From the Hills to Height of Fashion
Ó na sléibhte go dtí an faisean is deireanaí
Discover Connemara Wool Heritage on the Sheep and Wool Trail
Everywhere you go in Connemara, you’ll encounter sheep — in the hills, by the roadside, and sometimes lying right in the middle of the road!
Fáilte Ireland in partnership with the Connemara and Aran Islands Tourism Network (CAITN) have launched a self guided digital trail.
This trail is a celebration of the sheep and wool traditions that have shaped our landscape, food, and craft.
This is a journey in progress ,always evolving, and we’ll be adding to the flock as time goes on!
To get the full details of the trail and the stop along way visit our trails page.
Killary Sheep Farm
Overlooking Killary Fjord, this is a working hill farm where you’ll hear the bleating of lambs blending into the sound of the water on the fjord. Depending on the season, you might feed baby lambs, see the shearing in action, or catch a demonstration from Sweep, Lassie and Fly (with a young pup in training too). There’s turf-cutting and hillside walks to top it off.
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Joyce Country Sheepdogs
Set deep in the hills of Joyce Country (no relation to James Joyce!), you’ll see expert dogs gather scattered sheep with just a whistle. The mountains around are some of the loneliest and loveliest acres in the west — ideal for hill sheep farming.
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Glengowla Mines Sheep Farm
Most people come here to explore the underground silver mine, but don’t miss the working farm above. Keith and his dog Pip give sheep herding demonstrations with real flair. There’s turf-cutting, a peat bog walk, and a cosy fireside gift shop to warm up in afterwards.
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Rare Breeds & Preservation
Connemara National Park
As well as ponies and Highland cattle, the park is home to Galway Sheep and a flock of rare Cladóir Sheep — a coastal breed known for its fine wool.
They’re part of an ongoing effort to protect and regenerate local heritage breeds.
Wool-Craft & Natural Dyes – From Sheep to a Shawl
Connemara Sheep & Wool Centre, Leenane
Set up over 30 years ago, this small museum and workshop shows you how wool goes from sheep to shawl.
There are hands-on demos of spinning, carding, weaving and dyeing, plus displays on traditional farming. A family-friendly stop that’s both informative and fun.
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Joyce Country Wool with Carina Coyne
Carina grew up around knitting and sewing, and now spins wool from local fleece and dyes it using plants, flowers and food from the area.
Book a workshop to learn about the process from start to finish in a calm, creative setting.
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Aran Knitwear -from traditional to contemporary – Cníotáil Árann -tradisiúntas go comhaimseartha
Standún, Spiddal
Founded in 1946, Standún was one of the first to export Aran knitwear to the US.
Still family-run, it blends tradition and innovation in its selection of wool garments.
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An Túirne -Aran Islands Sweaters
In a thatched cottage in Kilmurvey, you’ll find An Túirne, a shop run by Rosemary and Andrew Faherty.
Rosemary traces her family roots on the Aran Islands back to 1796 and proudly continues a rich handknitting tradition passed down through generations.
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Aran Sweater Market, Inis Mór
Right in the heart of Kilronan Village, this market is more than just a shop — it’s an introduction to one of Ireland’s most iconic garments.
Learn how different stitches carry different meanings and explore the island’s wool heritage.
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Inis Meáin Knitwear
This luxury label employs local craftspeople on Inis Meáin, creating beautifully made, small-batch knitwear that blends old island stitches with minimalist design.
One of the main employers on the island, it keeps both heritage and community alive.
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Winding Roads and Wandering Sheep -Bóithre Casta & Caora Siúlach
Máméan
High in the Maum Turk Mountains, this ancient pilgrimage site has deep spiritual and historical roots. You’ll pass stone stations of the cross and a holy well. A statue of St. Patrick by Cliona Cussen overlooks the pass. He is depicted as a shepherd, with a lamb at his feet. A fitting symbol for this area where sheep farming in an integral part of life.
Derrigimlagh Discovery Point
A short loop walk through the bog near Clifden — site of Marconi’s first transatlantic radio transmission and Alcock & Brown’s landing. You’ll likely have sheep for company on the trail.
The Bog Road -Roundstone to Clifden Scenic Drive
Take the Bog Road detour from Clifden to stretch your legs in Roundstone village. Travel on foot, by bike, or car across the Roundstone Bog to Derrigimlagh Discovery Point. Along the way, mind the mountain ewes as they peruse the bog — or lie right in the middle of the road, soaking up the heat.
Lough Nafooey Scenic Drive
Tucked away in Joyce Country, this glacial lake feels like a hidden world. The slopes are steep, the sheep are plentiful, and when the mist rolls in, it feels like time slows down.
Learn more about this area which is part of the Joyce Country Western Lakes Geopark
The Taste of the Land – Blas na Talún
Connemara Hill Lamb has PGI status — a guarantee of origin and quality. What makes it special? The lamb graze on herb-rich mountain grasses, giving the meat a sweet, almost floral flavour.
You’ll find it in butchers and shops locally, and even on shelves nationwide in Dunnes Stores.
McGeoughs Butchers in Oughterard are specialists in artisan charcuterie including Air Dried Connemara Lamb.
