Moate Action Group has announced details of a new festival for Moate and the Midlands - Ireland’s Heartlands Heritage Festival - set to run from November 12 to 19.
The festival brings together the national organisations of the Irish Kennel Club, The Connemara Pony Society, and the Irish Hawking Society.
It will include a world hawking conference and displays; Connemara pony events; international dog shows; a special heritage dog show; international and national field trials for pointers/setters; the Irish breeds world conference; presentations made by various clubs and societies; and special trophies and awards.
The events will take place across several venues and locations including Moate Community Sports Centre, TuarArd, Moyvoughley bogs, and Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park. There will also be a dinner dance held in the Grand Hotel. The festival will also include a parade of native Irish dog breeds and the heritage Connemara ponies.
This festival is expected to attract a national and international audience with estimated attendance across the week estimated at 5,000 visitors. Local hotels and B&Bs are already being block-booked and bookings are expected to continue during the course of the coming months.
Peter Dolan, Moate Action Group, said: “This is a wonderful new innovative event for Moate and the Midlands, fitting with the local heritage and culture and utilising so many of our wonderful venues and surrounding areas. Moate Action Group is delighted to be hosting and supporting the event and working closely with the organisers to ensure that they and all visitors have a wonderful experience in our town and surrounds.”
An official launch of the festival will take place on Thursday, August 25.
