ShangriLlama – Royse City, Texas - Atlas Obscura

ShangriLlama

Royse City, Texas

In Texas, a replica Irish castle is home to a charismatic pack of llamas. 

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This grand castle looks like the star structure of a medieval Irish estate. Except, it isn’t in Ireland—it’s in Texas. That isn’t the only unusual thing about it, as this stately abode is home to a pack of llamas.

ShangriLlama gives animal enthusiasts a chance to get up close and personal with these charismatic camelids. People can step inside the replica castle for a “Llama Lesson” or go for a walk in the park with the animals.

The Llama lessons are as entertaining as they are informative. You’ll enter the climate-controlled castle of a barn and take a seat on one of the benches lining the periphery. Then, through the back door, comes an entire pack of llamas, one after the other, representing all the countries that llamas come from. These llamas will interact with each other—and with you! An animal guide starts the presentation and teaches you 150 facts that make llamas different from other animals.

Afterward, stay to take photos and selfies with these gorgeous llamas, who are all pedigreed and full of personality. There’s Dalai Llama, the pack leader, who once starred in a GameStop commercial. He isn’t the only one with a knack for fame—Como T. Llama starred in LLama Cop, a Starz Digital Comedy. You’ll also meet Bahama Llama, Pajama Llama, Drama Llama, and Barack O’Llama who is, according to the ShangriLlama website, working to create Universal Hoofcare.

Know Before You Go

ShangriLlama has been intentionally omitted from the Atlas Obscura map. To protect the owners' privacy and the safety of the animals, the farm's address is only given to those who have made a reservation to visit. You can make your reservation online. You'll then receive an email from the farm that provides the address and driving directions.


You can go rain or shine because the castle/barn is fully enclosed and has heating and air conditioning. If you have young kids, you'll likely need to get a babysitter, as visitors must be at least four years old to visit. Strollers or baby carriers are not permitted.

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