Sheep Farm Visit: Interactive Sheepdog and Shearing Demonstrations in Galway
4.7
25 Ratings
Leenaun
Come and see a classic, operational sheep farm in the mountains of Connemara;
Get familiar with the farm owner and his excellently skilled sheepdogs;
Observe a demonstration of a sheepdog rounding up sheep;
During the summer, you can watch a demonstration of sheep being sheared;
Experience bog-cutting using the slean (a type of turf spade).
Duration:
1 hour, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
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Killary Sheep Farm - Come take an authentic look at farm life in Ireland. This sheep farm is a traditional working Connemara mountain farm which has been in the same family for generations. It has approximately 200 ewes and lambs who roam freely in the mountains overlooking Killary Fjord. On arrival visitors are met by Tom the farmer and have the option to be outfitted with outdoor footwear and rainwear supplied by the farm.
Tom starts off the farm tour with a sheepdog herding demonstration. These extremely smart dogs are trained from puppies and it is incredible to watch them in action! In the summer months, Tom shears the sheep by traditional methods with hand shears. It is an old farm tradition not often seen anymore. The tour also includes a picturesque country walk through the farm grounds, with sweeping views of Killary Fjord and the mountain ranges beyond. Try your hand at bog-cutting using the slean (turf spade), a centuries-old practice of harvesting peat to heat homes.
If there are lambs about (and there usually are), you can count on a few needing bottle-feeding. You’re welcome to lend a hand!
What's Included
- Sheepdog demonstration
- Sheep shearing demonstration (summer months only)
- Traditional turf cutting demonstration
- Meet the farmer
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Children 3 years old and under go free!
Location
Killary Sheep Farm
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(25 Ratings)
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Jessica_s
Apr 12, 2024
Great day with baby lambs - Wonderful time! Was so fun to visit the baby lambs and see the Sheepdog Rex at work. The owners were very kind.
Review provided by Viator
Terri_d
Apr 8, 2024
A must to adventure - we had such a wonderful time . This is a must stop if you are in Galway! Our host PJ and his Jes did such and amazing job showing how Jes heard the sheep. And we got to hold and feel the new lambs
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_a
Mar 10, 2024
What a wonderful and... - What a wonderful and natural experience! Tom was a great host and educated us on herding, dog training and lambing. We met Rock, the border collie who was intense and excited to do his work. We also fed some adorable lambs. Thanks Tom!
Review provided by Viator
Jycebedel
Nov 22, 2023
The black faces of Connemara at Tom's - Superb visit with Tom who explains his work well and shows the training of herding dogs on sheep. We were even able to bottle-feed little lambs.
Plus the place is magnificent! I recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kim_k
Sep 14, 2023
Sheep Dog Demonstration - Beautiful property, with stunning views. So enjoyed the demonstration and experience of watching such an intelligent and loyal dog following commands and herding sheep! The drive to the farm was beautiful as well.
Review provided by Viator
J
Sep 2, 2023
Great experience - Drove up a short way from Galway to make this trip. Great experience in a beautiful setting. The dog and handler were amazing. Our daughter got to bottle feed a lamb and pet the sheep. Well worth the drive and at a reasonable price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan_b
Aug 31, 2023
A great experience - Amazing to watch the connection between the dog & its handler. And to see how the farmer treats the orphaned lambs.
Review provided by Viator
Ashleyphy
Jul 12, 2023
Sign up now! Sheepdog herding is amazing! - The best tour that we had while in Ireland! The sheepdog herding is AMAZING. You can’t believe it! Shearing a sheep is really interesting and we even bottle fed some lambs. So, so great. And the landscape ain’t so bad, either! Just down the road from Kylemore Abbey.
Review provided by Viator
Aimeern02
Jul 11, 2023
Family fun while traveling through Ireland - My husband and I surprised our 3 teenagers with this experience while we were traveling through Ireland. Cannot recommend enough, even in the rain we loved the sheep dog demonstration. PJ and Rex, the dog, where all business showing us how they work the sheep across the fields. We were mesmerized! My husband and oldest son helped sheer a sheep and then we all bottle fed the babies. So fun! We were there on a rainy day but even in the rain we could see the stunning scenery on the mountain. Book, you won’t be disappointed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Happiness61462763300
Sep 25, 2023
Cancelled without notice - We drove 2 hours out of our way and waited and no one showed. The tour was cancelled due to rain and we were not contacted.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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