Minister Michelle O’Neill and DARD officials are visiting this year’s Castlewellan Show on Saturday 18th July and the committee are looking forward to showing off the best of local agriculture, food and rural pursuits.
With dog agility, show jumping, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits, pigs and home industries spread across fifty acres of Castlewellan Forest Park we are all set to offer a great day out for all the family. The Show offers a great opportunity to enable children to get close to a range of animals with kid goats, lambs, NI Rabbit Club, alpacas as well as an array of livestock. Visitors will get a chance to try out felt making, weaving, straw making and watch the blacksmith and cookery demonstrations. The County Down Young Farmers are set to entertain the crowds with tug of war, tractor driving and water games.
This year there is a fashion tent which will also house a farm model display and the tea tent promises traybakes galore. Judges including our Show Patron celebrity journalist Karen Patterson will be circulating for the Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gentlemen. There is a small pet competition with entries on the day. Over 400 traders will be promoting agricultural machinery, environmental products, outdoor furniture, garden plants, farm toys, local crafts and homemade food products. The Farm Family Health Check screening unit will be there so you find out your blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as get general health advice.
There are over 440 entries for the show jumping classes but riders can still enter the unaffiliated jumping competition on the day which is organised by Mossvale Riding Club. The ISA Final of the Yearling Colt/Gelding All Ireland Championship will appeal and the Ridden and Working Hunter classes are up this year.
Castlewellan Show is renowned for the quality of livestock with entries strong across cattle, sheep and goat classes and the new Blue Textel class proving popular. The rabbits’ section has increased and poultry entries continue to grow. The goats will be occupying their usual location and the two day competition has been retained. The pig section offers an opportunity to see some of the rare breeds and less familiar pigs
In access of 120 dogs will be competing dog agility classes, so bring a seat along and grab a good spot beside the ring. Then head over to the Home Industries tent where you can peruse the 800 entries in home baking, jams, crafts, photography, art and the scarecrows. If all that makes you thirsty you can have a tea and scone in the vintage tea tent or a stronger tipple at the bar.
The Show appreciates the ongoing support from Down District Council as well as our new sponsor EDA Media and aims to attract people from throughout the island to enjoy the Mournes area. The Show runs all day, admission is £10 for adults, £5 for Young Farmers (with their card), Under 16s go free and there is no charge for parking. For a full list of trade stands and attractions, go to the website www.castlewellanshow.com