Irish Game Fair Galway

gunhappy_ie

Anyone thinking of heading up to the Game fair in Galway this June ?

GH

Cass

Never heard a thign about it.

Where abouts in Galway, and what time, date, etc? have you a link to a site?

Ziggieire

Yes, something will finally be less than an hour from our house. I am looking forward to it.

I would take a guess that its at the race course

gunhappy_ie

Ziggieire wrote: »

Yes, something will finally be less than an hour from our house. I am looking forward to it.

I would take a guess that its at the race course

Party in yours both nights so ???


http://www.irishgameandcountryfair.com/


15th/16th June Cass

Cass

Is that the thing that has been on in Birr for the last few years?

Cass

Meant to ask, you going yourself? Have you a stand?

Ziggieire

gunhappy_ie wrote: »

Party in yours both nights so ???
15th/16th June Cass

You bet yer arse, Time for some redneck shenanigans.

I wont have a stand

Pat McGroin

It looks like it will be a fairly well sterilized event from a shooting point of view. Not a single mention of it in the headline posters. I'm not sure if there will even be clay shooting at it as you're so close to houses etc.
They will probably have a couple of stands with shooting gear, tucked away in a corner away from the main drag. So it doesn't upset anyone.
I hope I'm wrong but that just seems to be the way things are headed.

I'm going to skip it and head for the UK game fair instead. At least it's not pretending to be something it's not.

garv123

Went to the North last year to the combined for Shanes Castle/Birr fair for the anniversary.

I wont be going back!

I went to Birr every year for the look around and the day out, always picked up a few bits, (and spent a few hundred quid:pac:)

Couldn't even find something to spend money on at last years "big" one

Grizzly 45

Shooting?? Up in the university capital of Ireland with a large population of sandal wearing Beardies and Beady types??:eek::rolleyes: They will be running en masse for their safe spaces and colouring books, to phone all their councillors and other busybodies, to complain about the potential "trauma to their children" from hearing gunshots" and the "innocent clay pigeons being massacred in the name of sport!"*

Will go and have a look myself, but I reckon unless these organisers can get another estate like Birr or Emo and not have to pay the national deficit sum in an insurance premium for the event for two days...Clay shoots at these events are going to become a thing of the past.:(






*Seriously, some oxygen waster in the UK actually made that statement about a clay shoot last year!

gunhappy_ie

Cass wrote: »

Meant to ask, you going yourself? Have you a stand?

I was considering it but now Yes I am And Yes Ill have a stand there too

:eek: panic mode ive a million things to do and not alot of time to do it in

Ziggieire wrote: »

You bet yer arse, Time for some redneck shenanigans.

I wont have a stand

....... So long as im big spoon !

Pat McGroin wrote: »

It looks like it will be a fairly well sterilized event from a shooting point of view. Not a single mention of it in the headline posters. I'm not sure if there will even be clay shooting at it as you're so close to houses etc.
They will probably have a couple of stands with shooting gear, tucked away in a corner away from the main drag. So it doesn't upset anyone.
I hope I'm wrong but that just seems to be the way things are headed.

I'm going to skip it and head for the UK game fair instead. At least it's not pretending to be something it's not.

I thought so too actually, the posters do seem to be more orientated towards the country life so after contacting them they confirmed that the shoot is going ahead as well as many Dealers attending. They also told me " Plus virtually all the Birr competitions, stands & Attractions plus many new ones."

Flyers/leaflets will/are also going out to gunshops etc.

gunhappy_ie

Oh..... and there is 3-4 guns as prizes for the shoot inc a Blaser F16

cavan shooter

I made a comment on previous thread......its not a game fair and we shouldn't support it. At least Birr they had some aspect of hunting and shooting. Save your money it's a glorified garden fete with peddlers pushing habidashery and other handmade wares.

garv123

cavan shooter wrote: »

I made a comment on previous thread......its not a game fair and we shouldn't support it. At least Birr they had some aspect of hunting and shooting. Save your money it's a glorified garden fete with peddlers pushing habidashery and other handmade wares.

Careful now... You might get threatened with defamation.. Allegedly... Wouldn't be the first, wont be the last!

:pac:

cavan shooter

It's only defamation when it's a lie.

Irish Country Lifestyle Festival.

1. Where is the gun dogs
2. Where is the terriers
3. Where is the clay shooting
4. Where is the list of gun/hunting stands.

