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What is the National Countrysports Fair?
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The National Countrysports Fair is a two day exhibition which
aims to showcase the many different aspects of country sports,
rural life and country traditions in Ireland.
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Is it like a game fair? |
The term "Game Fair" is a generic term one used to describe a
number of events in the UK and Ireland where country sports are
portrayed. The National Countrysports Fair is indeed a game fair
but it is much more than just
another game fair as it embraces all aspects of the countryside
and country life. |
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Are the general public allowed?
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Yes. The
National Countrysports Fair is open to everyone and there is no
requirement to be involved with country pursuits to attend.
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What are country sports
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These are traditionally thought of as being rural
activities such as shooting sports, fishing, hunting and
gundogs. Nowadays there are many other sports referred to as
country sports like field archery, gundogs, clay pigeon
shooting, ferreting and equestrian activities.
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Are animals killed at a country fair?
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No.
Everything demonstrated at the National Countrysports Fair is a
simulation. For example, clay targets are shot, the
gundogs retrieve canvas dummies, straw targets are used for
archery and paper targets for other shooting events and
competitions. Even fish are not caught, it's just the anglers
casting into hoops on the lake.
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What stands can I see at a country fair?
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The stands and stalls at the National Countrysports Fair are
varied and of the highest quality. In addition to the exhibition
stands demonstrating the traditional country activities,
visitors can shop for country clothing, fishing and shooting
equipment, guns and tackle, footwear and woollens, binoculars,
hats, country ceramics, household goods, gifts, fishing boats,
gundog training aids, country crafts and fine Irish food. The
list is a very long one!
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Can anyone enter the competitions?
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The answer to this is generally Yes! For
events such as the clay pigeon shooting competitions a shotgun
and shotgun certificate is necessary. However, members of
the public can have a go at clay pigeon shooting on one of the
coaching stands. All the equipment necessary for entering the
other competitions is available at the fair including rods for
the casting, bows and arrows for the archery, fly tying
equipment. For the dog events it's just a case of bringing your
dog with you and entering on the day.
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Where is Moira Demesne?
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Moira Demesne is located 1/2 mile from M1 Motorway Exit
9 in Co. Down. It's right in the centre of the village of Moira
and is just a twenty minute drive from Belfast.
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What does it cost to come to the fair?
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The admission price for adults is £12 and
FREE
for children under 16 years when accompanied by an adult.
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Is there car parking?
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There is ample on-site car parking which is free of
charge and is just a five minute walk from the centre of the
fair.
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Is there disabled car parking?
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Forward car parking is available for official disability
badge holders.
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Can I bring my dog to the fair?
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Dogs are most welcome at the National Countrysports Fair if
they are on a lead and under control. Don't forget to bring
along some plastic bags to lift any fouling though!
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How can I book a trade stand at the fair?
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If you are a bone-fide trader and your product range is
appropriate to the National Countrysports Fair then it's just a
matter of requesting an application form and completing
it. Completion of the form will not automatically guarantee that
you will be allocated a trade stand as we do have a waiting list
for certain stands.
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Is this event associated with any similar event in Ireland?
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We have a sister event in Republic of Ireland, the
National Country
Fair on 3rd & 4th August 2013 at Borris House in Co. Carlow.
Other
than this show, the National Countrysports Fair has no association
with other events in Ireland
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