SHEEP HERDING

Duration: 45 minutes

Guests will enjoy an introduction to our friendly border collies and learn about their training programme, diet, herding commands, and life at Glen Keen. Watch the dogs herd the sheep on verbal and whistle instructions given by the shepherd. Learn all about the Mountain Blackface sheep and the history of their introduction to this area. Step back in time while you enjoy the farm’s beautiful landscape, which is a true living museum of Ireland’s history.

TRADITIONAL TURF CUTTING

Duration: 45 minutes

Venture onto our peatlands – a type of wetlands – where we will demonstrate the traditional method used for cutting turf (peat), which was once the main source of fuel for heat and cooking in the stone and thatch cabins that historically dotted the landscape. Learn interesting facts about this special type of habitat, which is designated as a Special Area of Conservation by the European Union.

HISTORICAL PRE-IRISH FAMINE WALKING TOUR

Duration: 1-3 hours

Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of our ancestors. During the pre-Irish Famine walking tour, we will visit Irish homestead dwellings, Bronze Age forts, and ancient burial grounds located on our property, learning how some have prevailed for over 5,000 years. Listen to stories of survival, hidden chambers, land battles, evictions, and human determination. Connect with the landscape and inhale the purity of this majestic valley, carved by glaciers. 

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Mid-level fitness required.  Walking shoes or hiking books and rainwear are necessary for this walk, which takes place outdoors.

IRISH MUSIC AND DANCE SESSION

Duration: 1 hour

Meet a wonderful local musician and enjoy lively Irish music. Learn the steps to the Sean Nós dance (Irish for “old style”). This is the oldest form of Irish dancing – a solo dance that can be enjoyed by a group of friends or family. We will guide you through the fun, easy-to-learn steps to a world-renowned dance!

LEARN TO MAKE TRADITIONAL IRISH COFFEE

Duration: 1 hour

In this demonstration, guests will learn to make traditional Irish coffee while learning about the history of this world-famous drink. Afterwards, sit back, relax, and enjoy your creation.

LEARN TO BAKE TRADITIONAL IRISH SCONES 

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Step ‘behind the scenes’ at Glen Keen Farm, and learn how to make tasty Irish scones in our commercial kitchen. Perfect for anyone who loves food, this is a fun, immersive experience with a tasty result. The scones are served up with a freshly brewed pot of Irish tea.

WOOL SPINNING

Duration: 1 hour 
Duration with wool dyeing: 3 hours

Meet our friend June Bourke, from Back to Back, who will show you how to make exquisite creations using raw wool product. Guests will enjoy learning about the process of turning raw wool into yarn using the spinning wheel method. June will take you through the process of carding the wool and preparing it for yarn.

For a half-day experience, we can take you through the steps of dyeing your own wool using natural organic products like wild flowers, weeds, and onion skins. This is a culturally rich experience resulting in the creation of beautiful 100% biodegradable products. 

CUSTOMISED COOKING EXPERIENCES

Duration: 3 hours

Take your pick from several traditional, local dishes, such as Killary Fjord mussels, Glen Keen lamb Irish stew, or fresh-caught Atlantic salmon. Our culinary team will make you an active participant in the kitchen, guiding you step-by-step through the meal making process. Afterwards, enjoy your organic dish farm-style with some lively in-house musical entertainment.