Joyce Country Sheepdogs
Joyce Country Sheepdogs
5
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
An authentic insight into hill sheep farming and rural Irish life with working sheepdog demonstrations. Interaction with puppies and sheep shearing demonstration during high season. This is set against some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland. Rest room facilities available along with picnic tables for guest use. Scheduled demonstration times are 11am, 1pm and 3.30 pm Monday -Saturday, however alternative times are available by prior arrangement.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Ellen K6 contributionsDon’t miss Joyce’s Sheepdog experienceOne of four in our party was extremely excited about this experience Four of four were completely thrilled we did it Joe is a showman in a reserved country farmer way His wit and personality make him a natural. Who knew the incredible intelligence of these beautiful creatures. We learned so much in a breath taking environment and had plenty of interaction with all of the animals on his property Possibly our favorite (and there were many) part of our trip💗Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 October 2023
- KCBronxville, New York22 contributionsMemorable and Fun ExperienceSo worth a visit! This was one of the best experiences on my recent trip. When I was doing the research for a day tour from Galway, I found that Lally Tours had an itinerary that included a sheepdog demonstration. As a city dweller and animal lover, this had a lot of appeal to me as a unique experience or something I wouldn't get to do back home. On the day of our visit, my partner and I were the only people at that particular demonstration. Joe took his time explaining to us about the family business, his community, how he trains the dogs, and answering our many questions. Joe was an entertaining host - very engaging, funny and a good storyteller. I won't get much into the details of the actual demonstration; it's something you would need to see and enjoy for yourself. As a bonus there was a litter of pups on the property and we got to play with them a bit. They were really cute, especially when a couple of them went out to the field and started imitating or following the older dog herding the sheep. This was a really fun experience that I would recommend to anyone.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 November 2023
- FenuGalway, Ireland39 contributionsExceptional!This is a truly unique experience in a stunning setting. Joe is so down to earth and welcoming. The dogs are really impressive, so well trained, enthusiastically showing off their skills and then joining us for lots of praise and petting afterwards. We got to see some puppies too, cuteness overload. It was wonderful to see this local business bringing people to such a beautiful setting.Visited December 2023Travelled on businessWritten 13 December 2023
- AnnmarieArlington, Virginia447 contributionsOne of the highlights of our trip!We loved our tour here! You can see online that there are three tours Monday-Saturday: 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm. I emailed ahead of time to confirm since it was Easter Monday and received an email back fairly quickly. When we arrived, there was another group that was just leaving because they showed up randomly instead of at the designated times. There's a toilet to use in the house if needed and a coffee/snacks cart at the bottom of the hill. The tour was great and there were three puppies at the time we visited. We saw two different adult dogs herd the sheep and an attempt by the puppies which was very cute. He didn't have his lambs yet, but one of his neighbors lamb's was visiting. There are also goats and miniature ponies to visit while you're there. Most people paid in cash at the end of the tour, but you can pay by card down at the coffee/snacks cart. The service kept going out, but we got it eventually. Highly recommend a visit here for sure!!Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 April 2024
- Matthew F78 contributionsFantastic time!It was so exciting that we were able to book an appointment, and it was an amazing experience. We got to hear all about how the sheep dogs are trained, and then a very exciting demonstration of herding. The views are spectacular, and you’re watching the dogs and the sheep move around, it’s very exciting and so dynamic. We were also lucky that there were three puppies there and it was so cute meeting them and watching them show off. This is a must do if you’re in the area, I cannot recommend it enough.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 21 April 2024
- Excursion1121003756520 contributionsConnemara is GREAT!Simply a wonderful day! Michael was our driver and tour guide for the group of six in a Mercedes Sprinter! What a fantastic experience. Michael was very informative and we enjoyed his wit and music. We had an Aughnanure Castle tour with a local expert. Next we saw the Quiet Man Bridge near "White of Mornin". Then on into the Connemara NP area (stunning views). A bit of lunch and a quick pint in Leenaun was followed by the Sheep Dog Demonstration with local sheep farmer Joe Joyce - the man and his border collies were fantastic. Joe was quite the character. Then on to Cong for a quick visit to the "Town of Inishfree" (Quiet Man). A pint of Guinness and a whiskey neat at Pat Cohan’s Pub was the final toast to a superb day. Wonderful weather and vistas with a fine group of people. It was well worth it.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 May 2024