I used to go to Birr....nah not this one, when they wont even use the title game fair, it should say come with a warning its bloom lite if you ask me.

Cass

cavan shooter wrote: »

It's only defamation when it's a lie..

It's only defamation if you KNOW it's a lie and continue to publish/spread it.

An opinion based on what you believe is just that, an opinion, and covered under the "Honest opinion" defense.

It's why we allow good and bad reviews here, but not people getting the boot in for the sake of it. After all, Article 40.6.1.i of the Irish Constitution says that the State guarantees the right of citizens to express freely their convictions and opinions.

:)

kay 9

From county Galway myself and don't think I'll be too interested.
Depends what it grows into between now and then. The musketeers cross on the poster aren't overly enticing either.

Eddie B

I found it hard get out of bed when it was just down the road from me the last number of years. Fect if I'm going to Galway to see a bunch of flowers.

Eddie B

cavan shooter wrote: »

It's only defamation when it's a lie.

Irish Country Lifestyle Festival.

1. Where is the gun dogs
2. Where is the terriers
3. Where is the clay shooting
4. Where is the list of gun/hunting stands.

I used to go to Birr....nah not this one, when they wont even use the title game fair, it should say come with a warning its bloom lite if you ask me.

Just had a look in another place. Terrier shows etc will be there. Still not going lol

recipio

The UK fairs have an air rifle range so you can try before you buy. Says it all about gun laws here.:rolleyes:

garrettod

gunhappy_ie wrote: »

Party in yours both nights so ???

http://www.irishgameandcountryfair.com/

15th/16th June Cass

The images on that website certainly wouldn't encourage me to travel to the event, in fact I don't think I'd go to it if it were at the end of my garden ...

The one thing that did interest me on the website though, were the two contact phone numbers - a whole lot of callers asking why there's no shooting / hunting related stuff advertised for the event and telling them that you won't be going as a result, might do some good.

.

gunhappy_ie

Ill be there displaying

Countrysports

In response to some queries : Yes there is clay pigeon shooting at the event, Yes there are gundogs at the event, Yes there are terrier & lurchers at the event & a good range of guns, tackle and country clothing

Countrysports

Gundogs at both Irish Game Fairs

Clay Shooting at Both Fairs

Terriers & Lurchers at both Events on Irish Game Fair web site

And for further information see the FREE to READ online magazine countrysportsandcountrylife

garv123

Countrysports wrote: »

In response to some queries : Yes there is clay pigeon shooting at the event, Yes there are gundogs at the event, Yes there are terrier & lurchers at the event & a good range of guns, tackle and country clothing

Define a good range of guns and clothing? ? More than Shane's Castle last year?

Eddie B

I think maybe it's a bit unfair for us to be pre-empting that it's not worth going too, or that it's gonna be sh*te. Although I won't be attending this year, I am hoping to hear good things from those who do attend. I used to look forward to Birr fair years ago. Not so much in recent years. I'd love to see a real game fair in this country again.

Countrysports

cavan shooter wrote: »

I made a comment on previous thread......its not a game fair and we shouldn't support it. At least Birr they had some aspect of hunting and shooting. Save your money it's a glorified garden fete with peddlers pushing habidashery and other handmade wares.

The Competitions at Galway are listed with the competitions for Shanes on the irishgamefair site they are also covered in the FREE to READ online or hard copy version of countrysportsandcountrylife magazine. This event is a combination of the fair that was staged at Birr plus the existing Home & Garden event. It might interest readers to know that a major new attraction at the main English Game Fair is a garden show! We feel it is a great opportunity to promote country sports and the rural way of life to a family audience within an event that has something for everyone. This is certainly not a garden fete - as there is a good display of tackle, and very good ranges of guns and country clothing plus excellent countrysports competitions.

Countrysports

garv123 wrote: »

Define a good range of guns and clothing? ? More than Shane's Castle last year?

At Shanes last year we had 8 gun dealers booked in plus two English gundealers doing gunfitting and repairs. Unfortunately one dealer had to pull out on the day, because of a bereavement, and four decided not to bring guns so we ended up with three dealers displaying guns. Although two had very extensive ranges I am sorry if you didn't see any you wished to purchase. At Galway we have 9 gundealers - two have advised they will not be bringing guns but I expect a good display of guns from the others. In terms of country clothing we had an excellent range on display at Shanes last year and will have an even better one this year with three new UK traders attending. At Galway we will also have a very good range of clothing to suit all pockets including a stand from FORTIS who have excellent technical clothing plus a Barbour stand, Edinburgh Clothing, Charlie Keenan, Flight & Bite, Mourne Outdoor, Casale2000, CentreGold and several others.

