Bunratty Castle and Folk Park to host fun-filled dog show with contests, costumes, and a spotlight on service dogs.
Affia Hussey at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park with Bunratty’s resident Irish Wolfhounds Rian and Míde. Image: Eamon Ward
Dog lovers across Ireland have a new date to mark in the calendar, as Bunratty Castle and Folk Park hosts its first-ever ‘Bark in the Park’ dog show on Sunday, June 8.
Set to offer a “packed programme of light-hearted competition”, Ireland’s newest dog show will see canines of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments take centre stage – with one category in particular leaving room for a paw-rent or two.
There are 16 categories for pup to compete and win prizes in, including: Smallest Dog, Best Biscuit Catcher, Most Handsome Dog, Waggiest Tail, Veteran Dog, and Best Fancy Dress.
Bark in the Park poster. Image: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Facebook.
Humans can get their moment in the spotlight in the ‘Best 6 Legs (Dog and Owner)’ category.
Young dog lovers won’t be left out either, with the ‘Young Handlers’ category giving children a chance to showcase the connection they share with their four-legged companions.
Speaking about the inaugural event, Marie Brennan, Events Manager at Co Clare’s Bunratty Castle and Folk Park said: “We are thrilled to introduce Bark in the Park, which will provide a fantastic day out for families and dog lovers. Dogs have always been part of the Bunratty story – our Irish Wolfhounds are a living link to the castle’s medieval past. Bark in the Park carries that tradition forward in a fun, modern way.”
The popular County Clare attraction, most well-known for its medieval castle, will also use the event to shine a light on the vital role service dogs play in Irish society.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare. Image: Clare County Council
Visitors will have ample opportunity to meet representatives from the Clare branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, who aim to share stories of how their dogs support people with visual impairments and families of children with autism throughout the day.
Irish Dogs for the Disabled will also be at the event, showcasing their work in providing trained assistance dogs to people with physical disabilities.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park added that their own Irish Wolfhounds, Rían and Míde, will be on site throughout ‘Bark in the Park’, continuing the long-standing tradition of wolfhounds roaming Bunratty Castle.
Advance registration for ‘Bark in the Park’ is required via www.bunrattycastle.ie by Friday, June 6.
