Kissane Sheep Farm

Kissane Sheep Farm
Feirm Caoraigh na Kissane

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	Moll's Gap
Moll’s Gap is named after Moll Kissane, an ancestor of Kissane Sheep Farm's John Kissane. She ran a small pub or sibin here during the construction of the Killarney - Kenmare Road in the 1820's. In her time Moll Kissane was popular for her illicit home made poitin or whiskey, which she sold in her sibin

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	Kissane Sheep Farm
	Adopt A Sheep

A view of Kissane Sheep Farm from the N71 near Moll's Gap, looking northwest - 4 October 2005

Overlooking Moll's gap between Killarney National Park and Kenmare is the Kissane Sheep Farm, owned and operated by fifth-generation farmer John Kissane and his wife Anne. With the help of seven hard-working sheep dogs, John and his family were able to run a profitable farm in one of the beautiful parts of the country for many years. But now, European Union regulations discourage him from keeping sheep on the hills, while sheep and wool prices are also on the slide. Furthermore the costs of food and medical treatments are rising.

The 1,000-sheep farm is open for visitors from March until October. John gives sheepdog demonstrations and in July and August, visitors watch sheep being sheared. They can even join in and help if they wish.

Mountain sheep along the Ring of Kerry have wandered the hills and the roads of the area for over one hundred years and every year thousands of tourists arrive to see the beautiful countryside and take photographs of the ewes and little lambs wandering around, enjoying their freedom.

In May 2005, John and Anne introduced the first Adopt a Sheep program to Ireland. The project was co-funded under the EU Leader+ Initiative for Rural Development administered in the area by the South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd. The goal of Adopt a Sheep is to preserve this Irish heritage and save the traditional family farm for future generations.

Anyone can adopt a sheep for only € 45 a year ($60 US) and become an Adoptive Parent, enjoying a lot of privileges on the farm. This amount covers the yearly costs of one mountain sheep. You can give your adoptive sheep a name and you'll receive a certificate with your name and the tag number of 'your' sheep on it. Your money will also be used for general maintenance of the farm land and therefore benefit all sheep living on the Kissane farm.

For €75 a year ($100) you can become a Special Adoptive Parent, who adopts a sheep and enjoys all activities on the farm for free. Mountain sheep live 9 years (average). Every year you can decide whether or not you want to continue the adoption of 'your' sheep.

Go to the Adopt a Sheep Website and fill out the online application. Whenever you are in the neighborhood, stop by the farm and say hello to John and Anne, their dogs - Harriet, Darky, Crocket, Rex, Sally, Rose, and Jane (to name a few) – and Sammy the ram. If you call ahead, you can arrange to meet your sheep.

We have adopted a number of sheep and have “given” several to friends and relatives as gifts. What could be better than having your own sheep and not having to clean up after it?

Sammy (at the time a year-old ram), who has become a "pet" on the farm, greets visitors. - 11 February 2006