Animal Husbandry

28 Mar 2024
Animal Husbandry

As part of the school tour programme, our resident farmer would like to invite groups to accompany him as he does his morning rounds.


An array of farm animals live at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, with ponies, donkeys, sheep, deer, goats, ducks, and cows, amongst them. You will meet our adopted rescue donkeys Millie & Tillie, and our Irish Red deer stag called Cormac, a direct descendant of the largest animal to ever roam Ireland. During the course of the year you will see cute and playful lambs, calves, kids, and "bainbh" or piglets.

How It Works
 
The tour begins close to the Admissions area at the goat paddock, where our farmer will give a few brief facts about the animal and introduce the children to goat kids.
 
They will then move along to the haggard, where the children will meet the fowl and see where the eggs are laid in the coops. He will give some brief information about the different breeds of hens.
 
While in the haggard the children will be shown our pigs who dwell in the piggery close by. A big hit always !! 
 
He will then explain the feeding process for our calves, lambs, and tribe of kids. 
 
After this he will move through the park speaking about general wildlife which lives in the hedgerows around the park, and calling to the individual paddocks showing the children the lambs, the goats, the Shetland ponies, the deer and the donkeys. He will give a few brief facts about each of the animals.
 
The majority of the animals which the children will encounter along the way are native and indeed rare Irish breeds. We believe in showcasing our heritage and preserving these endangered breeds for future generations.
 
Bunratty Animal Conservation
 
We are also very proud to showcase these animals in their natural environment, allowing to happily graze in the paddocks around the Folk park.
 
We are fully compliant with all state bodies who govern the keeping of animals, and we also operate according to the Five Freedoms, these are internationally recognized as best practice standards when keeping animals. These are listed below,
 
­The welfare of an animal includes its physical and mental state and we consider that good animal welfare implies both fitness and a sense of well-being.
 
1) Freedom from hunger and thirst: by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
2) Freedom from discomfort: by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3) Freedom from pain, injustice or disease: by prevention through rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4) Freedom to express normal behaviour: by providing sufficient space and proper facilities.
5) Freedom from fear and distress: by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.


Animal Hubandry Tour is €12 per student.
This includes general access to the Castle and Folk Park
Allow 3 hours for your tour to ensure you make it up to the castle and around the village street.

Book Now
061 711222
email education@shannonheritage.com 

Don't forget to add to your visit with our pre & post visit teacher resources. 

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