Countrysports

cavan shooter wrote: »

I made a comment on previous thread......its not a game fair and we shouldn't support it. At least Birr they had some aspect of hunting and shooting. Save your money it's a glorified garden fete with peddlers pushing habidashery and other handmade wares.

I suggest you actually find out what is on offer rather than jumping to conclusions on the basis of reading general publicity for event from our partners from the Home & Garden event which of course is NOT a 'garden fete with peddlers'. In some ways we were ahead of the game in adding gardening to the Game Fair concept the main English Fair has a gardening show as a main attraction this year! And of course it is being promoted as 'a Festival of the British Countryside'.

Obviously 2019 is a transitional year but we have excellent game fair competitions with exceptional prizes, the support of all of the countrysports organisations exhibiting, the Irish Stickmaking Championships, good range of tackle & boats, an excellent range of gundealers and country clothing retailers etc. etc If you know of any garden fetes offering these Game Fair attractions -let me know I'd be interested in having a 'day out' at it!

GolfVI

Countrysports wrote: »

At Shanes last year we had 8 gun dealers booked in plus two English gundealers doing gunfitting and repairs

Will there be any gunfitters in galway?

Countrysports

GolfVI wrote: »

Will there be any gunfitters in galway?

Unfortunately not this year - there will be a gunfitter at Shanes Castle 29/30. If you want to make the trip I'll send you a couple of half price admission vouchers and the gunsmith carrying out the service is doing it at a special game fair price.

Countrysports

I should also have explained the flyer that people are commenting on was mainly intended to be an advanced trade flyer put out for exhibitors to demonstrate the width and concept of the event. When it was published in Irish Countrysports, Countryman's Weekly etc there was accompanying information on the 'full game fair programme' mentioned in the flyer.

The newspaper and radio adverts for the event starting next week will make the Game Fair content quite clear and also make it clear that it is a Game Fair AND Country Lifestyle Festival. With us having brought the Game Fair concept to Ireland over 40 years ago it is ridiculous for anyone to suggest that we are trying to remove it from our event - in fact the reverse is true - what we are doing ( as is the main English Fair) is to promote it to a wider audience.

Most radio stations will have ticket competitions and a chance to win an iconic brand of hunting, shooting and fishing coat from Barbour. And there will be other competitions and information updates on our great game fairs of ireland facebook pages and group

GolfVI

Countrysports wrote: »

Unfortunately not this year - there will be a gunfitter at Shanes Castle 29/30. If you want to make the trip I'll send you a couple of half price admission vouchers and the gunsmith carrying out the service is doing it at a special game fair price.

Thank you very much for the offer! Unfortunately i wont be able to attend shanes this year, however I will be going to galway on the Sunday. Is the clay shoot pre-registered or can you show up on the day to have a go?

Countrysports

GolfVI wrote: »

Thank you very much for the offer! Unfortunately i wont be able to attend shanes this year, however I will be going to galway on the Sunday. Is the clay shoot pre-registered or can you show up on the day to have a go?

Turn up on the day - details of shoots at both fairs on irishgamefair site or great game fairs of ireland facebook page

Countrysports

Another couple of little competitions for a good cause :

WIN YOUR DOG ONE OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS DOG BEDS IN THE WORLD!
Working with Harry Campbell of the Sheepish Dog Bed company and Sam Willoughby from Gundog Rescue & Rehoming we have widened the opportunities to win one of these €100 plus luxury dog beds for your dog.
Each member of the winning Team in the Estate, Shoot and Gundog of the Year competition – now solely being staged at the Irish Game Fair, Shanes Castle on Sunday 30th June, will win a luxury dog bed , a crystal clock and of course the Perpetual Shoot of the Year Trophy. Three person teams should get their entry in to Sam as soon as possible.
The fastest dog each day in the Gundog Rescue & Rehoming Gundog Scurry at the Galway Game Fair, Irish Country Lifestyle Festival, Galway Racecourse 15/16 June will win a bed.
AND the winner of the GR&RH Children’s dog show in the main arena at Galway 14.30 hrs on Saturday 15th June will win one of these superb Sheepish Dog Beds. This event is also sponsored by Countryside Alliance Ireland.
Sheepish Dog Beds will be exhibiting their superb range of beds at both events so if you don't win one you can still treat your dog(s) to one of these great beds by purchasing one at either fair.

