Guided Fort Tours
Local guides bring the fort to life on daily tours at 10.15, 12 midday, 1.30pm and 2.15pm; a self-guide option is available at any time.
Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
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About
A 1,000-year-old stone fort and County Clare's only sheepdog demonstration, set in a hidden valley in the heart of the Burren. Watch border collies work the hillside, then tour a remarkably preserved ring fort still yielding buried treasures.
Things to Do
Caherconnell Stone Fort
A remarkably well-preserved ring fort over 1,000 years old and one of the finest examples in the Burren. It was inhabited into the late 16th century and is still excavated annually, yielding jewellery, glass from Venice and amber from the Baltic.
Sheepdog Demonstrations
Clare's only sheepdog demonstration, held daily, as the shepherd guides his border collies by whistle and voice to bring sheep down off the Burren hillside into their pen.
Meet the Collies
After their work the dogs bound over for cuddles, belly rubs and selfies. Visitors can also hold and photograph the baby lambs.
Visitor Centre, Café & Shop
A 20-minute audio-visual presentation covers the Burren's history and archaeology, and the gift and craft shop sells Irish-made goods. The on-site café serves artisan coffee, sandwiches and home-baked treats.
Poulnabrone Dolmen
The famous 5,000-year-old portal tomb stands just 1km away on the R480 — an easy add-on to your visit.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Visitor Centre: March, April & October 10.00–16.00; May, June & September 10.00–16.30; July & August 10.00–17.00. Last tour 30 minutes before closing.
- Admission: Fort visit: adults €12, children €9. Sheepdog demonstration: adults €14, children €11. Joint ticket: adults €23, children €17. Under 5s free.
- Parking: Car park located next to the visitor centre, fully wheelchair accessible. Reserved VIP parking adjacent to the visitor centre for visitors with mobility issues. Groups touring by private bus should contact in advance to confirm space.
- Food: On-site café run by Marie and her team: artisan coffee, sandwiches and home-baked sweet treats.
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