- RWatson8927 contributionsFabulous experienceWhat an experience! Such a treat to see the sheepdogs at work! Definitely a highlight in our camping trip to Westport! Joe is so knowledgeable re the work of the dogs, sheep & heritage of the Trade & he had great tales to tell! Surrounded by stunning Lough NaFooey, Joyce sheepdogs sits on the side of the mountain. It’s definitely worth a visit. Absolute bonus to cuddle some puppies too! Thank you for your time & hospitality ☕️ Robyn, Richard & VioletVisited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 July 2024
- gail t6 contributionsHighly recommendVisiting this farm was literally one of the highlights of our two week trip to Ireland. It was fascinating to watch the farmer communicate with the dogs. We also got to see him shear a sheep and listen to his highly entertaining stories. There were puppies there as well, which is always a plus. :-) And the farm is located in a breathtakingly beautiful area. I would recommend this experience to anyone, and hope to go back one day.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 July 2024
- Peter SEllicott City, Maryland1 contributionMake time for this,A “walk on” as part of our 10 day itinerary in Ireland. Farmer Joe and his dogs are amazing. The demonstration was fun and informative. Joe’s welcome is genuine. The venue is beautiful in a country full of spectacular vistas.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 August 2024
- Doug RAlpharetta, Georgia3 contributionsAmazing view and a fun time.This was one of the highlights of our visits to Ireland. Joe greeted us with a warm welcome even though we showed up a bit early. The border collies including 9 puppies were amazing. Joe spent a lot of time explaining how the dogs are trained and the ins and outs of sheep farming. His many stories were very entertaining. The setting for the farm couldn't be nicer, on a hill overlooking a beautiful lake. This is experience is well worth it.Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
333 reviews
Excellent
326
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5
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Terrible
2
2travelinFoolz
99 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Joe greeted our family warmly and proceeded to teach us all about his dogs and how they work with the sheep. We were able to have direct contact with both the dogs and sheep! It was an awesome experience and one we won't forget! I can't recommend this experience enough. It was amazing watching the dog in action and being able to pet the animals after the demonstration. It's both educational and fun. Joe is the best, and the setting is just gorgeous! Enjoy.
Written 26 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annmarie
Arlington, VA447 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
We loved our tour here! You can see online that there are three tours Monday-Saturday: 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm. I emailed ahead of time to confirm since it was Easter Monday and received an email back fairly quickly. When we arrived, there was another group that was just leaving because they showed up randomly instead of at the designated times. There's a toilet to use in the house if needed and a coffee/snacks cart at the bottom of the hill.
The tour was great and there were three puppies at the time we visited. We saw two different adult dogs herd the sheep and an attempt by the puppies which was very cute. He didn't have his lambs yet, but one of his neighbors lamb's was visiting. There are also goats and miniature ponies to visit while you're there.
Most people paid in cash at the end of the tour, but you can pay by card down at the coffee/snacks cart. The service kept going out, but we got it eventually.
Highly recommend a visit here for sure!!
The tour was great and there were three puppies at the time we visited. We saw two different adult dogs herd the sheep and an attempt by the puppies which was very cute. He didn't have his lambs yet, but one of his neighbors lamb's was visiting. There are also goats and miniature ponies to visit while you're there.
Most people paid in cash at the end of the tour, but you can pay by card down at the coffee/snacks cart. The service kept going out, but we got it eventually.
Highly recommend a visit here for sure!!
Written 8 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer E
Washington DC, DC17 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Our multi-generational family group (ages 11-83) loved our visit with Joe and his gorgeous and well-trained sheepdogs. It was fascinating to watch the dogs work, and we really enjoyed talking with Joe. Our kids were in heaven cuddling with the puppies and baby goats. And it would be hard to imagine a more beautiful setting. Highly recommend!
