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!
.png)
