Sheepdogs
at Work
In Jamese McCloy’s barn in the rolling Sperrin Hills, the only sound you’ll hear at sheep shearing time - aside from gentle birdsong - is the snip-snip of his blades as they work their way through the fluffiest fleece imaginable.
Like his father and grandfather before him, Jamese has been tending to sheep for decades, with the help of highly trained border collies, Moss, Jess & Tess (themselves from a long line of workers).
Visit the Glenshane Country Farm and discover how, with a whistle, a whisper, or a gesture, Jamese can direct the dogs to herd hundreds of remarkably well-behaved sheep.
Join Jamese as he shares his tales of farming life, and points out Slemish Mountain, where Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, worked as a shepherd 1,500 years ago.
Help him open gates to lead the flock into traditional wooden pens, make friends with Moss, Jess and Tess, breathe in the scent of fresh hay, and reach over to touch the sheep, their springy wool like candy floss.
Take shelter in the viewing gallery, built with Donegal quartz stone and timber, and marvel at the panoramic views of Slieve Gallion mountain, Lough Neagh and the Mourne mountain range.
(Experience packages)
Sheepdogs at work
45 mins
Meet Moss, Tess and little Jess as they work and control the sheep in the field listening and obeying our whistles and commands (fingers crossed). Learn how these words and sounds have different meanings to the dogs.
Sheepdogs at work & shearing the wool
1 hour 30 mins
The first 45 mins of this experience is the Sheepdogs At Work. The next 45 mins is a chance to see rare breeds of sheep, witness a live shearing demonstration and of course hold a baby lamb!
When visitors leave here, they feel like they were part of something traditional and special. They have a story they can tell, and retell, to their family and friends back home.
Jamese McCloy, Shepherd
8th January 2020
9th January 2020
10th January 2020
5th February 2020
26th February 2020
11th March 2020
