Your premium free-range butcher in Co. Offaly

You won’t find better quality meat delivered to your door, or ready for delivery right here in the heart of Ireland. We’re not talking about supermarket trays of pale, anonymous poultry. We mean deeply flavourful, ethically raised animals, treated with respect from birth to the moment they reach your kitchen. It’s a difference you can taste, and frankly, it’s the only way we know how to do things here at HERD. Some reckon free-range is just a label; we know it’s the bedrock of good flavour and good conscience.

What makes our free-range meat stand out

It starts with the farms, naturally. We don’t have a giant roster of suppliers; we have a handful of local, trusted partners within a stone’s throw of Tullamore. These aren’t massive operations pumping out volume. They’re small-batch, family-run places where the animals genuinely roam.

Grass-fed beef that actually tastes like grass, not like whatever sad feedlot ration they’d otherwise get. Pork from pigs that root around and act like pigs. Lambs that graze on Irish hillsides. It’s not complex science; it’s simple, proper husbandry. We can trace every animal back to its home pasture. That traceability is non-negotiable for us.

You might see ‘free-range’ slapped on a lot of things these days. On paper, sure. In practice? Not always. We look for birds with ample space, access to outdoors, and diets that complement their natural foraging. The same goes for our pigs. We paid a visit to a farm near Edenderry last month that was doing astonishing work, and we’ve since partnered with them for some select pork cuts. It’s hands-on, every step.

The difference is in the discipline.

• Slow-grown heritage breed chickens, often taking twice as long.
• Pork from Gloucestershire Old Spots and Large Blacks.
• Lamb finished on pasture, never indoors.
• Beef aged on the bone for 30+ days.
• Charcuterie made with traditional curing methods.
• Sausages packed with 80%+ prime meat.

The craft butcher’s approach

So, what do we do once it arrives? We break down every animal ourselves. No shortcuts. We use the entire animal. That means you get the familiar cuts, of course – the sirloins, the fillets, the legs of lamb. But you also get the offal, the bones for stock, the trim for mince. It’s a full-animal philosophy that honours the beast and makes economic sense. It allows us to offer incredibly tender, delicious gourmet meats that you might not find elsewhere, all while keeping prices fair. We had one client whose phone rang three times in the first week asking about the quality of our lamb chops.

This approach is how we can talk about things like 30-day dry-aged beef. It’s not just about hanging it up and hoping for the best. There’s a specific temperature, humidity, and airflow needed. We manage it in our own aging rooms. It’s an old-school technique that develops incredible depth of flavour and tenderness. You’re paying for expertise and care, not just the raw material. Many places don’t bother; it’s too much hassle. We think it’s worth the effort for those who appreciate real flavour.

For smaller cuts, or when we put together our acclaimed sausages, we’re not using filler. We’re using prime cuts. Our pork sausages, for instance, typically come in at 85% pork shoulder and belly. None of that breadcrumb nonsense you get elsewhere. You want to taste the meat, not the rusk. You can find details on our different sausage types and other craft meat offerings here.

Ordering and enjoying your meat

We ship nationwide, including Northern Ireland, in refrigerated parcels. You order online, we pack it with care, and it arrives at your door, usually the next day. Simple. No fuss. You get access to the same quality you’d find if you walked in, even if you’re miles away near Portarlington. We also offer delivery if you’re nearby and want to order online. See our full premium free-range range for an idea of what’s available.

Cut	Standard Free-Range	Our Premium Free-Range
Chicken Breast (per lb)	€6.50	€8.00
Pork Loin Chops (pack of 4)	€9.00	€11.50
Beef Steak (e.g., Sirloin, per lb)	€25.00	€32.00

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. We can usually accommodate.

We believe this level of quality shouldn’t be unattainable. It requires dedication from us and from our farmers, and a willingness from you to invest a little more for a significantly better product. It’s about flavour, ethics, and supporting a better food system. That’s what we’re about.

Common questions about premium free-range butcher in Co. Offaly

Do you offer custom cuts?

Absolutely. While we have standard offerings, we’re always happy to discuss specific cuts or preparations you might need. Just ask.

How is the meat kept fresh during shipping?

We use express refrigerated parcels with chilled gel packs to ensure your order arrives in perfect condition, maintaining the cold chain throughout its.

What’s the main difference between your standard and premium free-range meats?

Our premium range often features slower-growing breeds, more extensive foraging time outdoors, and specific heritage breeds known for superior flavour and texture.

Can I collect my order locally in Co. Offaly?

Yes, you can. Select delivery at checkout and we’ll have your order ready for you to collect from our premises.

Is your beef grass-fed or grain-finished?

Our beef is predominantly grass-fed, with some animals receiving a small amount of supplementary feed towards the end of their lives to ensure optimal condition, but always pasture-raised.

Do you sell game meat?

We don’t typically stock game as a standard item, but depending on the season and availability, we might be able to source certain game meats. Enquire with us.

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Citations

• https://www.fearnleywhittingstall.com/articles/whole-animal-butchery
• https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/sustainable-meat-production
• https://www.healeysfarm.co.uk/free-range-pork
• https://www.irishlamb.ie/quality-assurance
• https://www.sausagemaking.org/articles/traditional-craft
• https://www.ffarm.co.uk/blog/regenerative-beef

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