Whizzing along on the coach past scenery so beautiful it can make you cry,
one day in the Ring of Kerry is just not enough to take it all in. . . . . . so of course
I hope to go back, some day!
Sometimes coach tours stop at tourist traps and you come away knowing you
wasted money and precious time - not so here at the Kells Sheep Center run by
sheepdog trainer Brendan Ferris.
Watching Brendan in action with two of his Border Collies, Max and Rick,
was extremely educational. . . . .a feast for the eyes treat for about 45 minutes
in the fresh air (yes, sheep are smelly but who cares when you have a warm,
sunny day in Ireland), the cost just a few euros per person.
sunny day in Ireland), the cost just a few euros per person.
First we were 'introduced' to a mixed group of well trained sheep, different breeds
found in this area, and let me tell you, there appear to be millions of sheep
living in and loving these gorgeous Irish hillsides, who could blame them.
As Brendan called each name, a sheep would step forward and we gleaned
many interesting facts about each breed.
Brendan told us it takes 12-18 months to train his dogs in the art of sheep herding then
they work for 8-9 years. He keeps four dogs trained and two learning at all times.
Each dog responds only to its own set of whistles and calls. Racing up the slope it
herds the flock left or right, up or down, then resting on its belly when told as when
driving sheep over long distances all dogs need to rest.
Watching the sheep being herded was absolutely fascinating - these were
truly hard working dogs. Once trained they sell for high prices as a shepherd is
nothing without good dogs.
Oh, and wool, how cold and dreary life would be without beautiful soft and fluffy wool!
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Absolutely fascinating, Mary! I learn something new every day. :-) And the photos of Ireland are stunning.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I would loved to take that tour.
ReplyDeleteHow I would love going here. It reminds me so much of a demonstration I once attended in New Zealand on sheep and dogs. Love it all. What a treat you had in that beautiful country.
ReplyDeleteI love sheep .. they are so cute to look at and wooly to feel .. I cannot imagine how people can eat lamb :(
ReplyDeleteThe farmer up the road from where I lived in NY had a few sheep, and some exotic ones too ... crazy long hair on them. He also had Highland Cattle .. in New York :)
Now I am in Florida, it is too hot for the sheep :)
Beautiful countryside. I could cuddle with several of those sheep. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love the Ring of Kerry. Of course, it was years ago that I got to visit there but the memories are vivid still. Thanks for bringing them back for me.
ReplyDeleteWatching sheep dogs working is amazing, we have sheepdog trials up at Longshaw (10 minutes from me) in early September and I've watched them competing up there usually with particularly uncooperative sheep:) I haven't been for a year or two but might try and go this year. There's nothing like standing on a wet, windy hillside watching the dogs - of course it might actually be warm and sunny but I shan't be holding my breath!
ReplyDeleteDear Mary, Oh how I wish that I could have been there. I would have been fascinated with the dogs. I can't believe that the sheep know their names and step forward when called. I can see why you love it there so much.
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous countryside! Sheepdogs fascinate me...have always wanted a border collie. Perhaps they could round up groundhogs and squirrels around here!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this beautiful post! Sheep farming is still very much done up in Yorkshire (England), too, where I am going to spend two weeks at the end of this and beginning of next month. The landscape there is also very beautiful, with dry stone walls separating fields and green hills and heather. I am sure you'd love it! Or maybe you've been?
ReplyDeleteLooks like although you did not have much time there, you invested that time well!
It's nice to see sheep who are living the way they should. Such a beautiful area. And the herding dogs are definitely and loyal and hard working breed.
ReplyDeleteAmazing stuff! Gorgeous photos! I will love to spend some time there!
ReplyDeleteA lovely post....thank you. I love sheep and I miss having them here on our farm. It would be quite fascinating to watch the dogs herd the sheep. Oh, to go to Ireland.........I am so glad you were able to make this trip and share it with us.
ReplyDeleteFarm Gal in VA