Native Breeds on Show

Ireland’s first celebration of indigenous animal breeds will take place at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on August 18th as part of a wide-ranging programme of National Heritage Week events at the County Clare visitor attraction.

Hosted in association with the Irish Native Rare Breed Society (INRBS), the inaugural event will include livestock displays of native breeds such as Tamworth Pigs and Irish Red Deer, lectures on rare breed conservation, and tastings of products derived from indigenous breeds. Specialists in crafts involving wool, leather and beeswax will also provide demonstrations and displays of their finished artworks and garments.

The event will feature speakers from The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), Farming for Nature (FFN) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), as well as ecologists and people working with the breeds who will provide different perspectives on breed conservation and the associated area of biodiverse land management.

The rare breeds event is included in a comprehensive programme of National Heritage Week (17-25th August) events happening at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and Craggaunowen, where the public is being invited to explore the traditions and practices, knowledge and skills passed down through generations.