Countrysports

WIN tickets to the Galway Game Fair 15/16 June and a Barbour Bedale coat on the following radio stations : Shannonside; Galway Bay; Midland 103; Clare Radio; TippFM and Mayo Radio. And win tickets to the Shanes Castle Game Fair 29th /30th June plus a Bedale Coat on Northern Sound Radio AND tickets plus a £750 Barbour voucher from Smyths of Coleraine plus a £250 voucher for books from Paul Morgan Coch-y-Bonddu on U105 - GREAT VALUE FAIRS www.irishgamefair.com

270WIN

Whats the cost of entry?

Countrysports

ADULT €15 FAMILY €35 ( 2 Adults & up to 4 Children) CHILDREN 5-15 €5 PROGRAMME & PARKING FREE

German pointer

If anyone is interested I'll be there on Saturday at the Irish Water Spaniel Club of Ireland stand promoting one of our native Irish working breeds. Other members of the club will man it on Sunday.
Anyone been nosey or with a question about this fantastic working breed of dog can be answered there.

cookimonster

German pointer wrote: »

'......Irish Water Spaniel Club of Ireland stand, ...... with a question about this fantastic working breed of dog can be answered there,'.

Seen the Water Spaniels at the Pet Expo 2018, fantastic looking dogs. Well worth a gander.

outfoxing

Any updates on how the game fair in Galway went equal better or worse than birr all info appreciated

cookimonster

I spent just over four and a half hours at it on Saturday. To be honest the venue is NO Birr Castle. It reminded me of going to a trade fair in the RDS. I wasn't overly keen on the layout of the stalls up around the main race course stand.

For the duration of our visit the place looked empty, whether this was because it was a poor choice of weekend, Fathers Day and all or maybe it clashed with the Taste of Dublin, I don't know. I have gone to Birr on Saturday and Sundays before and seen good crowds.

The exhibition stands themselves were the same as before more or less but I thought the use of the main race stand / building a poor choice . On reflection there were several of the regular stands absent from the grounds.

IMO and that of the other half the grounds of Birr lend itself better to the over all atmosphere and more importantly inhances the likes of the dog trials and clay shoot. I remember going to one at Slaine Castle, these venues would be better.

We made a weekend of it staying in Galway so Yes if it was there again next year I'd go but purely to combine a week end away with a few hours at the fair.

GolfVI

outfoxing wrote: »

Any updates on how the game fair in Galway went equal better or worse than birr all info appreciated

I would agree with what cookie has said, the venue itself in the racecourse took away from the atmosphere

A country fair on concrete surrounded by buildings just didn't seem right, I've been to birr on numerous occasions and the grounds alone of birr castle were half the attraction.

The stalls inside the stands I believe were trying to follow after the great British shooting show without the wow factor, i believe it should be one or the other. Outside fair or inside show

minktrapper

They should team up with one of the agricultural shows if they can't get access to somewhere like Birr Castle.

Grizzly 45

Always wonderd why they are never at the ploughing championship?you cant get more exposure to people and the countryside than that event for 3 days.

minktrapper

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Always wonderd why they are never at the ploughing championship?you cant get more exposure to people and the countryside than that event for 3 days.

Probably cost too much for stall/tent space. Ploughing match too big an event. Game fair would get lost in it. Probably one of the smaller shows like Tullamore show.

minktrapper

Ploughing match too big.The Game Fair would get lost in it.

minktrapper

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

Always wonderd why they are never at the ploughing championship?you cant get more exposure to people and the countryside than that event for 3 days.

Might be a problem with the clay pigeon shooting.

Grizzly 45

With the size of that place??:pac: Think it is a missed opportunity,even if price is a problem,two or more dealers could hire a stand.Have our orgs even been there?

minktrapper

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

With the size of that place??:pac: Think it is a missed opportunity,even if price is a problem,two or more dealers could hire a stand.Have our orgs even been there?

The cost of a stand there is scary. I would find it hard to believe any gun dealer/dealers could justify it.

cookimonster

I remember talking to a supplier who's stand at the RDS cost €20,000.00 for a 4 day Exbo, he was lucky to generate €1000.00 worth of orders that week.