Kissane Sheep Farm

Ever dreamed of escaping to those rolling green hills of Ireland, you see in pictures? Well, deep in County Kerry, there's a place called Kissane Sheep Farm where that dream pretty much comes to life. Tucked away near the famous #mollsgap on the Ring of Kerry, this isn't just a field with some sheep; it's a real-deal, family-run farm that's like stepping into a story. It's where old traditions meet the get-on-with-it of today, and trust me, it's an experience you won’t forget. You get to see what real Irish farm life is all about, straight from the lovely family who've been doing it for ages.

Seriously Stunning Scenery: Moll's Gap & The Farm's Backyard

First off, let’s talk about where this place is. Kissane Sheep Farm is plonked right on the N71 road, a super scenic drive between the cute town of Kenmare and the wild beauty of Killarney National Park. And get this—the famous Moll's Gap, with its jaw-dropping views of Ireland’s biggest mountains, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, and the peaceful Black Valley, is part of the farm's land. How cool is that? This isn't your perfectly trimmed garden kind of countryside. It's wild, rugged, and an official Special Area of Conservation, meaning it's properly special – think heather, rocks, and hardy grass, all shaped by old glaciers and salty Atlantic winds.

Even the name 'Moll's Gap' has a cracking family connection. The story goes that back in the 1820s, when they were carving out the road here, an ancestor named Moll Kissane ran a secret pub—a "sibín." She must have been quite the character, maybe her homebrew was legendary, because the pass got named after her! Fast forward to today, and her descendant, John Kissane, along with his wife Anne, are still farming this very land. As you drive along, keep an eye out for sheep with red paint on their fleeces—those are the Kissane flock, just chilling in their amazing mountain home.

The Kissane Crew: Farming This Land for Donkey's Years!

The Kissane family and this farm go way back—we're talking nearly 200 years! Imagine that. Generation after generation has faced everything the Irish weather and farming life can throw at them, and they’re still here, looking after their sheep in this stunning but tough spot. John is the fifth generation to work these hills, so he knows this land like the back of his hand.

And this isn't some little hobby setup. It's a proper working farm with around 1,000 mountain sheep, and come springtime, it's bursting with hundreds of adorable lambs. For years, the farm just did its thing—breeding, lambing, shearing, selling. But John and Anne, seeing that folks were keen to understand where their woolly jumpers (and Sunday roasts) came from, and with farming getting tougher financially, decided to open their gates to visitors back in May 2005. It wasn't just about money; it was about sharing their life, showing people what real sheep farming is like, and keeping a bit of Irish heritage alive and kicking.

Meet the Flockers: The Toughest Sheep in Kerry

Now, let's talk about the real stars of the show—the sheep! The main breed you’ll see at Kissane’s is the Scottish Blackface. These guys are the superheroes of the sheep world—super hardy, built for mountain life, and they look pretty cool too with their black or spotted faces, curly horns, and thick woolly coats. They're a common sight in the hills, looking like they own the place (which, to be fair, they kind of do). The Kissane family has been breeding these sheep for over 100 years, picking the toughest and healthiest ones to make sure their flock can handle the mountain lifestyle. These aren't just fluffy clouds on legs; they’re expert climbers and grazers, happy on steep slopes where other sheep would just say "nope!"

Dog Power & Shear Genius: What You'll See!

Watching the sheepdogs at Kissane Sheep Farm is one of the best parts of visiting the farm. It is jaw-dropping! John whistles and gives a few orders, and the very intelligent Border Collies spring into action, fetching the sheep from the hills down into the pens. This collaborative dance is a man-and-dog harmony that shows how farming has historically relied on these skills throughout the ages. The trust that John has with his dogs and the deep understanding he shares with them are pretty unusual.

If you're there in the summer (usually from June), you might get to watch the sheep getting their yearly haircuts during the shearing demonstration. Amazing reduces to the deft removal of those hefty winter fleeces. If it interests you, John would most likely allow you to try shearing a bit yourself under his expert supervision. Now this is what I call immersion!

And spring? Spring is all about the bursting of new life, which in this case is the lambing season. It is sheer bliss to see the hills around us full of bouncing baby lambs. If you venture out to them, there is a chance you could hold a baby lamb or even bottle-feed one. These are usually the ones who require extra assistance, and trust me, it is an utterly adorable experience, especially with little ones around.

Why You Absolutely Have to Visit Kissane's

So, Kissane Sheep Farm isn't just another dot on the map. It's a place where you can get to the heart of what rural Ireland is all about. You've got the incredible Kerry scenery, the amazing family history, and the everyday buzz of a working farm all rolled into one. It’s where you can see how much hard work, passion, and love go into keeping these traditions alive.

From the bleating of the sheep and the wind whistling through Moll's Gap to the incredible skills of the sheepdogs and the warm smiles from the Kissanes, you'll find a little piece of Ireland's soul here. If you're after something authentic, something that'll warm your heart and show you the real Ireland, then Kissane Sheep Farm is a must-do. It's a reminder that the best travel memories often come from these simple, honest places.