Waterford Country Fair to visit Curraghmore House and Gardens in 2016

 

Following the success of the inaugural Waterford Country Fair in 2015, the second “County Life, Country Living” showcase will take place at the historic Curraghmore House and Gardens, Portlaw, Co. Waterford on Sunday, June 12th.

 

Keeping with the format of last year, the one-day event promises something for the young and young at heart and will feature a host of field sports and country pursuits including dressage, side saddle displays and sheep dog trials, along with falconry, artisan craft producers and local food producers, with some exciting new additions.

 

Jo Breheny, Chair of the Waterford Country Fair is delighted to bring the Waterford Country Fair to Ireland’s largest private demesne. “We were heartened by the enthusiasm of the crowds that made the inaugural Country Fair at Mount Congreve such a success.  It was always our intention to bring the Fair “on tour”, and we are blessed to have some of Ireland’s greatest estates and gardens in Waterford county.”

 

“Curraghmore was the natural choice for the second Waterford Country Fair.  With almost 2,500 acres of gardens, woodland and grazing fields, it can accommodate the Fair as it grows.”

 

“We intend to retain many of last year’s events which were a huge hit with the visitors on the day.  The equestrian and country pursuits such as the pony club games, sheep dog trials, dressage, carriage driving and showjumping were extremely popular.  The family events, in particular the archery, bouncy castles, live music and dance groups kept the children and adults entertained throughout the day.”

 

“Some new events planned for June 12th include fly fishing demonstrations, and we are delighted that the RDS Side Saddle qualifiers will take place at the Country Fair.”

 

Alan Walsh, Curraghmore Estate Manager, is looking forward to hosting the Waterford Country Fair.  “We are very excited to add the Waterford Country Fair to our calendar of events in 2016.  The fair very much complements the ethos of Curraghmore as it focuses on all aspects of country life and country living, something which has been a big part of the heritage of Curraghmore since the 12th century.”

 

“The expansive gardens and woodlands can comfortably fit all of the events and will afford those who haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting Curraghmore, the opportunity to visit Curraghmore house, cross King John’s bridge (Ireland’s oldest bridge) or view one of the only two remaining original Sitka Spruce from David Douglas’ introduction in 1830, at a towering 180 feet.”

 

Again in 2016, The Waterford Country Fair will also work with the CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young, to raise funds for this tireless charity.

 

According to Ms. Breheny, “We chose CRY again as our main charity partner as we had the utmost pleasure dealing with the team last year and more importantly because CRY raises awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome, provides free counselling and support for families affected by sudden cardiac death and supports the Centre for Cardiovascular Risk in Younger Persons.  We also intend to make donations to Transplant Awareness and the Lady Caroline Waterford Daycare Centre.”

 

To find out more about second Waterford Country Fair, which takes place at Curraghmore Estate and Gardens, Portlaw, Co. Waterford on Sunday, June 12th, visit www.curraghmorehouse.ie or keep up to date with Facebook and Twitter.