Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Present day culture and history come together beautifully at Caherconnell. Visitors can experience the history and archaeology of our past while also experiencing the farming culture that survives in the Burren today as it is passed down through generations.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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 and Sheepdog Demos. Demos scheduled for 14.00 daily.
Options
Joint ticket 2025
Reviews
656 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing!
jacobhF2287ZO,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! So much history and a great display of Irish culture. The sheepdogs were so impressive. Highly highly recommend!
Sheepdogs working
R9073FBandrewb,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend it, very knowledge and interesting demonstration of sheep dogs. Seeing working dogs live and how they work.
Must go!
blonde4travel,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was one of the highlights of my trip! My partner and I had a wonderful time watching the demonstrations and even got the great pleasure of holding a little lamb afterwards. Learned a lot too! 10/10
Fun for the family!
lindseybP1906UK,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful time! The demonstration was interesting and fun and meeting the animals afterwards was an added bonus! It was a wonderful and affordable activity for the family!
Lovely People and Place
Tour298254,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful time - great demonstration, people, and animals. The dogs are so smart, impressive, and dear. Really warm and comfortable environment - the whole family loved it and we highly recommend.
Sheepdog demo for all!
Brenna W,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I would rate this a 5/5 experience. So informational and presented in a very entertaining manner. I learned so much about the sheep dog training, sheep and even got to hold a lamb! Kids and my husband loved it as well!! Well worth the money and time!
Sheepdog experience highlight
andreawV4442SJ,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family (2 adults, 2 children/4 yo&6 yo) went to the sheepdog demonstration. We all had a fabulous time and it was a highlight for us. The dogs and sheep were fun to watch and the owner was knowledgeable and entertaining. The viewing area is covered and offers a nice reprieve from the rain and wind. After the initial demonstration, there was a short overview of the different types of sheep and folks were able to pet the dogs and hold the lambs. While we didn’t do lunch there, they had a nice looking cafe that we would have preferred over our actual lunch.
Charming must-do activity when touring the Irish countryside!
EMG9,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The sheepdog demonstration was kind of amazing and so much fun! It was interesting to hear how the dogs are trained and really fun to watch them in action. We didn’t have the kids with us, but this would definitely be enjoyed by families of all ages and abilities. Very little walking required as visitors watch from a small set of bleachers in an accessible covered/sheltered viewing area, so we were comfortable even on a cold, rainy March day. A little bit of info about the sheep and a meet and greet with the dogs rounded out the experience. The small cafeteria was a nice little amenity (and tasty!) and the gift shop was surprisingly well curated with a mix of some of the usual tourist shops items (like flat caps), but also featuring some local things unique to the site or the area that we didn’t encounter at other shops (and the prices were better than the tourist shops in Dublin and Killarney). The family/staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly and took the time to explain the tax back option (which we had been ignorant of), and gave some directions and advice about the local area. We were happy to support what certainly felt like a small family farm preserving the culture! We only self-toured the fort due to time, but later kind of wished we’d stayed for the guided tour! The only improvement I could possibly suggest is that I would have loved to have spent even more time seeing the dogs in action. If they had an extended demonstration option (maybe coupled with walking around the landscape and seeing the people and dogs work together on the ground?) I would have totally been up for that!
How come our dog doesn't do that? And why don't we have ring forts where we live?
lovetotravel1492,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This was the first time any of family of 6 adults had seen sheep dogs in person. I had seen them on youtube videos (including Caherconnell) but this up front experience was quite unique. The handler, a massive fellow who could probably carry a full grown Kerry Cow on his shoulders, was humorous, informative, and gentle but in command of the dogs, I think there were at least five. They responded to his whistle and voice. The speaker system needs some attention so that all could hear much more clearly. At the end, we could actually approach and pet these hard-working and loveable BOrder collies. The Ring Fort tour and guide was quite informative sharing with us its history which dates back to the 10th century and how it changed over the centuries. Families actually lived here into the last 1500s. This is one of the best preserved ring/circular fort structures in Ireland. Excavations found Venetian glass, Baltic amber, and iron making.
One of our Favorite things we did in Ireland
N1975GLdebbies,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely one of our FAVORITE things we did while in Ireland Beautiful scenery, the nicest people and the smartest dogs. It was an excellent show and we HIGHLY recommend it!!!
From €28.50
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