Ummera Irish Smokehouse
For nearly fifty years Ummera has built up an enviable reputation for producing some of the finest smoked salmon available. We originally concentrated on smoking the Wild Atlantic Salmon which were caught by fishermen as the salmon returned from their feeding grounds in the North Atlantic. Since 2006, when it was obvious that over-fishing was having significant effects on wild salmon stocks, Ummera has been smoking Irish organically reared salmon.
Their natural flavour and texture, blended with our careful curing, and gentle smoking over smouldering oak fires ensure that you will enjoy the finest smoked salmon.
Call us on +353 (0)23 88 46644
For all enquiries please email info@ummera.com
Click here for a list of retail stockists.
History of Ummera
Ummera Smoke House Ltd – renowned for its handcrafted smoked delicacies – has long held a special place in West Cork’s food landscape, with a legacy rooted in passion, tradition, and innovation.
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Origins and Early Years
The Ummera story began in the 1970s, when Keith Creswell – a passionate fisherman and chicken farmer – started smoking wild salmon caught in the nearby Argideen River. Working from Ummera House, the Creswell family home, Keith perfected traditional smoking techniques that would later define the Ummera brand. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for what would become a respected name in Irish artisanal food.
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Transition and Growth
In 1984, Keith’s son, Anthony Creswell, took the reins. As wild salmon stocks declined, Anthony made the bold but necessary move to organically farmed salmon, ensuring sustainability without compromising on quality or flavor.
Under his guidance, Ummera grew beyond smoked salmon to offer a thoughtfully curated range of products – including smoked chicken, duck, beef, and dry-cured bacon – all prepared without artificial preservatives. His dedication to traditional methods and ethical sourcing cemented Ummera’s reputation at home and abroad.
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Recognition and Awards
Ummera’s commitment to excellence earned it wide acclaim. In 2010, their Smoked Duck won a well-deserved Golden Fork Award at the Great Taste Awards. A decade later, in 2020, their Smoked Irish Organic Salmon earned the Golden Fork (Ireland) award, applauded for its “lovely texture” and “perfectly balanced smoke.” These accolades reflect not just the quality of the products, but the passion behind them.
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A New Chapter
After five decades of dedication, Ummera Smoked Products closed its doors in October 2024 as Anthony Creswell announced his well-earned retirement. While stepping away from the day-to-day running of the business, Anthony wasn’t simply walking away—he was handing over Ummera to trusted and capable hands.
Anthony chose to pass the torch to Sorin Cernelea, Ummera’s long-time Production Manager, and his wife Inna, both of whom had become an integral part of the business. With years of experience, a deep understanding of the craft, and a shared respect for Ummera’s values, Sorin had proven himself not just as a skilled professional, but as someone truly passionate about preserving and evolving the tradition. Inna, with her background in administration and strong support behind the scenes, had also played a vital role in keeping operations smooth and customer service strong.
Anthony expressed confidence and pride in seeing the legacy of Ummera continue through Sorin and Inna, knowing they would care for it as their own while bringing fresh energy to its future.
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Legacy and Future
That hope came to life in May 2025, when Anthony proudly announced that Sorin and Inna Cernelea, the husband-and-wife team with deep ties to the business, would be taking over Ummera Smoked Products.
Originally from Moldova, Sorin and Inna moved to Ireland in 2012, settling in West Cork and quickly becoming part of the local community. For the first five years, Sorin worked in the food industry, focusing on quality control in a meat processing facility—a role that sharpened his skills and deepened his understanding of food production and safety standards.
In 2018, Sorin joined the Ummera’s team, where he soon discovered a genuine passion for the traditional craft of smoking fish and meat. Over the years, he became a key member of the smokehouse, learning the art of curing and smoking under Anthony’s mentorship. His dedication to quality and authenticity made him a natural fit for Ummera’s values.
Now, as the new custodians of Ummera Smoke House, Sorin and Inna are committed to preserving the legacy of quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship that has defined the brand for over five decades. With their combined experience and a shared vision for the future, they aim to continue producing the premium smoked products Ummera is known for—while also bringing fresh energy and new ideas to the business.
The smoke House was set and reopen in mid-May 2025, with products once again available online and through selected outlets across Ireland and beyond.
Distributing Ummera Smoked Products worldwide
Satisfied customers spreading the word all over the globe have helped the business grow. We now have a long established record of supplying customers in many countries around the world. All International orders are delivered by UPS who operate the most extensive delivery system to domestic and business addresses.
Click here for a list of retail stockists.
Our location in West Cork puts us in one of the most lively centres of artisanal food production in Western Europe. The vitality of fine quality food producers in this area helps us maintain a vibrancy and high level of interest, maintaining quality and continually developing expertise. Ummera Smoked Products (including Smoked Organic Salmon,Organic Gravadlax, Smoked Chicken, Smoked Duck and Smoked Dry Cured Bacon – with NO artificial preservatives) are available at a range of outlets in Ireland, and also for direct sales from our Smokehouse itself.
Many of our customers have come to us through the positive reviews that our products have received.