About
60 Sheepdogs
300 + Sheep
60 Handlers
15 Finalists
As a committee, we aim to maximise attendee numbers through advertising across a range of media outlets, including social media, radio, television, and printed press.
The running of the event does however come at a cost, so we gratefully rely on sponsorships and endorsements to help us make these events the best they can be. Current sponsors include Wicklow County Council, Wicklow Tourist Board, and Wicklow Enterprise.
Help support this event
The world of sheepdog trialling may be unfamiliar to some, but The International Sheepdog Trial is known around the world as one of the largest events in the sheepdog calendar. The event will attract a global audience and is hoped to give a significant boost to the local economy.
The International Sheepdog Trial 2023 is designed to test the best working dogs' abilities in an environment close to true working life.
The event will showcase the talents of 60 dogs from across Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. These 60 dogs will consist of the top 15 dogs selected from each nation's National Trial, which will take place throughout July and August.
The International Sheep Dog Trial is the pinnacle in the sheep dog trialling calendar and its venue rotates around the four nations yearly, with Ireland being lucky enough to be the host Nation for 2023.
Across the three days, there are thousands of people expected to attend. Many of these attendees are likely to be sheepdog fanatics, including competitors and supporters, as well as a significant number from both the local and farming community. While the Sheepdog Trial is the main event, we will also have music, trade stands and plenty of activities for children.
About The International Sheepdog Trials 2023
The International Trial itself will consist of two days of qualification, with the top 15 dogs qualifying for the final known as the International Supreme Championship. This final will be held on the third day of the International Trial, with the largest crowd expected for this day.
In addition to the Supreme Championship, there will also be a Brace Championship, which involves two dogs working in harmony with one another. This will take place at lunchtime on the first and second days, consisting of two Brace teams from each Nation - a total of eight Brace teams across the two days. A Young Handler Competition will take place on the final day with one competitor selected from each Nation.
The awards