Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
5

Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations

By Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 0-65, max of 8 per group
Duration: 1–2 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Audio guide: German, Chinese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
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Written guide
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
: German, English, French
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  • Admission to Caherconnell Fort and Sheepdog Demos. Demos scheduled for 14.00 daily.


Start:
  • Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations, Caherconnell, Caherconnell, Carran, Co. Clare, V95 YK31, Ireland
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infant seats available
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 219199P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 219199P1

    From
    C$38.67
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • CaribMark
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Interesting historical sight and dogs and sheep
      Our guided tour of the stone fort was really well presented by Patrick. Walking backwards to lead us and very knowledgeable he taught us about the history, construction, and relics the fort is bringing forth. After the tour, we went to the viewing area for the sheep dog herding presentation. The presenter was able to demonstrate how the dogs work and humorously introduced each dog. Seeing how they work together was great and yes, you get to pet the dogs at the end. The cafe was also nice with sandwiches, pastries and beverages.
      Written November 6, 2024
    • OnAir05876291965
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      AMAZING!!!!
      This was the best experience out of our 11 day trip in Ireland! John was such a great person and works with the dogs so well. My favorite was little Sallie! Not only did he give a phenomenal demonstration but he took time to talk to all of us afterwards. We got the great opportunity to not only have an amazing conversation with him and his neighbor afterwards but we felt at home as well. It’s always amazing to see working dogs do what they’re bred to do but it’s also nice knowing the care givers and trainers really love and care for their dogs. Also, their last dog lived until 22 years old?!? That’s unheard of in America! Great job to John and their family for doing the upmost pristine care for their dogs. I do want to say their neighbor was also very welcoming and the best looking man I’ve seen in Ireland thus far LOL I hope the dogs and Fiadh continue to thrive!!!
      Written November 1, 2024
    • 114LisaB114
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A must experience
      We had such a good time watching the dogs round up the sheep! It was amazing to learn about their lives and how they are trained. We also enjoyed delicious scones and tea/coffee in the bakery and I bought a hat that I absolutely love! Sean in the gift shop was very friendly and welcoming! If you are in the area, this is a MUST visit
      Written October 30, 2024
    • N8736ZAscottd
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great dogs - great day!
      A breathtaking drive, to an amazing herding dog demonstration, followed by a fascinating archaeological site tour. Great cappuccino and scone in the cafe. What’s not to love? It was wonderful!
      Written September 26, 2024
    • jkgm
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      One of our favorite mornings in Ireland!
      This experience is not to be missed. The tour of the ring fort by a very knowledgable guide made history of the fort and of Ireland come alive, and also gave one an appreciation of the passion of the archeologists who explored the site. The Sheepdog demonstration likewise was inspiring - the work of the dogs, and of their trainer who afterwards took time ot answer many questions and clearly loved his animals and lifes work.
      Written September 15, 2024
    • Knightly100
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      An awesome experience!
      The tour of the ring fort was very interesting, lots of history and the story of the archeological dig by one of the archeologists who had found some artifacts herself. The sheepdog demonstration was very well done. The sheep farmer explained how the dogs were trained and the length of time it took to train a dog. He demonstrated the various whistle calls and maneuvers the dogs make, as well as having them do a live demonstration. Also got to meet and pet the dogs afterwards. We loved it
      Written September 13, 2024
    • Inspiration373660
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Sheep Dog Experience and laughs, History of The Burrens
      The dogs were amazing, the dog handler did a great job in spit of the weather, was very knowledgeable of the breeds of sheep and handled the dogs nicely. He had a great sense of humor as well, and so did the tour guide. It made the visit very enjoyable!
      Written August 26, 2024
    • Climber01272386383
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      But first, DOGS! <3
      Great experience, learning about the sheep, the dogs, the different calls and training tactics. The hosts were all so nice and happy to answer any and all questions. The main guy was entertaining yet informative. The dogs happily came over to us after they were finished showing off for some ear scratches and belly rubs. So glad we did this!
      Written August 25, 2024
    • b_rbarab693
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Expensive
      The fort was nice and interesting. There were not many people there so we could visit with calm. In my opinion the tickets were very expensive for the experience. There were also a cafe and a shop. All is thought to make you expend money. There is a very beautiful dolmen very close and you can visit it for free.
      Written August 17, 2024
    • 435theresek
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Trip to Caherconnell
      The Caherconnell experience was excellent . We really enjoyed the tour of the fort with our tour guide Pat . He was hugely knowledgeable and extremely entertaining and easy tom listen to . After the tour we went to see the sheep dog demonstrations which was also very enjoyable . Everyone at Caherconnell is so professional and helpful and pleasant . I cannot recommend this place and experience highly enough . The scenery of the surrounding area is fabulous too.
      Written July 15, 2024
    • ritakR5137LS
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Well worth a visit
      Today my friend and I went to Caherconnell Fort for lunch and what a treat it was!! I had the most delicious chicken caesar salad I have ever eaten. It was freshly prepared and a generous portion. The staff were friendly and helpful during a very busy period. Unfortunately we didn't have time for a tour or to see the sheepdog demonstration, but we will definitely be back, and it will give us another opportunity to have chicken caesar salad again. I would highly recommend Caherconnell Fort for a day trip or even just for lunch.
      Written June 10, 2024
    • B4989EUjennifers
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Loved the Demonstration
      The demonstration was amazing! Well worth the time and price. I loved watching the sheepdogs and the shepherd was very interesting. It is well worth the trip.
      Written April 28, 2024
    • 531mimil
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Don't miss it!!
      We are six adults in our 30's and the sheepdog demonstrations were by far one of our favorite activities while we visited Ireland!! The instructor was so funny and all the staff were so nice. We couldn't stop laughing watching Rose goof off the whole demonstration as well. So informative and SO fun!!!!
      Written December 2, 2023
    • alheldman
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highly recommend this FUN, informative experience!
      We were thrilled to see this was close to our B&B and so excited to see the dogs, having two of our own (very unskilled) dogs waiting for us at home. This completely lived up to the hype in the reviews and exceeded our expectations. We took the stone fort tour beforehand and it was very comprehensive, but because it's not an extensive space, it didn't drag on and our tour guide, Tom, did an excellent job of keeping us on pace despite chatty group members (every group has at least one...). Great for adults and kids alike. Would visit again!
      Written November 26, 2023
    • KatMurphy956
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A unique experience that is a must on a trip to Co. Clare.
      We visited Caherconnell Fort as part of our trip to Galway. We attended the afternoon sheepdog demonstration and honestly could not recommend it highly enough. We were introduced to all four dogs and got to see them all in action, rounding up and then separating the sheep. We then got an ‘up close’ experience of the sheep, which was so informative. Our guide for the duration was superb and we couldn’t believe he was only 17! My 12 year old nephew said it was one of the best things he has ever done - he even got the opportunity to direct one of the dogs, something he will remember for a long time. Great to see a farm diversifying in such a unique way. The viewing areas even come with a covering, ensuring the weather doesn’t impact on your visit. We had coffee from the coffee shop before leaving and the staff there were so lovely too (especially the lady with the Armagh connections, who spotted my nephew’s jersey!), and the gift shop has something for everyone - for us it was a sheep wearing a peaked cap!
      Written November 5, 2023
    See all 729 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles376 reviews
    Excellent
    352
    Very good
    21
    Average
    1
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    2

