International Sheepdog Trial 2023 a family day out

If you're looking for a family few hours out with a difference this weekend, the International Sheepdog Trial 2023 is running from today through Sunday near Blessington, writes Brian Byrne.

With competitors from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, it is a very competitive and visually appealing contest. Some 60 sheepdogs and their handlers will be competing for the 15 final places, who will be then in contest for the 2023 crown. The location is at Treecastles, Co Wicklow, with the Eircode W91 YT78.

The event gates will open at 10am daily for spectators. Please be patient when travelling to the event site. Expect traffic on the country roads approaching the trials. Parking is available for all visitors — please don't park on the road, use the car park provided. 

The trials themselves run until 5pm, and there are traders, stall and exhibitions and a funfair open until 6pm. A bar is open from 12 noon until 11pm, and there's live music from 6pm-9pm.

The event finishes at 11pm each day.

More information and tickets purchase at the event's website here. 

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