Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations

The unusual combination of clever and charming collies with the mysterious and fascinating fort makes for a fantastic day out. But don’t take our word for it – visit and check it out yourself. Plan on spending a few hours at the place that features Clare’s only sheepdog demonstration and an impressive fort dating back to the 10th century.

Ancient fort with a modern twist

Located in the heart of the Burren UNESCO Geopark, Caherconnell is owned and run by the Davoren family, who have lived in this area for over 1000 years. It is one of the finest examples of forts in the area. This site of international archaeological importance was inhabited until the late 16th century. Thanks to the interaction with expert local staff, the age-old traditions are brought to life for Caherconnell’s visitors.

The fort is excavated annually, yielding many treasures that deepen our understanding of the past. On-site finds, including jewellery, glass from Venice, and amber from the Baltic, indicate Caherconnell was a high-class settlement. Other items uncovered, such as pieces of board games and musical instruments and the earliest pen found in the British Isles, reveal that the settlement was cultured and literate. The fort experience also includes an insightful audio-visual presentation on the Burren and an animation visualising a day in the life of the fort family.

Situated 1km south of the world-famous Poulnabrone Dolmen, this unusual Irish ring fort offers visitors the opportunity to visit an exceptionally well-preserved ancient Irish stone fort with a modern twist. Unique tours of the ringfort and farm open a window to the extraordinary lives, past and present, at Caherconnell Fort. Led by enthusiastic local guides, these tours bring the fort's story to life. The Visitor Centre also includes a beautiful craft shop and "Mountain Haven,” where you can get refreshments and delicious farm-fresh food. There is spacious free parking in the central car park for visitors and reserved parking closer to the visitor centre for people with special requirements.

Tradition of welcoming hospitality

No visit to the Burren can be complete without the wonders of Caherconnell: farming, history, great people, delicious food, and carefully selected crafts and gifts. It’s an excellent stop for travellers—whether they need to break the journey, stretch their legs, grab a coffee, or experience living traditions and walk through its history.

The Davoren family is proud to protect and preserve this heritage, caring for it until it is passed on to the next generation. The hospitality business started with Mary Ann Davoren, who began to offer scones and tea to the Ringfort visitors. Hence, the tradition of warm and welcoming hospitality has been established and lasts to this day. Her husband Martin was the farmer at Caherconnell in those days, keeping sheep, cattle, and some dairy cows. He was deeply interested in livestock and carried on the traditions and skills with his family.

Martin's son, John, took over the farm. An enterprising man, John expanded the dairy offering by cooperating with his neighbours at Aillwee. This is how the renowned Burren Gold cheese was created. The family continues this tradition of cooperation today. Burren Gold Cheese has won numerous awards and international recognition.

Today, Caherconnell remains a working farm. Paul, John’s son, produces milk, while John continues to breed and raise beef cattle and sheep. They follow in their ancestors’ footsteps. The family believes in the significance of quality food production and the spirit of local collaboration. The farm's fruits can be tasted in the cheese in the cafe.

Sheepdog Demonstrations

The fort has the only sheepdog demonstration in County Clare and is renowned for its border collies and shepherds' talent, agility, and skills. The border collies are all born and trained here by the dog whisperer John Davoren.

The tradition of training sheepdogs at Caherconnell is deep-rooted, and John has preserved this practice for over 50 years. A sheepdog experience is interactive and fun and takes place daily. Border collies Lee, Lynn, Rose and Jess can be seen working as part of a team or individually, guiding the sheep from the field to the visitor area. Visitors stand safely in a sheltered area.

Wiser and older, Lee is the most experienced member of the group. She is particularly good at close-in work, where she needs lots of know-how from the dog. Lynn is a classic crossover dog working with cattle and sheep – the eye candy of the group. She enjoys taking a little spin around. Rose is the fast-mover on the team, so keep a close eye on her. While patient with the sheep, she can be gone in 60 seconds. Jess is the youngest member. She is still learning her trade. Sometimes, working in partnership with the older dogs is challenging for her.

Sheltered from the weather, enjoy the Caherconnell shepherds' great skill in working with clever collies to provide phenomenal sheepdog demonstrations. Young and old alike are enthralled and enraptured by the collies' skills and enthusiasm. Moreover, there is always plenty of time for selfies and doggy cuddles after their hard work.

The shepherd guides the dogs to retrieve the sheep from the Burren landscape and skilfully drives them back to their holding. The shepherd uses his whistle and voice to show a symbiotic relationship with his loyal, utterly focused dog. They only relax once their job is done. Playtime comes when the shepherd explains the various breeds while the dogs lollop for belly rubs and cuddles. Baby lambs are also available for cuddles, and there are many opportunities to take photos and selfies with animals and shepherds.

A family-run business, Caherconnell Stone Fort is the only fort in Burren scientifically excavated and developed for tourism. It is a fantastic site to dive into Burren’s history and enjoy amazing sheepdog demonstrations. Visitors can enjoy craft coffee in The Mountain Haven Café accompanied by a freshly baked scone. Lunch is also served daily. The craft shop at Caherconnell features traditional Irish gifts as well as a collection of eclectic and authentic gifts.