Farming events

Wednesday 28th April

12.30: Official Launch – Roscommon Mart
Official Launch of Festival at Roscommon Mart. Special guest Prof. Patrick Wall, Director of National Nutrition Surveillance Centre based in UCD . Patrick was the first Chief Executive of the Irish Food Safety Authority and former CEO of the European Food Safety Authority. Old Fair Day atmosphere with special sheep sale, farming and food stands.  Butcher demonstration by Castlemine Farm.

Thursday 29th April

10.30am: Schools farm walk on Castlemine Farm
12.30pm:Public farm walk on Castlemine Farm
Take a stroll around Castlemine Farm and you will be intrigued by the speciality breeds of Irish, British and Scottish cattle on the farm to include Angus and Hereford breeds. All lambs are born on the farm making the rearing and breeding of livestock a truly ‘hands on’ affair. This tour will give you a flavour of a ‘Return to Basics traditional style farming approach’. Both walks are weather permitting. Please wear appropriate clothing for walking outdoors.
Admission free – register here

Friday 30th April

10.00pm – 2.00pm: RLF 2010 Farmers Market – Market Square
The Roscommon Farmers Market is now an established showcase for quality local food produce, allowing customers the opportunity to source quality products direct from the producer. As part of the Lamb Festival we will have Cooking Demonstration from Gary O’ Hanlon – Head Chef from VM Restaurant, Viewmount House, Longford and a Butchery Demonstration including Lamb Sausage Making, from award winning butcher James McGeough from Galway.

Sunday 2nd May

All day: International Sheep Dog Trials – Walsh’s Field, Racecourse Road
An open competition with at least 80 competitors representing every county in Ireland as well as international competitors from Germany,  Sweden, Hungary, Canada and the UK.  An amazing display of man, sheep and dog with first trial taking place at 8.30am and finishes when the last dog has run or daylight runs out!

2.00pm: RLF 2010 Family Fun Sunday in the Park
A jam packed day awaits all the family with a full menu of activities taking place in Loughnaneane Park in the full glory of Roscommon Castle.  Linking up with the Wool Craft Village in the Square and the International Sheepdog trials in Walsh’s Field – there will be something for everyone as we showcase family fun, farming, heritage and food all in one place! Facepainting, balloon moodelling, music, pony rides, dancing and entertainment. Admission is free – so bring all the family.

2.00pm – 6.00pm: Wool Craft Village – Festival Marquee
Following from the success of last year’s Wool Day Out we have an amazing showcase of sheep shearing and wool related activities on the square. The wool from this competition will then be used in the festival marquee where skills such as wool spinning, weaving, knitting, felt making, wool dyeing will be on show for all to take part in! There will be various market trade stands in the marquee and a massive knitting project where everyone can have a go!