily drink two bottles each after training or a match.

Stephen tells me that chocolate milk is much more beneficial for athletes than any of the sugary or caffeine-loaded drinks.

Of course, you can’t be on the Old Head peninsula without taking in the stunning views, so they have added a coffee machine and outdoor seating so you can have your refreshments in one of the most beautiful parts of our coastline.

There is also plenty of parking if you fancy a visit and a delicious beverage.

So, the taste test. This was done by my milk-drinking, sports-playing 17-year-old son, who said: “Ah, that’s daycent, get more of that mam!”

As a baking product, I got a lovely rise on my pancakes using the whole milk, and will be going back for more.

Check out Old Head Milk on socials or call to them at P17 RX37.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm. Weekends, 7.30am to 6pm.