Irish Working Sheepdogs

Irish Working Sheepdogs offers an authentic Irish countryside experience on a working family farm at Ballybought, near the Kildare–Wicklow border and the Wicklow Mountains. Visitors can watch trained Border Collies work with sheep in guided demonstrations that showcase the close relationship between dogs and shepherds, as well as the skills and traditions of sheep farming in Ireland. The 50-minute experience includes live herding, an introduction to how the dogs are trained, and engaging commentary from Michael, who shares stories about farming and the history of sheepdog work.

The farm welcomes individual visitors and offers interactive demonstrations for private groups, schools, students, and tour operators. Private demonstrations are available on request during November and December, with a maximum group size of 120. Visitors can also learn about the handlers and meet the farm’s dogs. Located around a 50-minute drive from Dublin, Irish Working Sheepdogs provides an educational and entertaining outing for dog lovers, curious travellers, and anyone seeking a memorable look at rural Irish heritage.