The Native Dogs of Ireland Area is a great place to meet the furred faces that that traditionally herded the sheep, hunted wolves or waterfowl, help poach on the lord-of-the-manor’s land, turned the spit roast to keep the meat from burning, rid the farm of vermin–and kept the bed warm at night! From the short, but stoic Glen of Imaal Terrier to the mellow mammoth, the Irish Wolfhound, we usually have a good representation of the most of the nine dog breeds that were developed in Ireland.
Visitors young and old are welcome to pet the dogs and chat with owners. We introduced each breed, talk about their role in traditional Ireland and put them through their paces. We also talk a little about the importance of dog safety for kids and their parents.
Native Irish Dogs as registered with the Irish Kennel Club: 
- Glen of Imaal Terrier
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Kerry Beagle
- Irish Red Setter
- Irish Terrier
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Irish Wolfhound
- Irish Red and White Setter
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
If you or someone you know has a dog of one of these breeds and would like to join the festival fun, please contact Terrance M. Schaffer, Native Dogs of Ireland Coordinator at sweetidiot@aol.com
For more information of native dog breeds of Ireland see the website of the Irish Kennel Club: www.ikc.ie