Traditional Breeds make debut at Museum
Published: 17 August 2010
The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum has teamed up with the newly formed Traditional Farm Livestock Foundation to host its first ever Native and Traditional Breeds Weekend.
The activity filled weekend, which takes place at the museum on the 21st and 22nd August, will celebrate native and traditional livestock as well as a dedicated pet corner for young visitors to bring along and show off their favourite pets.
Robert Berry, Farm Manager at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, said, “We were delighted to partner with the Traditional Farm Livestock Foundation to offer visitors this unique weekend-long event. Throughout the year at the museum, we demonstrate how life was lived in yesteryear and this event will give visitors a further insight into traditional farming and some very special livestock.”
Pictured above are visitor guide Merle Osborne, museum Farm Manager Robert Berry and Vaughan Byrne of the Traditional Farm Livestock Foundation with Dan the Irish Cob, Darragh the Galway Ram and Chuck the Welsummer hen, click image to enlarge.
Exhibitors will be on hand to answer questions on a wide range of animals on display including Irish Moiled cattle, Berkshire pigs, Connemara ponies and Jacob sheep. The Mangalitza pig, an ancient traditional breed from Hungary will also be on display for visitors to see. There will be craft stalls, local butcher shops selling traditional breed meats and a poultry auction (Saturday 21st).
Sunday’s event will include a dedicated pet corner (entries will be taken on the day) and an animal parade and a selection of craft stands. During the parade, Vaughan Byrne of the Traditional Farm Livestock Foundation will give a commentary from the courthouse steps on the history of the various animals including how they came to be such important traditional breeds.
Mr Byrne said, “The Traditional Farm Livestock Foundation was established this year to help preserve a very special farming culture and livestock unique to Irish and mainland farms. While this event has been designed to be hugely enjoyable for all ages, we also hope it will highlight the need to protect our wonderful traditional and native breeds.”
Visitors can also enjoy traditional music, horse and cart rides and a variety of arts and crafts. Activities will begin at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum at 10am on Saturday 21st August. For further information visit our what's on pages.
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