VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at county Clare’s Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations

Located in the heart of the Burren UNESCO Geopark in County Clare, Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations offers a unique blend of ancient history and living Irish farming traditions. This family-run attraction, operated by the Davoren family, combines a well-preserved medieval ringfort with engaging sheepdog demonstrations, set against the stunning limestone landscape of the Burren.

Caherconnell Stone Fort: This 10th-century stone ringfort, a defensive settlement with concentric walls up to 140 feet in diameter and 12 feet high, is one of the Burren’s best-preserved examples. Visitors can explore the fort’s ruins, which were inhabited until the late 16th century, through self-guided tours with audio guides or guided tours led by knowledgeable staff like James, who bring the site’s history to life with humor and insight. The visitor center features an audio-visual presentation on the Burren’s 5,000-year history, including nearby Poulnabrone Dolmen, and a virtual reality tour recreating life in the fort. A 28-page color booklet by archaeologist Paul Gosling details the fort’s secrets, while summer excavations by the Caherconnell Archaeological Field School (CAFS), accredited by NUI Galway, reveal artifacts and ongoing discoveries.
Sheepdog Demonstrations: A highlight for many, these daily demonstrations (March–October) showcase the remarkable skills of Border Collies like Lee, Lynn, Rose, and Jess, guided by farmer John Davoren or his son Greg. Held in a covered viewing area, visitors watch the dogs herd sheep (and sometimes cattle) with precision, responding to whistle and voice commands. The interactive experience includes learning about training techniques, rare sheep breeds, and the dogs’ roles in Burren farming. Post-demonstration, visitors can pet the dogs and hold lambs, a hit with families and animal lovers. The demonstrations, which won CIE Tours International Excellence Awards (2014–2017), are both educational and entertaining, lasting about 45 minutes.
Visitor Amenities: The Mountain Haven Café serves artisan coffee, freshly baked scones, sandwiches, soups, and treats like lemon meringue pie, using locally sourced ingredients, including award-winning Burren Gold cheese produced with Aillwee Cave neighbors. A craft shop offers local gifts, and the visitor center includes exhibits on the fort and Burren ecology. The site is dog-friendly (well-behaved dogs on leashes), with ample free parking and reserved accessible spaces. The fort and café are wheelchair-accessible, though some outdoor areas will be uneven. Visitors typically spend 1–2 hours, with joint fort and sheepdog tickets recommended for a full experience.
Atmosphere and Activities: Set in a picturesque Burren valley, Caherconnell offers a serene yet immersive experience, blending history with the vibrant rural tradition of sheep farming. The fort’s strategic hilltop location provides stunning views, while the sheepdog demos highlight the enduring bond between farmer and dog. Families, couples, and what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious” alike praise the engaging staff, organized setup, and hands-on elements like lamb-holding, making it a “highlight” of many Ireland trips. Booking in advance via caherconnell.com is advised, as demos can sell out.

What’s New:

Updated Sheepdog Demonstration Schedule: For 2025, Caherconnell has expanded its sheepdog demonstration times to accommodate growing demand, with shows typically at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. (additional times in peak season, July–August). Visitors should check the demo calendar on caherconnell.com for real-time updates and pre-book tickets, as Viator data indicates high sell-out risk.
Enhanced Visitor Center Exhibits: The visitor center has introduced new interactive displays, including updated virtual reality tours with improved graphics to better depict medieval life at the fort. These enhancements, based on recent CAFS excavations, incorporate newly discovered artifacts, offering fresh insights into Bronze Age and medieval Burren life.
Sustainability Initiatives: As part of the Burren Ecotourism Network, Caherconnell has introduced new sustainable practices, such as expanded bus timetable information to encourage eco-friendly transport and additional Burren trail maps for walkers, aligning with the Geopark’s conservation goals.

Practical Information

Caherconnell, Carron, Co. Clare, V95 YK31, 1 km south of Poulnabrone Dolmen, a short drive from Doolin. No direct public transport; a car or taxi from Ennis or Doolin is required.
March, April, October: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
May, June, September: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
July, August: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Last fort tour 30 minutes before closing.
Contact: +353 65 708 9999, info@caherconnell.com.
Tips: Arrive 5–10 minutes early for demos. Book joint tickets for best value (10% discount with code “Woodstock10” via hotelwoodstock.ie). Bring weather-appropriate clothing, as demos are outdoors but covered.