Our WONDERFUL ANIMALS
Discover the heartbeat of our farm: Meet our beloved animals and their stories.
Atlantic Sheepdogs Animals
Welcome to our farm, where our beloved animals play a central role in everything we do. We’re home to a dedicated pack of 9 Border Collies, each with their own unique story and contribution to our daily lives. Our farm is also home to some fascinating and diverse sheep breeds. We invite you to visit and experience the charm and character of our animals firsthand. Each one plays a vital role in our farm’s story and contributes to the unique environment we cherish.
Our Sheepdogs
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Jack
Jack
The one that started us on our adventure with Atlantic Sheepdogs. So many of our guests over the first couple of years met and fell in love with Jack – it was impossible not to! A dog who would do anything for Martin, they had some massive adventures together. We said goodbye to Jack in 2023 and we’re not quite sure if there’ll ever be another dog like him.
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Nell
Nell
Nell was born on the farm in the summer of 2009, and Trish immediately fell in love with her. Later that year, after our engagement, Eugene gifted us a mystery box, and inside was Nell—a fluffy ball of love and loyalty. In 2023, we lost two of our most beloved dogs, and Nell peacefully passed away just weeks after Jack, leaving behind cherished memories.
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Bob
Bob
The one that is a son of Jack. Bob took over as “topdog” from his dad around 2018 and after giving a lot of heart to the farm, he is now retired to a quieter life off the farm.
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Mo
Mo
The one that is our tiny firecracker!
Mo took Martin through on the Irish Team* to the International Sheepdog Championships** in 2023. From there, she won the pair a coveted place in the Supreme Championship; finishing in 10th place out of what had started with 600 competing dogs over Ireland and the UK. -
Mist
Mist
The one that is our tri-coloured granddaughter of Jack. Mist is one of the most gentle, loveable dogs to have worked on the farm.
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Ben
Ben
The one that Eugene won the Irish Nursery Final with in 2024! Ben came to Eugene from from the hills of County Kerry and the two battled through a competitive winter trial season to ensure that Eugene, at 86 years young, would retain the Irish National Nursery Champion title for his second consecutive year.
Farm Animals
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Scottish Mountain Sheep
Scottish Mountain Sheep
Probably the most common sheep you may find on your travels of Ireland. Martin and Trish keep a flock of about 500 adult females, who lamb each springtime as well as 150 hoggets (ewe lambs from the previous Spring).
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Jacob Sheep
Jacob Sheep
The oldest breed of sheep ever known to have walked the earth, they are thought to be of African origin and first arrived in Ireland after having swam ashore from the wreckages of the Spanish Armada – 3 ships of which ran aground on Streedagh beach below the farm.
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Zwartble Sheep
Zwartble Sheep
The friendliest sheep on the farm! Originally from Holland, this breed had dwindled to only about 250 back in the late 1970s.
Testimonials
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A Rare Privilege
Don’t miss this! Martin and young pup Mist were so enthusiastic and brilliant. We went on a rainy day, stood under the thoughtful stay-dry area and forgot about the weather. From Viking ship info to endangered sheep rescue, Martin made certain we learned intriguing facts about this gorgeous region. Generous, heart-felt, talented gentleman. We were privileged to meet him.MoMo Alvarado – Tripadvisor
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Uplifting visit!
Just back from a trip to Ireland which included a visit to Atlantic Sheepdogs for a fabulous demonstration by Martin. He has an amazing setup there and Martin is so professional and welcoming. Not only was it an uplifting experience, I learned so much just from that one visit. I would highly recommend a visit!Tracey, Brentwood – Tripadvisor
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A great family experience. The welcome is really very friendly. The site where you can listen to the explanations and watch the dog work is well laid out, even in the event of rain.
Bertrand W – Google
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Amazing Demonstration!
We had the best time here!! We have a full border collie who is smarter than the other dogs around but NOTHING like his dogs at Atlantic. The owner/trainer is really something exciting to watch. I never imagined anything like it. You will be entertained as well as educated. Everyone, even non dog lovers found this great, really wonderful!! Pam and Russ from TNPam B, Alameda – Tripadvisor
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CTD / Abbey Tours for KAANZAQUEST
I’ve taken groups to sheep farms in New Zealand, Australia, Scotland and other spots around the world but Atlantic Sheepdogs offers the very best dog demonstration, bar none!Lindquist Tours – Tripadvisor
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Martin is so talented, personable, and funny. His dog Mo is remarkable, and loves the pets to boot. We had a wonderful time being both educated and entertained during the demonstration!
Donna K – Google
