Connemara farmer Joe Joyce, who set up a sheepdog business, has proved a big hit with hollywood celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson and Calista Flockhart.

Joe Joyce from Shanafaraghaun, near Clonbur, Co Galway, began holding sheepdog demonstrations in 2008 after he was approached to assist in the US film 'Marley and Me.'

Since then he has built the business into a major tourist attraction in the West, with lots of movie stars, business tycoons and musicians visiting over the past few years.

His puppies have melted the hearts of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Actor Owen Wilson was eager to bring one back to his Malibu, CA home.

Joyce told the Irish Independent, “ He came around to our home and he was absolutely mad about the dogs, the sheep, the mountains.

"He told us he never got much of an opportunity to sit into a family home and have a chat with people.

"He wanted to take a pup back home on their private jet but we weren't exporting them at that stage." Aniston also proved a huge hit, posing for pictures with Joe's nieces and nephews.

"She was so down to earth. She just chatted away with everyone. She was great with the dogs and sheep," he added.

Calista Flockhart also visited the farm with her parents and young son Liam when they came to Ireland on holidays last year.

“Harrison Ford was due to join them but he had to cancel at the last minute. They were all very nice and relaxed. I recognized her from Ally McBeal.”

"She was just so nice and Liam was delighted with the pups. The young fella also loved feeding the lambs," said Joe.

Joe also entertained the family of legendary singer Johnny Cash last summer, when Johnny Cash Jnr. brought his family back to Ireland.

"He told me how his father and June Carter Cash used to bring the family to the area when they were young and nobody knew who they were. He loved coming back."

He has so far transported dogs to Australia, Canada, Denmark, France,Norway and the UK. For more information see www.joyce countrysheepdogs.ie.