Packed programme for Birr Game and Country Fair

Following on from the success of its partner fair at Shane's Castle, which attracted record crowds for any Irish Game Fair, a stunning range of new attractions and competitions with top prizes were announced today for the 4th Irish Game & Country Fair at Birr Castle, on August 28 and 29. Marketing Director Albert Titterington said: "Our focus on innovation and improvement will hopefully see us follow a record breaking Northern fair with a record breaking fair at Birr - a country sports extravaganza with the best prize fund in Irish Game Fair history for enthusiasts and the very best entertainment for their families in the exceptional surroundings of Birr Castle. No wonder the Great Game Fairs of Ireland brand and its events have achieved top recognition by government at national and international level for the vital economic impact brought about by our extraordinary range of entertainment, along with class leading competitions, and fabulous tailor made fun for all the family. Birr really has become synonymous with everything that people want - an unmatched countryside experience in the unmatched surroundings of Birr Castle." Events over the weekend include the All Ireland All Comers Game Fair Championships in Clay Shooting, Fly Casting; and Gundogs; Irish Stickmakers' Championships; The Redmills/Irish Countrysports and Country Life Five Nations Terrier Championship and a fantastic programme of entertainment with falconry, gundogs, horses and hounds, terriers and lurchers, living history displays plus a range of novel new events going on elsewhere in the demesne. There will also be equestrian displays including carriages and Cochise Horses and the world famous Horse Whisperer Franklin Levinson; Children's Learning and Entertainment Area (normal amusements climbing wall, quads etc but also conservation, science and natural history exhibits); rural crafts; artists in action; cookery demonstrations; Falconry display; World of Dogs (displays by the various dog clubs of sporting and Irish breeds): vintage cars; gardening and horticultural displays; tours of the estate; Living History Village with music, cookery, weapon making and handling; historical talks; theatre and drama; traditional music; bee keeping; game displays; fly casting tuition; air rifle shooting; traditional farming displays, stick making and pole turning; children's fishing and casting tuition on the lake and much, much more. Full details of the fair including a downloadable programme can be had from www.irishgameandcountryfair.com or by calling 028 from ROI 048) 44839167 or 44615416 or emailing irishgamefair@btinternet.com