What does the Achill Mountain Lamb Experience entail?

The experience provides an immersive look into seven generations of Calvey family hill sheep farming on Achill Island with hands-on sheep shearing, herding with a trained border collie, and tasting lamb prepared from their on-farm butchery.

Is the experience suitable for all ages and abilities?

Yes, the tour is inclusive and family-friendly, welcoming all ages and designed to accommodate various abilities.

What should participants bring or wear?

Wear sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing due to outdoor and sometimes wet conditions on the farm and hills.

A traditional Irish stew made with Achill Mountain Lamb and seasonal vegetables is available as an optional part of the experience.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes, photography is encouraged to capture the stunning landscape and farm activities.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Martin Calvey's Farm, Keel, Achill Island, County Mayo.

Experience Achill Mountain Lamb Farm Tour & Tasting: A Hands-On Irish Farming Adventure

Located on the windswept shores of Achill Island off Ireland’s rugged County Mayo coast, the Achill Mountain Lamb Farm Tour & Tasting offers a rich, authentic connection to one of Ireland’s deepest-rooted farming traditions. This unique experience invites visitors to step into the seven-generation heritage of the Calvey family, who have tended the wild highlands and steep coastal hills where the famous Mayo Blackfaced Mountain Sheep graze. These sheep, with their distinctive shaggy coats, black faces, and curling horns, descend from ancient wild horned sheep of Asia — a living thread linking the island’s landscape to centuries of pastoral history. Your adventure begins at Martin Calvey’s family farm near the village of Keel, where the Calveys graciously open their doors to share an immersive day of learning and hands-on participation. Under their guidance, you’ll try your hand at traditional sheep shearing, an age-old skill essential to local wool production. The highlight is working alongside Tom, the friendly and highly skilled border collie, maneuvering the sheep with precision and teamwork. This direct interaction brings the island’s working farm life vividly to life, set against panoramic views of sweeping hills and the wild Atlantic beyond. The farm itself embodies a rare continuity, having operated a family abattoir and butchery since 1962. This means the meat you taste isn’t just local, it’s homegrown and crafted with care from field to fork. Following your farm tasks, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch featuring Traditional Irish Stew made from Achill Mountain Lamb, paired with seasonal vegetables hand-grown on the island. Served alongside homemade brown soda bread and rich Irish butter, this meal provides a genuine taste of Achill’s culinary heritage and the fruits of sustainable farming practices. For visitors keen on deepening their connection to the area, the tour often weaves historic and cultural stories of Achill, a place marked by ancient settlements and local lore. The island’s natural beauty — from craggy cliffs to sweeping moorlands — makes every moment a chance to absorb Ireland’s rugged coastal character. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone looking to explore rural Ireland through meaningful engagement, the Achill Mountain Lamb Farm Tour & Tasting is a standout experience. It’s not just a visit; it’s a journey into family tradition, island ecology, and the skillful harmony of man, animal, and land. Situated near the town of Keel, this tour is perfect for travelers seeking authentic outdoor adventures with an educational twist on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

1.5 hours.

Fitness level

Participants should be in reasonable physical condition to walk over hill terrain and take part in farm activities.

Wildlife

Achill’s rugged habitats shelter Buzzards soaring overhead.
You might spot Red Deer in the island’s moorlands.

History

Achill Island has been inhabited for thousands of years, with historical settlements like Slievemore revealing early Irish rural life.

Conservation

The Calvey family practices sustainable farming, emphasizing local food production to reduce environmental impact and preserve island ecology.

Good Food Ireland is a curated network and marketplace for Irish food experiences based in Drinagh, County Wexford. The organisation connects travellers with local producers, chefs and hospitality venues to offer bookable food tours, workshops and tastings across Ireland. Experiences range from coastal oyster farm visits and shucking demonstrations to hands-on cheesemaking, sourdough workshops, farm tours and classic afternoon tea services at established hotels. Good Food Ireland works with generational producers, artisan food businesses and historic hotels to present authentic tasting and learning opportunities. Featured experiences include oyster farm tours in Mayo and Kerry, cheesemaking and heritage tours on the Aran Islands, farm visits and cookery school garden tours in Cork, and a variety of afternoon tea offerings at hotels and castles across several counties. Workshops and private tours provide small-group, experiential formats suited to food-focused travellers and local guests. Booking information, experience descriptions and partner details are provided for each listed trip so guests can choose dates, locations and formats that suit their needs. Good Food Ireland emphasises transparency about hosts, locations and activity types, helping visitors select experiences that match dietary needs, accessibility and scheduling preferences. For visitors seeking a taste of Ireland through producer-led visits, tasting sessions and hands-on food workshops, Good Food Ireland provides a searchable, county-organised catalogue of experiences and direct booking options through its listings. Contact details and the Drinagh, County Wexford headquarters are listed on the site for enquiries and group bookings. Listings are updated regularly with seasonal availability and partner information. Online.

Base locationKeel, County Mayo

Tours offered45+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace