Craggaunowen's Animals

Come Meet Craggaunowen's Animal Friends!

Craggaunowen is home to a variety of friendly animals!

Children and adults alike have the opporunity to learn about animals in a safe environment where education and fun combine for an exciting and unforgettable experience.

From Soay Sheep and Shetland Ponies to Donkeys and Wild Boars, there's lots of fun to be had at Craggaunown Castle and Crannog!

Meet our animals!

The Wild Boar

Historically, wild boars were native in Ireland. However, they were hunted to extinction in the mid-13^th century and so, are no longer seen abundantly in the wild. In recent times, wild boars can be seen in wildlife parks and conservation parks.
In Irish mythology and folklore, the wild boar symbolizes strength and ferocity. It is featured in the story of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the mythical hunter-warrior who is often depicted hunting wild boar.
Wild boar piglets or ‘boarlets’ have a much different appearance to their mother as they are much lighter and have dark stripes to help camouflage. These stripes disappear around 6 months old.
In early life, piglets are incredibly dependant on their mother as they are very vulnerable. Therefore, the sow is usually highly protective and highly aggressive after the birth of its young.

The Hens

A flock of 8 hens can be seen roaming the grounds throughout the day.
Hens played a vital role in rural life proving a family with eggs, meat and feathers. Furthermore, hens and their eggs were often used in trade and barter, serving as a local currency to be traded for goods and/or services.
Their size, adaptability and low maintenance meant that poorer farmers and farm labourers were able to keep a small flock of hens to provide them with eggs and meat.

The Shetland Ponies

Our 2 Shetland ponies Frankie & Freddie can be seen running in the fields as you enter the grounds. The short, sturdy animals originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland and were introduced to Ireland due to their siz, strength and adaptability.
Shetland ponies can be as tall as 28-42 inches which is roughly the same size as our Irish Wolfhounds who get to 38 inches tall!
In rural Ireland Shetland ponies were used for light agricultural work and transportation of peat. Most unusually, Shetland ponies were often used for mining. Their small size and hardiness allowed for them to navigate narrow mine shafts and tunnels while pulling carts with extracted materials.
Due to their size, Shetland ponies were popular as a first riding experience for children, teaching them basic horsemanship and care.

The Donkeys

Our 2 donkeys Johnny Donk and Ignatious can be seen alongside our shetlands.
In old Ireland, donkeys were very important in rural life. They were valued for their hardiness, endurance, and low maintenance and were often used for agricultural work such as ploughing fields and carrying heavy loads as well as being used for transportation. Donkeys were also very affordable meaning that they were more accessible to poorer farmers. This along with their desirable characteristics made them very widespread, more so than horses.
In old Irish folklore, they were often used to symbolize humility and resilience.

The Soay Sheep

This breed of sheep are one of the oldest and most primitive breeds of sheep in existence. They are native to the islands of St Kildas in Scotland and are believed to have been brough to the islands over 4,000 years ago
Soay sheep are well adapted to rough environments and can thrive on sparse, rough grazing.
Unlike most sheep, the soay breed doesn’t require sheering and will naturally shed in Spring.
Both rams and ewes have horns though the horns of a ewe are much smaller and less curled.

The Calves

Craggaunowen is home to a group of 10 calves that can be found in the field as you enter the park
Calves and Cattle were of the highest value in old Ireland. They provided farmers with meat and dairy.
They were often used as currency and wealth measurement in early Irish society. Owning more cattle would symbolize a family’s prosperity and high status.

The Lambs

The grounds are home to 3 young lambs Clover, Barry, and Barney.
In old Ireland sheep provided various products that were essential for survival and trade. Their wool and meat were of great importance and their wool, provided families with fabric for clothing and bedding.
Sheep were sometimes used as currency or as part of tribute payments to local lords or landlords.