The Kilmacanogue Show is holding its 51st show on Saturday 22d July 2023 with even more fun and activities for all the family. The annual show which starts at 10 am will be held in its usual location at Enniskerry Horse Farm in in Monastery, Enniskerry, A98 AK16 by kind permission of Mary and Syl Fenelon Bourke.
The Kilmacanogue show continues to have all its favourite classes, including lead rein, style and appearance along with hunter, pairs and jumping classes. This year however, you can also enjoy riding club showing class and equitation jumping class. The ever popular carriage class is back this year and no Kilmacanouge show would be complete without the fancy dress pony and rider class, an absolute must see for anyone attending the show.
The sheep classes are also a firm favourite with eight classes in total and judging starts at around 2:30pm. There’s one sheep class that you don’t need a sheep to enter and that’s the fun guess the weight of the lamb competition, all welcome to have a guess.
Anyone visiting the show could easily think that the Kilmacanogue Show is the Crufts of Enniskerry as the dog show is one of the star attractions, there is literally a class for everyone’s four legged canine friend. There are 14 classes in total and some new ones added this year include the best puppy and best dressed/fancy dressed dog.
Last year saw a number of new activities added. With the success of the new additions, they have been included in this years programme of events. These include children’s baking classes where the bakers of the future can enter their rice krispie buns, brownies, homemade and decorated cupcakes and health lunch box. Entries can be made on-line or on the day and judging takes place from 12.30 to 2.30 pm.
There are also 11 adult baking classes ranging from the best biscuit (including a gluten free biscuit) to the best decorated sponge. Also back is the interactive free children’s cupcake decorating workshop, run by Eimear from Wicklow Whisk where kids can get creative and have fun with icing pens and sprinkles with prizes on offer for the best cupcakes.
The Stedfast Brass Band are also making a reappearance and last years hugely successful free kids zone has been expanded to includes lots more fun games and activities. The fun does not end with the kids as the committee have also added a ‘buzzbar’ game for adults and anyone ‘game’ enough to take up the buzzbar challenge can test there skill, €2 an entry with the chance to win €100 if they beat the buzzbar.
Some of the exciting new classes this year include the addition of vintage car classes with a class for both pre war and post war cars. There is also a new craft class for any creative kids out there. This class is open to all primary school children, to create a hat for children’s day at the races. Hats can be made using a range of material such as paper mache, cardboard, chicken wire, wool, thread and plant material such as artificial flowers. Children are invited to bring their creative entry along on the day and the best 2 hats will qualify for the All Ireland Junior Crafts Championship Final.
Other new activities this year include a mobile farm and everyone is invite to come and meet some farmyard friends such as pigs, ducks, hens, a calf and a goat. We also have some local alpacas joining us on the day. Additional entertainment joining the fun at the show is a group of Irish dancers from Johnny Foxes which is a first for the Kilmacanogue show.
Over the last 51 years, the show which is run exclusively by volunteers, has raised over €500,000 to support local charities – none of this would have been possible without the support from local businesses and individuals who provide support and sponsorship to keep the show on the road year after year. This years show is shaping up to be another fantastic day and the committee looks forward to welcoming everyone to the field.
Horse and Pony entries (with the exception of the obedient pony) need to be completed in advance and both online and postal entries are accepted. Online and Postal Entries close Wednesday 19th July 2023. Fees must accompany postal entry forms. For all other classes, to help with show administration, it is preferable that entries are completed online but entries and payment can be accepted on the day.
Further information on the show and all the activities along with the full 2023 schedule, is available at www.kilmacanogueshow.com
