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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Country Fair The National Country Fair is a two day exhibition which aims to showcase the many different aspects of country sports, rural life and country traditions in Ireland
Are the general public allowed Yes.  The National Country Fair is open to everyone and there is no requirement to be involved with country pursuits
What are country sports 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, terriers, clay pigeon shooting, ferreting and stalking
Are animals killed at a country fair No. Everything demonstrated at a country 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.
What stands can I see at a country fair The stands and stalls at the National Country Fair are varied and of the top 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!
Can anyone enter the competitions The answer to this is generally Yes!  For events such as the clay pigeon shooting a shotgun and shotgun certificate is necessary for the major competitions but even 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.
Where is Ballinlough Castle Ballinlough Castle in in Co. Westmeath in the Republic of Ireland.  It is located close to the village of Clonmellon, on the N52, the main road between Kells and Mullingar
What does it cost to come to the fair.

The admission price for adults is €15 and FREE for children under 16 years when accompanied by an adult.

Is there car parking There is ample on-site car parking which is free of charge and just a five minute walk from the fair
Is there disabled car parking Disabled car parking is available for official disability badge holders
Can I bring my dog to the fair Dogs are most welcome at the National Country Fair if they are on a lead and under control.  Don't forget to bring along some plastic bags to lift any fouling though!
How can I book a trade stand at the fair If you are a bone-fide trader and your product range is appropriate to the National Country Fair then it's just a matter of requesting an application form and completing it.  Completion of the form will not automatic guarantee you will be allocated a trade stand as we do have a waiting list for certain stands
Is this event associated with any similar event in Ireland We have a sister event in Northern Ireland, the National Countrysports Fair. Other than this show, the Irish National Country Fair has no association with other events in Ireland

The Irish National Country Fair is organised by Country Sports Fairs Ltd.
e-mail: info@nationalcountryfair.ie  Tel. +44 (0) 28 44 832775