Thousands set to attend three day eventing fair in Ratoath next weekend
Olympic medallists, World and European Champions novelty dog shows, shopping village, food fairs and family fun will to the fore in one of Ireland’s favourite and friendliest outdoor events in the Tattersalls estate in Ratoath later this month.
The annual June Bank Holiday weekend Tattersalls International Event & Country Fair saw 35,000 visitors visit last year witness the three day eventing and the same numbers are again expected to an occasion that is worth €2 million to the local economy.
The largest single crossing ever of over 180 competition horses to cross the Irish Sea on the Tuesday morning before the event in two ferries will also take place highlighting the huge international importance and prestige of this sporting event in the Irish and world equestrian calendar. Last year’s sporting event was watched by viewers from over 120 countries and the famed 200-acre Tattersalls estate will also play host to a charming country fair tailored especially for families, while four-legged members also welcome, with owners invited to enter them in the Novelty Dog Show.
Also on show will be the ever popular Mini Puissance Ponies who will defy gravity by doing the high jump and perform tricks to captivate the little ones. A range of other favourites will be on hand to ensure all ages are entertained such as the Toddler Zone, traditional carnival rides and an activity area with bungee trampoline, chair-o-plane, carousel, The Tattersalls Real Life Farm Experience, Bumper Carz and bouncy castles.
Visiting families can feast on delicious food from the many local food producers and gourmet food stalls on site or relax in surrounds of Tattersalls Country House and enjoy the pop up Country Kitchen and Tea Rooms. Over 80 shops will be within the three acre Tattersalls’ Shopping Village will once again play host to Ireland’s leading country chic brands will further add to the wonderful atmosphere and country vibe. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and park up in picnic area over-looking the famous water fence giving you a bird’s eye view of the thrills and spills of the cross country action and there’s always spectacular splashes as some of the riders can often get accidentally tossed off their trusty equine partners!
Tattersalls International Horse Trials Event Coordinator Joanne Quirke says: “Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair will be the biggest, best and friendliest family event from 29th May to 2nd June. We have a massive picnic area amidst our 200 acre venue and we are encouraging people to bring their pet dogs along to walk the countryside here and take part in our fun dog shows and other events. We have a great shopping village with top country brands and artisan food stalls so mums and dads can kick back and relax whilst the kids avail of fairground attractions and pony rides.
"There's also the serious sporting side to the weekend as the huge International Event here is the ultimate test of skill, endurance and athleticism between horse and rider and we have 11 of the World’s top 20 riders competing here. There is no equine sport that compares what an event rider and their horse have to go through to train for such an arduous and spectacular event like this. We have the very best in the World competing here and nowhere else in Ireland will one see the same concentration of Olympic and World medallists at one venue in this country. Ireland are No.1 in the World for breeding eventing horses and we should be very proud of that and celebrate it at the event in late May”, she continued.
"We really hope the public will come out in force to see these equestrian super stars in action just outside Dublin and within easy access to the rest of the country just off the M3 motorway,” she continued.
Jonty returns
Less than a year ago, Jonty Evans suffered a severe fall that left the eventing fraternity in a state of shock. Just eleven months on and Jonty is back on his feet and can’t wait to return to Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair where he holds many good memories.
“I’m coming to Tattersalls because it’s one of my favourite events of the year, I feel really at home there," he says. I actually only have good memories of last year because my horses had all gone really well and I had my son Charlie was with me, so until I actually had the accident I had a great time. I don’t remember anything after it happened!
“Most of all I’m looking forward to seeing the people who helped me; the stall holders, the officials, the riders and the organisers were absolutely great and continue to be really supportive. I will be having a good look round the trade stands, the fair rides, definitely walking the cross-country courses and have signed myself up for commentary of the Live Streaming. I can’t wait!!”