    Roger A
    31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I raise and train pedigreed Border Collies in the United States I have seen hundreds of sheep dogs in trials and demonstrations. However, Caherconnell tops them all. The narrative was crisp, entertaining and informative. The shepherd worked four dogs at a time and even had them perform a trick or two while working. The dogs were crisp and clean in their movements. It was an amazing show. Afterward, the collies visited with their adoring fans.

    The stone fort tour was very informative and interesting. Our guide was an archeologist who had worked at the site. That personal connection made her observation all the more compelling. It’s a different look at medieval history.

    Our trip to CaherConnell is a memory I will long treasure. Whether you’re young or old, I recommend most highly, that a trip to this beautiful farm be included on your Irish itinerary.
    Written August 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Ivy
    Vienna, Austria36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Solo
    I enjoyed both the sheepdog demonstration as well as the fort tour a lot. The highlight of the latter was for sure our enthusiastic guide who was noticeably burning for the archeological history of the place. A self-guided tour wouldn't have been as great.

    The dog demonstration was equally fun, not least - again - because of the relaxed spirit of the sheppard.

    At 20 Euros at the time of booking, this was well worth it.
    Written August 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    AccordingToMe
    Ireland86 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went here purely for the sheepdog demonstration and we were not disappointed! The dogs were fantastic, so highly trained and excellent at what they do. Loved getting to meet them all afterwards for some rubs.
    The trainer put on a good show too, he was funny and made it all very interesting.

    As I said, we only came to see the dogs, so we were pleasantly surprised to see what else was on offer. The coffee shop was sizeable (indoor & outdoor seating) and had a good selection of light bites, reasonably priced, and the gift shop was well stocked with something for everyone’s tastes, adults and kids. We got some woolly sheep plushies. Toilets very clean. The male staff member at the counter was very friendly and welcoming, a definite great asset to the place.

    We found the tour of the fort fascinating. Our guide, Breda, was exceptional. She was obviously passionate about the site and she was extremely knowledgeable, not just about the fort, but about the wider history of Ireland at the time and was very willing and able to answer any questions put to her. A really skilled and personable guide. We were amazed to see archaeologists at work in a adjacent field and Breda was able to tell us of some of their numerous Bronze age finds.

    The video show was well worth a watch. Room was very large and both picture and sound quality were very good. Kids enjoyed it and the animated recreation depicted typical life in the fort very well.