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra C
3 contributions
May 2023
Incredibly fun experience. Joe is true country gentleman. His command of his dogs is amazing and we had so much fun listening to the stories. The trip out is a little long but the scenery is well worth it.
Written 30 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel B
Lake George, NY30 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We were driving from Doolin to Galway and wanted to fit in a sheep farm/herding dog demonstration. Joyce Country Sheepdogs had one at the perfect time of day for us. We arrived and were welcomed by Joe Joyce and a few other visitors. We got to meet Joe’s border collies and their 9 week old puppies before the demonstration began. Joe told us about the farm, how he instructs the dogs, etc. The views were gorgeous and watching the border collies herd sheep from the top of the hills was so interesting! What a fun, intimate experience, we are so glad we made the trip!
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gail t
6 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Visiting this farm was literally one of the highlights of our two week trip to Ireland. It was fascinating to watch the farmer communicate with the dogs. We also got to see him shear a sheep and listen to his highly entertaining stories. There were puppies there as well, which is always a plus. :-) And the farm is located in a breathtakingly beautiful area. I would recommend this experience to anyone, and hope to go back one day.
Written 29 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen K
ny6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
One of four in our party was extremely excited about this experience Four of four were completely thrilled we did it Joe is a showman in a reserved country farmer way His wit and personality make him a natural. Who knew the incredible intelligence of these beautiful creatures. We learned so much in a breath taking environment and had plenty of interaction with all of the animals on his property Possibly our favorite (and there were many) part of our trip💗
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mb F
Schwenksville122 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We visited on our way to Galway a few weeks back and it was an amazing experience. Joe explained everything about sheep herding and we got to
Meet his 8 week old puppies. Seeing the dogs go to work herding the sheep down the mountain was an unforgettable experience. He has them so well trained .
Did I mention his place is located in the beautiful mountains with gorgeous views all around??? Definitely put this on your itinerary if coming to Ireland!
Meet his 8 week old puppies. Seeing the dogs go to work herding the sheep down the mountain was an unforgettable experience. He has them so well trained .
Did I mention his place is located in the beautiful mountains with gorgeous views all around??? Definitely put this on your itinerary if coming to Ireland!
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fenu
Galway, Ireland39 contributions
Dec 2023 • Business
This is a truly unique experience in a stunning setting. Joe is so down to earth and welcoming. The dogs are really impressive, so well trained, enthusiastically showing off their skills and then joining us for lots of praise and petting afterwards. We got to see some puppies too, cuteness overload. It was wonderful to see this local business bringing people to such a beautiful setting.
Written 13 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew F
78 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
It was so exciting that we were able to book an appointment, and it was an amazing experience. We got to hear all about how the sheep dogs are trained, and then a very exciting demonstration of herding.
The views are spectacular, and you’re watching the dogs and the sheep move around, it’s very exciting and so dynamic.
We were also lucky that there were three puppies there and it was so cute meeting them and watching them show off.
This is a must do if you’re in the area, I cannot recommend it enough.
The views are spectacular, and you’re watching the dogs and the sheep move around, it’s very exciting and so dynamic.
We were also lucky that there were three puppies there and it was so cute meeting them and watching them show off.
This is a must do if you’re in the area, I cannot recommend it enough.
Written 21 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long do you typically spend here? Also how often are the demonstrations. Trying to plan a hawk walk at Ashford Castle for noon or so and wondering if we’d be able to have lunch in Cong and make it to Joyce’s by 2:30 or so. Would we be in time for a sheepdog demonstration?
Written 17 November 2019
The demonstration takes about an hour. It will take you about half an hour to get to Joe from Ashford but at this time of year you are better off ringing him to agree/ confirm a time. In Summer time he does his demos at 10, 12, 14 & 16 hours.
Written 18 November 2019
Is there any way to get there with public transportation from Galway?
Written 7 November 2018
No, unfortunately. It is in the middle of a valley in a remote area.
Written 8 November 2018
Hello! What is the best way to book a tour in advanced. I am from America so it is difficult to call internationally.
Thank you! Emily
Written 1 May 2018
Just send Joe a message from his FB page. I also think there is an email on his website. You can let him know when you're planning to visit.
Written 1 May 2018
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