Adventure Collective
Discover Ancient Beehive Huts with Beehive Huts in Kerry - Tralee

Discover Ancient Beehive Huts with Beehive Huts in Kerry

Ventryeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1.5–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; walking may involve some uneven surfaces

Overview

Step back in time with a private archaeological tour at Beehive Huts in Kerry. Discover ancient stone structures, meet adorable lambs, and witness sheepdog trials—all wrapped in warm Irish hospitality. An authentic experience waiting for you.

Private
Glanfahan, County Kerry

Private Archaeological Tour

For all ages • 1 Hour • Private tour of beehive huts with a professional archaeologist

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About This Adventure

Experience a unique private archaeological tour of ancient beehive huts, some over 1400 years old, guided by a resident archaeologist. Delight in holding a baby lamb and witness captivating sheepdog trials, showcasing the remarkable bond between farmer and dog. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and cake in this memorable setting.

Location: Please follow the Google Maps provided! You can also type "Hold a baby lamb" and it will lead you here! Duration: 1 Hour Age: Suitable for all Ages

Opening Times: 9am - 6pm

Private Archaeological Tour Includes

  • Private archaeological tour with resident archaeologist of the ancient beehive huts
  • Hold a baby lamb
  • Sheepdog show
  • Tea, coffee and cake

The Beehive Huts

These amazing structures, some over 1400 years old, are built using the corbelling technique, a style that goes back to the Neolithic.In the field beside the farmhouse you will see one of the largest early medieval houses in the county.

It consists of 3 rooms, and there is also an underground passage or souterrain (currently not accessible). This was probably used for storage, and possibly also for hiding in. The building is called Cathair an dá Dhoras in Gaelic (the language spoken in Aedán’s family. This means 'the fort of the two doors', and is also known as Cathair Sayers (Sayers' fort).

Hold a baby lamb

Sometimes a mother can have just too many babies, and it is all too much for her – so the farmer helps out by bottle feeding one of them. Aedán is on a farm with many sheep, so this happens a lot, particularly in the spring and early summer, when he could be feeding several lambs - but there are always lambs to see on the farm, any time of the year. If you are lucky, you will arrive at feeding time and can help out bottle-feeding one of the cute lambs.

Sheepdog Trial

Sheepdog trials became a popular event over 200 years ago in Ireland. It can take many years of training and practice for dogs to be so in sync with their masters and on the farm, that type of symbiosis is more important than ever. There is a great understanding between a farmer and his dog, and the wonderful way the sheepdog can round up the animals with minimal instruction.

Aedán (and sometimes his dad or his uncle) offers demonstrations of this spectacle for groups.

Large Group bookings welcome, if you have a group larger than 10 people, please call us to book.

Adventure Tips

Dress for the weather

Ireland’s coastal climate can change quickly; layering is recommended for comfort and variety.

Bring your camera

Capture images of ancient structures, scenic views, and adorable farm animals during your visit.

Wear sturdy shoes

The uneven terrain around the huts calls for comfortable, supportive footwear.

Arrive early

Early visits provide softer light for photography and a more tranquil experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Hares
  • Seabirds

History

The beehive huts are remnants of early Irish monastic settlements, showcasing ancient construction techniques used thousands of years ago.

Conservation

Beehive Huts emphasizes preservation and respectful tourism, ensuring these historical structures remain for future generations.

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Adventure Hotspots in Tralee

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Layered clothing

Essential

Layering allows you to adjust to changing weather conditions during the tour.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Supportive footwear is key for walking around the historical site and farm areas.

Camera or smartphone

Perfect for capturing the scenery, animals, and historic structures.

Water bottle

Stay hydrated during your countryside walk.