‘The biggest challenge for us was getting public liability insurance’
animals on Saturdays and Sundays and Lucy, our youngest, looks after the smaller animals such the rabbits and guinea pigs,” says Aisling.
All the Chapmans’ marketing is done through social media.
“Facebook and Instagram are our go-to places— we are quite active on these sites and it seems to work really well for us. It’s cost-effective and you can reach a wide audience,” says Aisling.
Salthill Cabin is set to get even busier as the Chapmans work in conjunction with Donegal County Council in the aim of getting safer boardwalks along the shore at their business.
Branching out:
Aisling Chapman on the open farm outside Mountcharles, Co. Donegal (left) Lucy, Ross and Aisling leading the llamas to their paddock; (far
a peacock on the farm.
“It took about €15,000 to get the business established, between buying the cabin and some sheds, sourcing the animals and paying for start-up costs like insurance.”
“Business loans were readily available for this type of business; we took out a loan of €10,000.”
“We contacted the county council to enquire about planning permission and they advised us that seeing as our little wooden cabin is a mobile, moveable structure, we did not require it. Planning permission is not required for moveable items.”
“You have to register your food business with a competent authority before you start operating this would be the case even if you were operating from home. Who you register with depends on the type of business you have and the type of food you are selling… we had to register with the local Health Environmental Office (of the HSE).”
What grant aid or other assistance was available? “We weren’t aware of any grants or other assistance. The business loan from the bank was the only form of assistance that we were aware of and thankfully it was perfect for us.”
What supports bodies/state agencies were available to help?
Andrew and Aisling didn’t consult any bodies for assistance but the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation can be of help in setting up a business.
Was insurance required? “Yes, we had to get public liability insurance. Getting this was by far our biggest challenge we were refused on various occasions. We then got in touch with a company called Keystone Insurance and we have been with them since we set up. We can’t get contents insurance because of our location; we are too near the sea.”
How did your new business effect your tax dealings? “We just have to file our tax returns properly, the same as anyone who is self-employed.”
How much time was needed to get the business off the ground?
“It took just six months. We did a lot of the work ourselves and put as much time into it as
Animal attractions:
possible and it paid off.”
Did you encourage any unexpected pitfalls or challenges?
“Everything has been relatively straight-forward. We were lucky in that we sourced everything locally. The biggest challenge for us was getting the insurance… it took quite a while, but we got there.”
Kunekune pigs at Salthill Cabin; a pygmy goat; and Ross, Lucy and Aisling Chapman with rabbits