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Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations: Discover Irish History and Present-Day Farming Culture
4.9
434 Ratings
Carran
At Caherconnell, contemporary customs and past chronicles harmoniously unite. Not only can tourists delve into the historical and archaeological aspects of our ancestors, but they can also witness the agricultural traditions of the Burren, inherited and perpetuated across ages.
At Caherconnell, contemporary customs and past chronicles harmoniously unite. Not only can tourists delve into the historical and archaeological aspects of our ancestors, but they can also witness the agricultural traditions of the Burren, inherited and perpetuated across ages.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations - Caherconnell Stone Fort, situated 1km south of Poulnabrone dolmen in the heart of the Burren Ireland, offers you the opportunity to visit an exceptionally well - preserved example of the stone forts or stone ringforts which are to be found in the Burren Ireland. The fort is in its original state….
- Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations - Caherconnell Stone Fort, situated 1km south of Poulnabrone dolmen in the heart of the Burren Ireland, offers you the opportunity to visit an exceptionally well - preserved example of the stone forts or stone ringforts which are to be found in the Burren Ireland. The fort is in its original state. Its position, overlooking virtually all-surrounding areas suggests a defensive settlement. Archaeological excavations take place each summer in association with ‘CAFS’ - Caherconnell Archaeological Field School- an International Field School accredited by NUI, Galway. As well as a trip to the Fort, visitors can also take in the Burren’s Premier Sheepdog Demonstrations at Caherconnell, enjoying the combined skills of the farmer and the border collie as they work in the natural habitat of the Burren. The sheepdog demonstration times are available on our website
What's Included
- Admission to Caherconnell Fort
- Sheepdog Demos at 14:00 daily
- Admission to Caherconnell Fort
- Sheepdog Demos at 14:00 daily
Location
Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(434 Ratings)
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42alans42
Apr 30, 2025
First Class - Our visit was to the sheepdog demonstration, not he fort visit, so I can only speak of the former. Having lived in Clare for many years, always had border collies as pets, watched sheep dogs working the hills on numerous occasions, I was a bit sceptical about going as I thought it would be very touristy and offer nothing I hadn't seen before. How wrong I was. This was a fascinating, informative and highly enjoyable experience demonstrating the skills of the collies and their handler. To see the four dogs working simultaneously, each to their own set of commands was something I'd never witnessed before. Enjoyed a fine coffee and scone afterwards so really pleased we went.
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H2390jtjaimeo
Apr 29, 2025
Fun Experience at Caherconnell - Our group purchased the joint admissions so we could experience both the sheepdog demonstration and the stone fort. Both were amazing! We highly recommend checking out this venue. Plus, the cafe had food that could accommodate our group, including vegetarians and gluten-free dietary restrictions.
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Roving18690185831
Apr 28, 2025
A must see Sheepdog Demonstration - Incredibly informative and adorable demonstration! Would highly recommend. The handler was very knowledgeable and the dogs were amazing to see in action.
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Lizzie
Apr 25, 2025
Sheepdog Demonstration - This was my favorite activity of my week-long stay in County Clare. Originally, it wasn't a planned outing, but our bus driver/tour guide mentioned it as something that could be fun to do and everyone collectively agrees that we wanted to check it out.
I am SO glad that we did!! It was a fascinating look into how shepherding works, especially in the Burren. The rocky terrain always seemed so treacherous, but the dogs and sheep are able to navigate it all deftly. How they are able to train the dogs with the whistle commands still seems impossible to me, but the collies all understood their unique commands. (Even if they didn't always listen to them. 😂)
After the demonstration, we got to pet the dogs and had the opportunity to hold a baby lamb! Dream come true. Can't wait to do it again. :)
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M6595fhmaggier
Apr 22, 2025
Special Sheep Show - Amazing demonstration, breathtaking views, cute dogs, kind staff including our guide Greg, and at the end we were allowed to hold an adorable lamb!
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162ryan
Apr 22, 2025
Five Stars - Sheepdog Demonstration - We took a family trip from our campsite in Doolin to Caherconnell to attend the Sheepdog demonstration. Whilst the weather wasn't great we made the best of it and glad we took the trip despite the weather. This venue is brilliant from start to finish, beautifully restored cottage and farmyard. To our surprise everything was covered from the elements. All visitors are comfortably catered for in the covered grandstand. We were introduced to the sheepdog handler, who for us was only second to the dogs themselves and was top class. So knowledgeable, engaging and a bit of craic too, apologies for missing his name but he is brilliant and thanks again for the demonstration. We had a ball and our two boys aged 9 and 5 were enthralled from start to finish and so were Mam and Dad. Please go and visit it is a great experience from start to finish. 5 Stars !!!
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40elanar
Apr 18, 2025
Great day at Caherconnell Sheepdogs & Stone Fort!!! - Incredible!! The sheepdog demonstration was amazing and then the tour of the stone fort was informative and really interesting! Both James, the Guide, and the gentleman who ran the dogs were so friendly. Caherconnell should not be missed! Family run attraction in a spectacular setting!!
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Leahao322nz
Apr 17, 2025
Loved the dogs and lambs - We absolutely loved the sheepdog demo and learned so much about life as a working dog. Getting to hold a sheep and pet the dogs was the icing on the cake. Beautiful gift shop and cafe were a pleasant surprise! Overall wonderful experience, highly recommended to combine with a visit to Poulnabroune portal tomb which is one minute up the road.
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Travel28028923469
Apr 17, 2025
Great fun - Fun afternoon and the kids were so interested. The guy doing the demo chatted at the end to everyone about the dogs, our own pets, giving tips and made it very special for he children. We got to hold the lambs and pet the dogs. The cookies and brownies were delicious in the cafe. A sort spin from the Burren for more lovely photos. A really enjoyable day . Well done to Caherconnell crew 👏
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J7357scmollyc
Apr 16, 2025
Fort and sheep dog experience - The sheep dog demonstration was a highlight of our trip to Clare.
Our 3 year old loved holding a baby lamb.
The fort tour was very informative, I’m not normally into those tours but this was one was very intriguing.
Thank you James and Greg!
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