Leenaun Trip Overview
Visit a traditional working Connemara mountain sheep farm;
Meet the farmer and his highly trained sheepdogs;
Watch a sheepdog herding demonstration;
In the summer months see a sheep shearing demonstration;
Try your hand at bog-cutting using the slean (turf spade).
Additional Info
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Starts: Leenaun, Ireland
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> Nature & Wildlife
Explore Leenaun Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Leenaun, County Galway, Ireland
Visit a traditional working Connemara mountain sheep farm;
Meet the farmer and his highly trained sheepdogs;
Watch a sheepdog herding demonstration;
In the summer months see a sheep shearing demonstration;
Try your hand at bog-cutting using the slean (turf spade).
Itinerary
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!
