Thursday, December 15, 2016

Farmhouse Tea - Road to Tipperary, Ireland

This was one of my favorite activities on our CIE tour.  Of course you know, we have raised sheep, I love wool and fiber arts and historic farmhouses.  Visiting an Irish sheep farm was on our must do list.  




The house and antiques were just as I imagined an Irish farmhouse to be.  We were seated in the room off this beautiful entry.  We had tea and scones, of which I didn't take a picture of, but it was very good.  After the tea, our tour included a sheep dog demonstration.  This farm also had an older family dog that wasn't one of the herding dogs.  Anyway, he was so cute!  He greeted our bus, rolled over for belly rubs and tried to get our attention by barking and pretending to herd the sheep - like I said so cute!  

The herding dogs knew what their job was.  They were off with the sound of the whistle and some calls from the owner.  This farm has been in his family since the 1950's and they have 600 sheep.  Most are used for wool, some for meat and others sold for their breed stock.  I asked about the fairs and any competitions they have in Ireland and if they compete in them.  He shared that their farm does do this and it is how you sell and establish your breeding stock - same here.  We told them about 4-H and about the girls showing sheep.  He was interested in our experiences too.  








Good job - what a face!  


Now we are off to kiss the blarney stone....

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

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