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Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations: Discover Irish History and Present-Day Farming Culture
4.9
713 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
(713 Ratings)
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Jeannayar
May 27, 2026
Authentic Glimpse of Ancient and Current Ireland in the Burren - My husband and I went to Country Clare for the first time this month and visited the ancient Caherconnell Fort. We loved hearing about the history and culture associated with the fort from James, who, rather than a guide, referred to himself as a seanchai (the Irish word for storyteller)—an excellent one he is indeed. Fascinating. We also saw very fun a sheepdog demonstration nearby. Totally worth a visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurapo9005pi
May 25, 2026
Enjoyable - This was such a fun and different experience.
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Shannononeill10
May 20, 2026
A must see!! - Pat gave us an amazing tour with lots of jokes and Aaron put on a great demonstration with the hardworking and adorable sheep dogs. Was one of our best experiences while visiting Ireland!!
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Dannydt7340ii
May 20, 2026
Sheepdogs - We had a great time. The shepherd was very knowledgeable and funny. The weather wasn’t the best but we still had a great time! Highly recommended!
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Global27141885093
May 19, 2026
Great experience for all ages - Dogs are so bright, we watched them heard the sheep and understand all the whistle sounds for each dog.
There is a tea room with lovely soup, sandwiches and sweet treats.
We also did the guided tour, highly recommend. James s a great storyteller.
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Lisa
May 18, 2026
Excellent tour and the dogs are awesome! - We had a great time touring this fort and learning from a great guide, then the sheepdog demo was awesome and great fun! If you get lunch there? The vegetable soup is one to write home about!
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Edb735
May 18, 2026
Truly amazing, educational and historic! - The experience was truly awesome! Admission fee was reasonable and after the whole experience, I thought that it was well worth the price!! The staff was organized and well informed! Check in for the demonstration was smooth despite the fact on how busy it was. They gave clear & concise instructions for the sheepdog demonstrations. The tour of of the fort was an excellent education of the history of the area. Our guide was funny, informed and really knew the history of the fort. His sense of humor was spot on! The whole experience was perfect length of time. It wasn't too long or short. It kept my wife and I interested and engaged the whole time. We also enjoyed the atmosphere of the entire place! I would highly recommend this to everyone to participate and witness!!
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Paytona792
May 17, 2026
Ireland highlight! - This was a highlight of our two week trip to Ireland! The staff were so nice and the demonstration was informative, entertaining, adorable, and funny! Would visit again and again
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Aliceoy7623kx
May 16, 2026
Close-up educational demo - Fun informative demo and got to hold a lamb at end! Nice that they showed three different dogs of varying experience levels. Also nice that they had a variety of sheep breeds and pointed each type out, what that breed is most known for, etc.
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Emeraldgnosis
May 20, 2026
Fort was impressive - The tour of the fort was excellent! Very informative and professional! The guide was well versed.
The Sheepdog demo was okay. One of the dogs clearly did not have a good connection with the Shepard. The connection for the other 2 were good but not great. I say those words purposely. It has been my experience that it has nothing to do with the dog itself like the shepherd kept saying but more to do with the connection of the shepherd and the dog, ie the shepherd. Usually the Shepherd has too much of an ego. There go, I felt like we literally paid to watch the dogs practice versus a well oiled demonstration of sheep herding.
They kept saying the sheep herding experience is covered but that is all. No heaters and the sides are open air, so you are purely covered from above and that is all. Come prepared with hat, gloves and raincoat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor