Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
4.5
10:30 - 16:00
Monday
10:30 - 16:00
Tuesday
10:30 - 16:00
Wednesday
10:30 - 16:00
Thursday
10:30 - 16:00
Friday
10:30 - 16:00
Saturday
10:30 - 16:00
Sunday
10:30 - 16:00
About
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 at https://caherconnell.com/sheepdog/demo-calendar/
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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from €15.00
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4.5
355 reviews
Excellent
205
Very good
82
Average
37
Poor
19
Terrible
12
Soosie8
Saint Louis, MO105 contributions
Oct 2022
If you are in the Burren area, this is a fantastic place to watch Sheep Herding. The whole process is informative and the dogs are so smart. I just loved it. We also got to pet the dogs after the demo. They have a lovely gift shop on the premises and a small cafe.
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda E
6 contributions
Oct 2022
We stumbled across this driving by a sign that said Sheepdog Demonstrations, so we stopped. We did not need reservations and they had regular showings. We were not disappointed. We really enjoyed the man leading the demo with his smart dogs. They also have some ruins on the land that can be toured. The overall experience took about 2 hours.
Written 22 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
readingteach627
Livonia, MI294 contributions
Oct 2022
I really enjoyed visiting this spot on a recent trip to Ireland. The demonstration of the dogs herding the sheep was unbelievable. The host was very informative and it was fun watching the dogs in action. There is also a nice gift shop and place to have a bite to eat on site. It is located near the Burren area so you could combine the two places in one day.
Written 16 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jean C
Washington43 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Great stop. I highly recommend it. The guide taking us around the fort was great. You can just walk around it yourself but why! So much more enjoyable with the guide. He was excellent.
LOVED the border collie demonstration. As an owner of several border collies over the years I know they’re very intelligent but to see them working like this never ceases to amaze me. So very impressive and the connection between the dogs and the handler is just such a joy to watch.
Delicious scones and coffee in the cafe after.
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LOVED the border collie demonstration. As an owner of several border collies over the years I know they’re very intelligent but to see them working like this never ceases to amaze me. So very impressive and the connection between the dogs and the handler is just such a joy to watch.
Delicious scones and coffee in the cafe after.
.
Written 14 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martin C
1 contribution
Oct 2022
I had been to Caherconnell years ago and walked around with a leaflet showing what was what and wanted to know more about it. This time we took the guided tour. Our guide was a gentleman called Tom who was a fountain of knowledge about the place and the locality and enthralled and entertained us for almost an hour. There was nothing this man didn't know about the fortress and the various structures on the site, the lifestyle of the inhabitants and the many incredible artifacts that have been found there. This is an amazing place and a real historical and cultural gem and incredibly well preserved. There is a lovely visitor centre with a cafe / restaurant and an audio visual presentation too. It is a great way to spend an hour or two and if you visit there I highly recommend the guided tour. The area of the Burren surrounding Caherconnell is stunning too.
Written 12 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan Foley
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
I visited the Fort with my brother. From start to finish the experience was fantastic. We took the guided tour with Tom as our guide. He was informative and great craic. The lady in the shop was so helpful. She stored our bike helmets and gear while we went on the tour. Will definitely be back again.
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Caitlin G
4 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
It was pouring buckets but we enjoyed our tour and the sheepdog demonstration. Those dogs are amazing!
Written 9 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emma R
8 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
One of my favorite things I've done in Clare 🙂
The sheepdog demonstration was amazing! I loved that it wasn't completely perfect because dogs will be dogs and won't always do what you want them to🤣
It was incredibly informative and it was great to meet all the dogs at the end.
All staff were lovely, whole area was so clean, dogs were well taken care of. No complaints🙂
The sheepdog demonstration was amazing! I loved that it wasn't completely perfect because dogs will be dogs and won't always do what you want them to🤣
It was incredibly informative and it was great to meet all the dogs at the end.
All staff were lovely, whole area was so clean, dogs were well taken care of. No complaints🙂
Written 1 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike
Nashville, TN315 contributions
Extremely nice and clean facilities. The sheep dog demonstration is fantastic and very informative and well worth the visit. The gift shop and restaurant is very nice and all the staff were awesome.
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
karenleonard11
Wicklow, Ireland24 contributions
This was so informative and fun for everyone. We were a family of 4 adults and 2 children aged 6 and 10. Grandparents, parents and kids all really enjoyed. 10 year old got to instruct the sheep dog. The sheepdog demo and tour of the fort were both 45 mins each. Excellent value for money and different to any other tour. Cafe was excellent afterwards. Great selection of cakes and lunch.
Written 19 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chrissy V
Lawton, Oklahoma, United States3 contributions
Hi, visiting tomorrow. Do you get to pet the dogs/sheep?
Theresa Bulanda
Burlington, Canada112 contributions
The trainer brought the dogs and sheep out to a fenced area After the demonstration and you could pet them over the fence. Some of the small lambs got out and we’re wandering around amongst us.
Heather M
San Francisco, CA11 contributions
Hi - we will be visiting Doolin and the Burren area in the 2nd week of June. Are advance tickets needed if we want to see the sheepdog demonstration or can we just purchase tickets at the Fort on the day we visit? Thanks.
domhnall_kaps
566 contributions
You can just buy your tickets upon arrival at the fort, but check the website for the sheepdog demonstration times for the day you plan on visiting.
Poshpom
Australia18 contributions
Hi folks, visiting from Australia in October.
How long do the sheepdog trials go for? How far is the fort from the trials and how long to look around?
Thanks
biarritz99
San Diego, CA206 contributions
There is a restaurant and bathrooms at the site. The sheepdog demonstration is behind the restaurant and lasts about 30 minutes. The site is a 3 minute walk and how long you spend depends on your level of interest.i think we walked around the while site in about a half hour but you can spend longer .
Dutchie98
Atlanta, GA4 contributions
I was looking at some reviews for things to do in the Burren. Ireland. We are going next week and I was wondering what you would recommend seeing, We will have 2 1/2 days to spend in Galway and The Burren. I was thinking The Cliffs of Moher, Poulnahbrone Dolmen, Doolin and the tower and maybe a castle/ruin or cave. But the shepherding site I read about on reviews sounds like fun too. We will be renting a car for two days. Also, is everything is open or deo we need to make reservations on Sundays and Mondays? Thanks a lot!
Marian
Rick B
Columbus, OH167 contributions
If there on a Sunday sometimes finding place to eat can be tricky as usually all you can get for dinner is a toastie. One of our favorite ruins is Kilmacduagh Abbey. No admission, always "open". You can get visitor guide from house across the road. Burren Visitor Center is nice but probably closed this time of year but worth checking. Dolmen is also always "open" with no admission. If going to Cliffs of Moher we prefer seeing them from one of the boat tours out of Doolin rather than Visitor Center because then you can really see the whereas from Center you're on top. Doolin is great for traditional Irish music if going on this time of year. Check with the locals.
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Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations | | UPDATED January 2023 Top Tips Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
- Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:30 - 16:00
- Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost €15.16, while a popular guided tour starts around €55.60 per person. See all 11 Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 11 Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations:
- Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations (From €15.16)
- Cliffs of Moher Premium Tour with Boat Cruise (From €85.93)
- 7-Day Great Atlantic Adventure Small-Group Tour of Ireland from Dublin (From €1,713.39)
- 10-Day Ultimate Small-Group Tour of Ireland from Dublin (From €2,397.74)
- Self Guided Electric Bike Tour of Historical Sites in the Burren Co Clare (From €55.60)
- Hotels near Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations:
- (0.26 km) DOLMEN COTTAGE, pet friendly, country holiday cottage, with a garden in
- (7.18 km) Hazelwood Lodge
- (7.08 km) Cappabhaile House
- (9.22 km) Drumcreehy Country House
- (8.22 km) Ballyvaughan Lodge
- Restaurants near Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations:
- (15.82 km) Oar Restaurant
- (11.75 km) Bofey Quinns Bar & Restaraunt
- (10.28 km) The Roadside Tavern
- (15.76 km) McDermott's Pub
- (8.67 km) Monks Ballyvaughan