The Glen Keen Estate & Glen Keen Farm offers visitors an authentic experience of rural life in County Mayo, Ireland. Set within one of the largest working sheep farms in the region, it combines traditional practices with genuine hospitality. The site gives guests a chance to explore open countryside, meet skilled shepherds, and see sheepdog demonstrations that show real craft and experience. Guided tours uncover the story of the land, its people, and the daily work that sustains the farm. Each visit helps guests understand how modern farming blends with deep heritage and a natural sense of place.
The estate extends across vast ground, offering space for walking trails, mountain views, and fresh air. Those looking for a cultural experience can enjoy traditional Irish music, storytelling, and craft presentations. Visitors often stop at the farm’s café for local produce and home baking. The shop sells handmade goods and regional gifts that reflect the character of Mayo. The Glen Keen Estate serves private groups, families, and tour operators, and it supports educational visits for schools and colleges interested in rural life and conservation. The site also caters for special occasions, group lunches, and tailored events that make use of the scenic setting. Staff welcome guests with warmth and knowledge built over generations of farming. It’s easy to reach from nearby towns, yet it feels far from busy routes. Every detail, from the layout of the grounds to the charm of the visitor centre, has been arranged to bring people closer to the natural world of the west coast.
Visitors can browse glenkeenfarm.com to plan their trip, check seasonal events, and learn about current activities on the estate. The site explains daily operations and gives insight into sustainable farming. Its gallery shows the beauty of the surroundings, from gentle streams to mountain peaks that form the backdrop to every visit. Family-run and community minded, The Glen Keen Estate & Glen Keen Farm brings together tradition, nature, and local heritage in a way that feels genuine and accessible. It invites people of all ages to slow down, take in the view, and enjoy a taste of Mayo’s countryside life.
Glen Keen Farm is one of Ireland’s largest working sheep farms, located near Louisburgh in County Mayo.
Yes. Visits and experiences at Glen Keen Farm require pre-booking. They are not open for casual drop-ins.
1. Sheep herding demonstrations with trained sheepdogs.
2. Historical walking tours (pre-Irish-Famine era), visiting ancient dwellings, forts, burial grounds, and learning local history.
3. Traditional turf (peat) cutting demonstrations — showing peatland heritage and habitat.
4. Cultural experiences including traditional Irish music and dance sessions, often paired with refreshments (tea/coffee, homemade scones).
5. Additional packages combining herding, music/food, scone-making, or wool-spinning demonstrations.
1. Groups or private bookings, generally with a minimum group size (often 20 for group packages) for full-package activities.
2. Visitors who enjoy walking/outdoor activity (especially for the historical walk), walking shoes or hiking boots and rainwear are recommended.
1. Yes. The farm has a shop offering various items such as clothing, mugs, tote bags, and other merchandise.
2. They also offer speciality items such as “Glen Keen Estate Irish Cream Liqueur” and an “18 Year Old Whiskey”, for which you must contact them directly to order.
1. Services must be paid in full at time of booking.
2. If you cancel at least 10 days before the scheduled date, you get a full refund.
3. For customers in the EU/UK, there is a right to cancel within 14 days of purchase (unless the booked service’s date occurs during those 14 days).
It is a real working sheep farm, not just a tourist site.
samarasekeraw
a month agoThis is an eye opener in Eco and Agri Tourism as we witnessed how they harvest Peat land and how they contribute to the entire Eco system with dedicated hard work. We met Jim, son and daughter, Mr An Neantog and his loyal sheep dog Jane, but the co- owner Jim's wife Catherine was away in Shanghai whom an Eco/ Agri Tourism Award recipient. Had lunch, freshly baked scones and their own Irish Coffee with whiskey and cream served by wonderful, friendly staff with a smile on face always. How Mr An Neantog harvesting the peat was amazing with careful consideration of the future generations. His loyal sheep dog Jane is always by his side for the command. We were very fortunate with the weather to see how Jane was rounding up sheep and keep them on their toes for Jane's next reaction. This is a huge 1600-acre farm plus another over 5000-acre common land adjoining the farm. We respect their dedication towards our Nature and Eco Habitat.
Morgan Ducharme
2 months agoThis was my favorite experience in Ireland. The farm was so warm & inviting. We enjoyed a wonderfully informative & entertaining sheep dog herding demonstration, got lots of pets in w/ the pups when they weren't working and enjoyed a delicious intimate dinner in a beautiful candle lit setting w/ live music. I would go out of my way to come back here again.
Renee Beausejour
2 months agoJanet Martin
2 months agoThe sheep dogs were quite entertaining.
M L
3 months agoGreat sheepdog demonstrations. Lovely shop with café.