Plans in place for Game Fair at Shane's Castle

Plans are well underway for the Irish Game Fair and Fine Food Festival which will return to Shane's Castle in Antrim on June 25-26.
Plans take flight this week for the 2016 Irish Game Fair and Fine Food Festival to be held at Shanes Castle over the weekend of June 25-26.  Launching the event with Eddie The Eagle Owl  is Councillor Thomas Hogg, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, accompanied by Ingrid Houwers a.k.a. Ulster-Scots heroine Betsy Gray, one of the many historical characters who will be represented at the event.Plans take flight this week for the 2016 Irish Game Fair and Fine Food Festival to be held at Shanes Castle over the weekend of June 25-26.  Launching the event with Eddie The Eagle Owl  is Councillor Thomas Hogg, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, accompanied by Ingrid Houwers a.k.a. Ulster-Scots heroine Betsy Gray, one of the many historical characters who will be represented at the event.
Plans take flight this week for the 2016 Irish Game Fair and Fine Food Festival to be held at Shanes Castle over the weekend of June 25-26. Launching the event with Eddie The Eagle Owl is Councillor Thomas Hogg, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, accompanied by Ingrid Houwers a.k.a. Ulster-Scots heroine Betsy Gray, one of the many historical characters who will be represented at the event.

The festival is a celebration of country sports, pursuits and lifestyles and was officially launched this week.

Albert Titterington, Irish Games Fair Director, said: “The combination of public and private sector backing is allowing us to add substantially to our already extensive events and attractions programme whilst maintaining a value-for-money admission fee that makes the event accessible for families. 

“This is our 59th event over 38 years and it is a matter of pride for all of us at The Great Game Fairs of Ireland to build on our successes, developing and expanding what we do and providing an international showcase for our region’s rich rural traditions in sport, culture, cuisine, and craic!”

From battle re-enactments, angling competitions, air rifle shooting, clay pigeons, falconry, archery, horses and hounds and medieval jousting, to a living history village, there is plenty of fun for all.

There will also be live cookery demonstrations and a wide range of retailers.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg, added: “I am looking forward to seeing the action packed programme taking place at Shane’s Castle in June including clay shooting, international gundogs, carriage driving and falconry displays.

“I am delighted the Council is sponsoring the Irish Game Fair as this event highlights Antrim and Newtownabbey’s position as the natural gateway to the largest fresh water lake in the British Isles, Lough Neagh, captivating visitors with its tranquil atmosphere and Christian heritage.”