We welcome members of the public and visitors to all our sheepdog trials - they run from 8.00 a.m. until quite late each day, except for the last which might finish around 5.00 p.m.  There is just a small charge for admission and car parking to the trials to help cover our costs, but if you arrive after 4.00 p.m. at one of the Nationals there may be nothing to pay!  You are also welcome to bring a dog, as long as it stays on a lead and does not try to join in!  The International Trial is a bigger event with several thousand people attending.

Phone numbers are for those dialling from the UK.  An easy way of seeing the location is to type the postcode listed into www.multimap.com

IRELAND
Burncourt, Cahir, Co. Tipperary

30 July – 01 August (Thurs-Sat)

In the south of Ireland, in the area between Waterford and Limerick. 

Cahir (or Caher) is on the N24 between Waterford and Limerick, at the junction of the N8 Cork road. The trial field lies between the old N8 and the new dual-carriageway N8 that runs past Cahir. Coming south or north on the new N8 turn off at junction 11 (signposted Kilbeheny) onto the old road (might be R636!). Look for the ‘Kilcoran Lodge Hotel’ on the right, and the trial field is another 1/2 mile on the left.  Map available.

Tourism: www.cahirtourism.ie (00353) (0)52 41453   Secretary: Tom O’Sullivan (00353) (0)85 7451329

SCOTLAND
Cocklicks Farm, Cummertrees, Annan, Dumfries

06-08 August (Thurs-Sat)

On the south west edge of Scotland, just across the English border at Carlisle.
Off the A75 between Annan and Dumfries. Can also be accessed from the B724 out of Annan after passing Cummertrees.

OS Map: NY118687 Post Code: DG12 5RT
Website: www.scottishnationalsheepdogtrials.org.uk
Tourism: Visit South West Scotland 01556 670418

Secretary: Fiona McMillan 07743 977313

WALES
Llanafan Farm, Llanafan Fawr, nr. Builth Wells

13-15 August (Thurs-Sat)

In the very centre of Wales, a popular tourist area.

A proper old part of the country – there are no motorways near here! From Builth Wells take the A470 north or the A483 west, the next junction will be the B4358, half way along this is the village of Llanafan Fawr (not shown on some road maps).

OS Map: SN967557 Post Code: LD2 3PN
Tourism: Builth Wells Tourist Information Centre 01982 553307

Secretaries: Beryl Lawrence 01982 552167 and Megan Protheroe 01591 620412

ENGLAND
Castle Hill, Filleigh Estate, South Molton, North Devon

21-23 August (Fri-Sun)

Castle Hill is a grand stately home 12 miles east of Barnstaple.
Entry to the trial will include access to the garden, grounds and a large country fair being run by The North Devon Hospice. Leave the M5 motorway at J27 and take the A361 (North Devon Link Road) towards Barnstaple. Go straight over the first roundabout for South Molton and take the second onto the B3226. Take the second turning right signed Stags Head and Filleigh. Shortly after passing through Stags Head, look out for the trial signs.

OS Map: SS670284 Post Code: EX32 0RH (nearby)
Website:www.englishnational-sheepdogtrials.co.uk
Tourism: South Molton Tourist Information Centre 01769 574122

Secretary: Tony Rofe 01409 221113

INTERNATIONAL - Lowther Park
Thrimby, Lowther Estate, Penrith, Cumbria

11-13 September (Fri-Sun)

Famous for its carriage driving events, in the north east of England’s Lake District, just south of Penrith

From the south, leave the M6 at junction 39. Turn right on the the A6 north, through Shap village, and follow the A6 4 miles northwards.  Turn left to Thrimby Cottages Only, go under the M6 and then turn left and follow the single track road past Thrimby cottages and proceed for approximately 1 mile to the trial field.

From the north, Penrith and junction 40 of the M6, follow the A6 south, travel through Clifton and then Hackthorpe and continue 1.5 miles.  Turn right to Thrimby Cottages Only, go under the M6 and then turn left and follow the single track road past Thrimby cottages and proceed for approximately 1 mile to the trial field.

Hotel Offer !! The ISDS has agreed a very special hotel deal for visitors at the Swallow Hilltop Hotel, Carlisle, CA1 2NS where the ISDS judges and officials will be staying. £53 B&B single room per night or £70 B&B twin/double room per night with two occupants. Or, there is a Dinner + B&B rate of £68 single and £100 double. All rates are subject to availability, and include full use of the Leisure centre, with Swimming Pool, Sauna, Steam Room, Spa and Gymnasium. To reserve a room, guests will need to call the hotel direct on 01228 529255 and ask for "International Sheep Dog rates".  Carlisle is a few miles north of Penrith and easily accessed by the M6 motorway.

OS Map: NY537195   Post Code: CA10 2JA

Website: www.internationalsheepdogtrials.co.uk

Also see the Eden Lake District story

Tourism: Penrith Tourist Information Centre 01768 867466

Secretary: Miss Jo Edwards, 01768 482434, email johanna.edwards@btopenworld.com

Continental Sheepdog Championship

Haselhof, Bern, Schweiz

24-27 September

Although not an ISDS organized event, it is fully supported by this Society.

Website: www.continental2009.ch