Award-winning Ummera Irish Smokehouse in rural West Cork, by the banks of the Argideen River, is a leading light in artisan food production and environmentally friendly practices.

History

The Ummera story began in the 1970s, when Keith Creswell – a passionate fisherman and poultry farmer – started smoking wild salmon from the nearby Argideen River. Operating from Ummera House, the family home, Keith refined the art of traditional smoking, laying the foundation for what would become one of Ireland’s most respected artisan smokehouses.

In 1984, Keith’s son Anthony Creswell took over the business. As wild salmon stocks declined, Anthony made the bold decision to move to organically farmed salmon – a sustainable step that ensured quality remained uncompromised. Under his leadership, Ummera expanded its range to include smoked chicken, duck, beef and dry-cured bacon, all produced without artificial preservatives and rooted in ethical sourcing and time-honoured methods.

Over the years, Ummera’s products received numerous accolades. In 2010, their Smoked Duck was awarded a Golden Fork at the Great Taste Awards. In 2020, the Smoked Irish Organic Salmon won the Golden Fork (Ireland) for its perfect balance of flavour and texture – clear recognition of the quality and passion behind each product.

Present Day

In October 2024, after 50 years at the helm, Anthony Creswell stepped back from the day-to-day running of Ummera. However, this was not the end of the story – it marked the beginning of a new chapter. Anthony entrusted the smokehouse to Sorin and Inna Cernelea, a husband-and-wife team who had become a vital part of the business.

Sorin, originally from Moldova, had worked in food quality control before joining Ummera in 2018. He quickly developed a deep appreciation for the craft, learning the art of curing and smoking under Anthony’s guidance. Inna brought her own strengths in administration and customer service, playing a key role behind the scenes.

Their dedication, professionalism and shared respect for the brand made them the natural successors. In May 2025, the Creswell family officially passed the torch to Sorin and Inna, who reopened the smokehouse with a renewed energy and commitment to excellence.

Legacy & Future

As the new custodians of Ummera Irish Smokehouse, Sorin and Inna are committed to honouring the traditions laid down by the Creswell family while also bringing new ideas and energy to the business. Their shared vision focuses on preserving the brand’s core values – quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship – while continuing to serve loyal customers and reach new ones.

With the smokehouse now reopened and production back in full swing, Ummera remains a proud member of the Good Food Ireland® Collection and a shining example of Ireland’s artisan food excellence.