Hi Mary,
It's so great you'll be travelling to our island soon! 🤩
Sheepdog demonstrations really are such a special experience, it's just amazing how well these wonderful dogs listen to the shepherd's commands! 🐶💚 There is a farm just outside Ballycastle called Dunfin Farm who offer a "
Sheep Experience" and say on their website it includes a sheepdog's relationship with the shepherd and a chance to admire their agility and intelligence when gathering the flock. I recommend you check out their website to see if this sounds interesting to you, and get in touch if you'd like to find out more about the experience!
About an hour's drive each from Ballycastle you'll also find Glenshane Country Farm and Glenarm Redspark Lamb. Glenshane Country Farm offers a "
Sheepdogs at Work experience" which seems to be just what you're looking for. Glenarm Redspark Lamb allow you to
tour their farm and speak of a chance to watch their farm dogs demonstrate their skills of gathering sheep. Again, I think it would be a good idea to check out the details on the farms' websites and prebook or reach out directly.
When exactly will you be travelling? If you're really excited about this, you could even visit a
sheepdog trial! This years Irish National happens on Thursday 22nd - Saturday 24th August in Clonmany, County Donegal, which would be about a 2 hour drive from Ballycastle; or alternatively, you could see the Scottish National on Wednesday 28th - Saturday 31st August at the Farr Estate in Inverness. Our friends at
VisitScotland might be able to help you out with recommendations for sheepdog demonstrations in Scotland.
I hope this helps and you'll be able to join one of these demonstrations! If you can, I would really love to hear back how you've enjoyed the experience! 🥰
Best wishes
Rebecca ☘️