Festival for four-legged friends

There will be four-legged festival atmosphere at Brigit’s Garden today (Sunday) as dog owners and families descend on the Celtic-themed garden for the MADRA Canine Carnival.

Local dog rescue charity MADRA will be holding a doggie day out from 1pm to 4pm with a whole host of canine-themed activities to help raise funds for dogs in need.

There will be a novelty dog show taking place on Ireland’s largest sundial, with a number of categories including the dog you would most like to take home, golden oldies, the dog most like its owner, and the best trick.

At the Round House, famous story-teller Eddie Lenihan will be keeping young and old enthralled with dog ‘tails’ and other stories.

In the Hazel Room, Moycullen Vets will be offering free health checks and reduced-price microchipping, and an integrated energy therapist will be offering alternative healing therapies for dogs. The marquee will host a number of exhibitor stands selling dog-themed merchandise, and you can even get your dog’s picture on a mug, coaster, mouse mat or picture slate if you bring it with you on a USB key.

A puppy craft workshop for kids will be offered with demonstrations of how to make a cloth puppy, and the doggie detective trail will take place in the woodlands for dogs and their owners to sniff out clues in order to win a treat.

“In rescue, we often have many sad stories to deal with so events like the Canine Carnival mean so much to our team. We hope to see lots of individuals and families out celebrating the joys of dog ownership,” said MADRA spokesperson Eileen Keleghan.

Brigit’s Garden is situated in Rosscahill, just off the N59 between Moycullen and Oughterard.

Admission on the day is €8 for an adult, €5 for a child, €20 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Children under 4 and dogs go free! The admission fee does not include the BBQ and dog show entry fees.

MADRA is a Connemara-based dog rescue and adoption charity dedicated to finding new homes for dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds. See madra.ie