Blessington prepares for International Sheepdog Trials

THE International Sheepdog Trials 2023 will be held in Blessington next week, with the event promising to have something for everyone.

The three-day event will take place at Three Castles Farm from September 8 to September 10, and will also feature a vintage car display, a funfair, and a dog show.

The highlight of the event is, of course, the sheepdog trial which will take place on Sunday and feature dogs that have been trained by competitors from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Bohernabreena resident Donie Anderson, who is on the organising committee for the International Sheepdog Trials, told The Echo what attendees can expect across the weekend.

“There’ll be people doing a vintage car display, a funfair for the children, a dog show, and there’ll be trade stands for things like tractors and trailers,” he said.

“For the competitors in the sheepdog trials, it’d be serious, but for the general public there’ll be a carnival atmosphere – there’ll be something for everyone.”

Holding sheepdog trials is something of a tradition in the area, as prior to the pandemic sheepdog trials were held in Bohernabreena every year, on a smaller scale compared to international trials.

“It’s something that has carried on through a lot of generations,” said Donie, as sheepdog trials have been held in the area for over 150 years.

“Most people that have sheep have a working dog and they want to have the best dog they can, and to see dogs they can aspire to.”

The International Sheepdog Trials 2023 will be on from September 8 to September 10 at Three Castles Farm, Blessington, W91 YT78.

Tickets for the event start from €10 for adults, while children under 12 go free.

Tickets are available for purchase on the sheepdog trials website HERE.

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