Latest news with #Dogitude
Agriland
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Agriland
Fourth annual Dogitude festival gets underway in Co. Meath
Dogitude, the two-day festival for Irish dog lovers, is set to take place at the Causey farm between Kells and Athboy in Co. Meath this weekend. The festival, now in its fourth year, offers thrilling displays by top canine athletes, expert advice, engaging workshops, and plenty of activities for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Matt Murtagh, a sheep and cattle farmer from Co. Meath, came up with the idea for the festival in 2020, but the festival was cancelled that year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, before getting underway the following year. He told Agriland: 'It's a big day. I went over to a couple of shows in England, I think our show is a good bit ahead of the one's I've seen in England.' 'It's the biggest dog event in Ireland, maybe even in the British Isles.' Over the course of the weekend, there will be a number of different events and competitions taking place, including a sheepdog trial. The provisional round for the trial started on Friday, May 23, with more trials taking place today, Saturday, May 24, before the final takes place on Sunday, May 25. Murtagh said: 'The sheep dog trials take place in a 40ac field. 'The first two days, the dog has to go out 350 yards, pick up four sheep at the top of the field, take them down round the handler, drive them across the field into a shedding ring. Then they have to separate the sheep, and put them into a pen.' Dogitude The Dogitude festival will also host a gundog exhibition for multi-skilled dogs who can hunt, point, and retrieve through rough ground and from the water. This will involve the 'Retrieve of the Year' event, where dog owners can bring their dog along to participate if they 'think it's up to scratch'. According to Murtagh, people from all over Ireland will be attending the festival along with 'a lot of great dogs'. Tickets for the Dogitude festival are available online, or at the venue.
Irish Independent
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
A festival worth barking about: Dogitude returns to Meath farm with music stage and more
Causey farm in Girley, Fordstown will open its venue to all dog lovers for its fourth year running on Saturday, May, 24 and Sunday, May, 25 from 11.00am to 5.00pm. Marketing manager Peter Smyth said that visitors can look forward to 'action-packed days', with events tailored for dogs, dog owners, and dog lovers. One of the main attractions will be the return of the John Bowe Agility Show, where some of Ireland's best performing dogs will navigate a jumping and obstacle ring. Sheepdog trials and gundog exhibitions will offer a glimpse into the intelligence of some working breeds. However, Smyth said that there will also be experiences available for dogs to 'have a go', such as hale bale racing areas, attempting agility exercises, and even dog dock diving. There will also be a 'fun dog show', which Smyth said is all about 'showing up on the day and the judge liking you'. One of the biggest attractions at Dogitude is the daily 'dog meet-ups', which will offer scheduled slots for around 50 different breeds of dogs to meet with photo opportunities and social time. This includes a parade each day for golden retrievers. There is also a 30 acre field for dogs to be allowed off-leash for owners to play with their dogs, and a separate off-leash area for small dogs. All of the competitions and fun will take place while music plays from the 'Woofstock Music Stage', with crowd pleaser songs and traditional music included. The stage is located next to the food village and a guest speaker stage for health and wellness topics. There will also be 30-40 exhibitors present selling dog accessories, collars, leads, etc. ADVERTISEMENT 'My one bit of advice is to come for the day. Don't buy your ticket and not come until 2.00pm thinking three hours will be enough. You will get the best value the longer you're there. 'In previous years we had about 2,000 to 3,000 people attend and it seems to be growing in popularity,' Smyth said. Ticket purchases can be secured online, which includes parking and entry, along with the chance to partake in many activities.
