All over the world, game fairs have become events that bond all our ‘friends in sport’ in a celebration of everything precious to the country sports enthusiast, the conservationist and lovers of the rural heritage; the sport, the environmental protection, the shopping opportunities, the camaraderie and the good times meeting up with old friends and making new ones.
The Irish Game Fair is proud to be the second oldest game fair in the world! Established in 1978, the Fair has run for over four decades, in that time hosting 66 Game Fairs across the island of Ireland. Its reputation is second to none in terms of standing up for country sports and providing first class entertainment, education and information, great family fun and community spirit.
When the members of the organising team launched the first major Irish Game Fair in 1978 their objectives included promoting the importance of country sports, farming and conservation interests working together for the preservation of the Irish countryside and the rural way of life. More than 40 years on, that objective remains at the core of everything the Irish Game Fair organises and does.
Covering game and sporting shooting, gundogs, angling, terriers and lurchers, hunting to hounds, sporting arts and crafts and conservation, the Irish Game Fair also champions fine and artisan foods, country clothing, motoring, tourism and living history. One common thread runs through all: entertainment delivered with a passion for the country way of life.