Dunfin Farm Sheep Experience

About

There are nine glens of Antrim. Known locally as The Glens, their epic scenery has earned them their designation as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. But one of these glens, Glenshesk, has an extra appeal for animal lovers. It’s here, in the townland of Dunfin, that you will enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience.

On a working sheep farm, owned by one family for over 70 years, you'll be introduced to sheep and lambs and will be able to get as close to them as you want! You'll learn all about life on the farm, its daily routines and how to handle the sheep. You'll even get the opportunity to help gather them from the field into the pen. Of course it’s not quite as easy as the dog makes it look. And once they’re in the pen? Well, you can have a go catching one - if you can!

If you’re visiting in spring, this is your chance to see our new baby lambs run, jump and play in the fields. In summer you’ll learn about shearing season, and witness how easily the sheep's wool falls cleanly away as the clippers carefully glide through the fleece. Shearing is an art in itself, of course. But if you’re ready for your first lesson, you’ve come to the right place.

You'll see the star of the show in action too, during a sheep dog demonstration. You’ll learn all about the dog's relationship with the shepherd and the sheep, and witness the dog’s agility, intelligence and how it reacts to instructions. At this farm directions are given to the dogs using voice commands (‘sit down’, 'lie down', ‘walk on, ‘come by and away') and whistles. Reckon you can command a sheepdog yourself? Well, give it a try. Then, congratulate yourself: you’ve got in touch with your inner shepherd, right here in the heart of the Glens.