They are gruff , ugly and fierce. But they are sensitive to the changes in temperatures and the prolonged winter in a way that is lost to more regulated animals like milking cows. They have natural amounts of offspring, not forced to procreate several times a year to ‘maximise gain’. However they will naturally abort if they believe the weather may put the offspring at risk which has happened this year.

Us aspiring chefs from the School of Food fell for their cuteness while farm owner Pat Mulcahy explained to us the market for their meat. Later we sampled wild boar sausage sitting in the simulated Italian wine cave. It was hard to believe we were in Mitchelstown. The frescoes of Tuscan landscapes that adorned the walls transported us to a warmer time and place.

We were reminded of our dear, snorting truffling friends by the wild boar skins scattered here and there.

What a diverse country we live in. A surprise round every corner.