    All in all, we had a great experience here and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
    Written July 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Kelly R
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2024 • Friends
    Literally the best experience I had in my entire trip to Ireland. The sheepdog demonstration was AMAZING, and so much time was left to hold some baby lambs, pet the dogs, and ask any questions we had. We also got to tour the fort which had a lovely tour guide (I unfortunately can’t remember his name) who provided a good amount of humor amongst all the rich history of the fort. Everybody on staff was so warm and welcoming, I will recommend this experience to anyone else traveling to Ireland!
    Written April 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Explorer39485604358
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Couples
    Really wonderful experience, the dog and sheep demonstration was lively, informative and the dogs have their own genuine personalities. Watching them work in teams while responding to whistles was impressive. Our tour guide Patrick after the show gave an engaging and informative history of the Cahetconnell fort. Learned some amazing things. The store has an excellent selection of food stuffs and a bit overpriced gifts and apparel. Overall a wonderful experience.
    Written August 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    KathinkaS
    Vienna, Austria60 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2024 • Couples
    We had meant to go to Caherconnell for ages, and finally got to do it. We started with the early guided tour through the ringfort which I can recommend, instead of doing the sheepdog demonstration first and then the guided tour (less busy). Our guide, an archaeologist herself, was lovely and very knowledgeable. She answered every question we had with grace and a smile. There was a lot to take in because of the findings during the many excavations that have taken place over the years. If you are interested in archaeology and history, this is the place to go!

    Then we saw the sheepdog demonstration which was a delightful experience ending with us holding a lamb. You can only imagine the training that is needed to get the dogs to become this skilled. I wish every dog was this well trained!

    Afterwards we went back to explore the fort a bit more and watch the video.

    We made the most of the amazing wraps (I recommend the one with smoked cheese and Ballymaloe relish, wow!) and cakes, sitting outside on the patio in the sun and taking in the views.

    This is a highly recommended experience on all three levels. You can also just come for a coffee, but you would miss a great deal!
    Written April 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear KathinkaS Thank you so much for your very detailed and flattering feedback - we are delighted you had a great time. Stephanie our archaeologist is a wonderful guide, passionate and knowledgeable and delivers a wonderful tour. The sheepdog shows are a masterclass in sheepdog intelligence - the dogs and the shepherd have a wonderful relationship and the collies (all girls) love to show off their skills - and enjoy petting and cuddles afterwards. Our cafe manager, Marie ensures all our cafe goodies are freshly made and utterly delicious - the homemade cakes are so good that we will need to start chasing the sheep ourselves to work them off 🤣 Thanks again for visiting us and hope to see you soon again , very best wishes Maura
    Written May 30, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Christine C
    Sixmilebridge, Ireland12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2024 • Friends
    As a group of 16, we visited Caherconnell on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Firstly the view over the Burren from the elevated patio/balcony was spectacular. We were then warmly greeted by the wonderful staff and had a bite to eat in the cafe, expertly run by Marie and staff. The food was delicious and young Joe was a character! We then moved to the sheep dog demonstration which was extremely interesting and the dog handler was warm and witty. The tour of the fort was given by a very lovely lady who was concise, articulate and extremely knowlegeable. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Caherconnell and would highly recommend this gem to all travellers.
    Written July 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear christinec269 Thanks so much for visiting us and your lovely feedback, I have passed your compliments to Marie, Joe and the rest of team who really appreciate your comments, it is so lovely to know that the team ensured your group had a great time. The dogs say a special thank you woof too 🐶 we hope to welcome you Christine and the group again soon, very best wishes Maura
    Written July 3, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    K C
    Ennis, Ireland154 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Arrived here on a chilly October Saturday morning at 11.00.
    We were surprised by the amount of people arriving.
    Cars / mini bussed / coaches.
    Loads of parking in a freshly tarmac car park.
    We entered the reception/
    Shop area and got a very friendly greeting.
    A very nice well stocked restaurant to
    Our left.
    Freshly made sandwiches , breads and scones.
    Had lovely lattes served by a very friendly lady.
    15 to 20 people working here. No fuss. No drama.
    Went out to a covered in area at the rear where the sheepdog trials were held.
    It was fascinating as the 4 sheepdog ( females) carried out their tasks.
    The taskmaster was a bit of a comedian and had the dogs performing expertly. Ten or so sheep were divided into two groups of 6 and 4 by the dogs. The 4 were herded into a pen and the others allowed back down the field.
    Can’t say enough about the experience. Amazing.
    Well done to all involved. 👏👏👏👏👏
    Written October 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Ursula M
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Family
    We (2 adults, 1 teen and 1 child) made an impromptu visit to the sheepdog demonstrations the other day. We all thoroughly enjoyed the demonstration it was both informative and entertaining, it is well worth the visit and great value for money. You can tell the dogs and animals are very well cared for and love what they do. The grounds are extremely well kept, immaculate and there is a lovely cafe on site also.
    Written August 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    sheahan368
    Amelia Island, FL14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Caherconnell Stone Fort and Sheepdog demonstration is wonderful for people of all ages. We were there with our adult children and grands.

    Everyone loved the sheepdog demonstration, it was informative and entertaining. There is a 45 minute tour of the stone fort with an archeologist or archeologist student that was fascinating. If you approach the place from the north you will drive through a very scenic part of the Burren.
    Written July 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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