Join Us on Connemara’s New Sheep and Wool Trail

There’s a fresh buzz in Connemara—and it’s not just the bleating of sheep echoing off the rugged hillsides. This summer marks the launch of the much-anticipated Connemara Sheep and Wool Trail, a self-guided digital journey that celebrates the age-old craft, vibrant heritage, and community spirit woven into every fibre of the region. As proud participants, everyone at the Sheep & Wool Centre in Leenane couldn’t be more excited to invite you along for the adventure.

Discover Our Story on the Trail

Having welcomed visitors for over 30 years, our family-run centre stands at the heart of the trail—right where tradition meets hands-on fun. The new Sheep and Wool Trail guides you through 14 special locations: from bustling farms and artisan workshops to scenic drives and local markets, each with its own tale to tell. Here at the Sheep & Wool Centre, you can experience the magic up close:

• Watch wool come to life: Step right into the rhythm of spinning wheels and looms from generations past. Our daily demonstrations show how fleece turns into soft yarn and beautiful cloth, just as it did decades ago.

• Get involved: Try your hand at carding or spinning, and see the colours and textures of naturally dyed wool. Families and children are especially welcome to discover the roles they might have played in the wool industry a century ago.

• Soak in the scenery: Nestled at the foot of Killary Fjord, our centre offers panoramic views—the perfect backdrop to a day of exploration, learning, and even a slice of cake from our café.

• Shop consciously: Browse our treasure trove of handcrafted scarves, blankets, and gifts, each bearing the mark of Connemara’s authentic craft heritage.

Why the Trail Matters

Curated by Fáilte Ireland and the Connemara and Aran Islands Tourism Network (CAITN), the Sheep and Wool Trail is about connecting visitors with the people, stories, and land that shape the region. Along the way, you’ll meet sheepdog whisperers, skilled weavers, and local farmers whose lives and livelihoods are interlaced with the sheep and wool tradition.

The trail isn’t only a celebration—it’s a step forward for community tourism. By encouraging year-round visits and highlighting local produce and crafts, it helps support rural business and preserves time-honoured skills for the generations to come.

Plan Your Journey

Whether you’re a returning friend or a first-time explorer, we can’t wait to welcome you at the Sheep & Wool Centre. Wander the trail at your own pace, let curiosity guide you, and experience the warmth and creativity that make Connemara so special. For more details and digital maps, head to connemara.ie or drop by in Leenane for a true taste of the west.

Come trace the threads of tradition, explore the artistry behind every blanket, and be part of Connemara’s living story—with us, at the very heart of the Sheep and Wool Trail.

We look forward to seeing you on the trail—where every visit is a celebration of our shared heritage.