Irshavka eco-farm — goat and sheep cheese, Zahattia
A family farm above the Irshavka river
Irshavka is a family eco-farm in the village of Zahattia, on the banks of the Irshavka river about ten kilometres from the town of Irshava. The brand's full name is "Irshavka Craft Eco-Products Workshop". The farm was founded by war veteran Yurii Andrela, and cheese has been made here since 2023. The Tourism and Resorts Department of the Zakarpattia Regional Administration lists Irshavka among the region's craft producers, and its brynza was chosen for the first "Borzhava Basket", a gift set of the best products of the Borzhava valley.
According to Ukraine's agriculture ministry, the farm keeps about 126 goats and 64 sheep. In spring the herd, with kids and lambs, heads out to pastures above the river every day and wanders back to the fold on its own in the evening — everyday scenes that capture the spirit of the place.
Why go
Irshavka is first of all a dairy rather than a visitor attraction, so the farm does not advertise regular tours or tastings. Its cheeses are easy to find, though: they are sold in craft shops in Mukachevo, Irshava and Uzhhorod, in Zahattia and Siltse, and shipped across Ukraine by Nova Poshta. You can also meet Irshavka at fairs such as Irshava's "Borzhava Craft" held for Town Day. If you'd like to see the goats and sheep for yourself, message the farm on Instagram or call in advance — visits are discussed individually.
The taste alone is worth it: cheese from animals that graze foothill meadows every day is noticeably different from supermarket cheese — brighter, grassy, with a gentle tang.
What to try and buy
The farm has its own dairy with a pasteuriser, separator and vacuum packing, processing around 170 litres of milk a day on average. The range runs to about nine products:
- sheep and goat brynza — the salty brined cheese no Transcarpathian kitchen is without;
- budz — a firm sheep's cheese traditionally made in the high pastures of the Carpathians;
- aged goat cheeses and semi-hard cheeses in branded packaging.
The cheeses use goat, sheep and cow milk (some is bought from neighbouring farmers), so the range changes with the season. Brynza and budz are a legacy of Zakarpattia's shepherding culture: shepherds once made them right in their mountain huts, and small family farms are now bringing those flavours back.
Practical information
- Farm address: 1 Richkova St, Zahattia (Irshava community).
- Getting there: easiest by car from Irshava, up the Irshavka valley; Irshava is about 40 km from Mukachevo. Buses run to Irshava from Mukachevo and Khust; from there take local transport or a taxi.
- Where to buy: craft shops in Mukachevo, Irshava and Uzhhorod; Nova Poshta delivery.
- Phone: +38 093 363 16 56; e-mail [email protected].
- Social media: Instagram and TikTok @ecoferma_irshavka — the most up-to-date range.
- Hours and prices: not published — check by phone.
Fresh goat and sheep cheeses don't keep long, so bring a cool bag for the road.
Please confirm by phone before your trip.
Website and social media: instagram.com · tiktok.com
Photos: zaktour.gov.ua; instagram.com.
