Often seen as the opening of the summer festival season, Dunderry Fair is a fantastic family day

All roads lead to the picturesque village of Dunderry in the heart of County Meath this Sunday, 14th May, for the 19th showing of the 'Old Dunderry Fair'.

Often seen as the opening of the summer festival season, Dunderry Fair is a fantastic family day out incorporating into one experience all the sights, sounds, traditions and smells of an old street fair of yesteryear.

Add to that, three live stages of music headlined by the new queen of country, the one and only Cliona Hagan, then this surely is a day out not to be missed. Cliona proved a huge hit with the fair goers last year so space on the extended dance floor will be hard fought for once again. Matt Leavy also a firm favourite at the fair will bring his many guests onto the new main stage.

Judges of the jiving competition are last year’s winners Evan Kelly and Aoife Lyons from Edenderry. Evan and Aoife got engaged in the Redcastle Hotel in Donegal last year whilst enjoying their winning weekend away.

Proof if needed that love once again thrives at the old Dunderry fair. A further weekend in the award winning Redcastle resort (recently featured by Daithi and Maura on the Today show) will again await this year’s winners.

But it’s not all country. There will also be music by the Annaly Céilí Band and a host of local talent belting out the traditional tunes at various street locations.

Again, this year in the true traditions of an authentic street fair there is a much-extended rare animals and breeds section kindly sponsored by Carnaross mart. In a safe and veterinary approved environment, with thanks to Farrelly vets Trim, it’s a great opportunity to get up close to the famous Highland cattle from the late queen’s herd of the Balmoral estate.

But that’s just the start, there will be belted Galloways, Speckled park, Black nose, Kerry and Valdese sheep, alpacas and much more. There will also be dog shows and displays and all manner of fowl for sale on the day. Several new arrivals of foals have landed just in time to make their Fair debut.

There will once again be an array of crafts on display. Tom King, the famous and talented blacksmith, will bring mythical Ireland back in play while David Madden will display the great farrier skills that make him one the very best in the land.

The subtler skills of the matchmaker will be roving the street seeking out suitable candidates but be warned he likes an invite to the big day out if things progress well.

There is great entertainment in addition to the educational aspect for the kids, with the fun fair and the kid’s village by the school which this year will incorporate a dedicated sensory area.

The food offer gets better each year with many independent offers from craft traders at the top of their game.

One of Dunderry Fair's chosen charity partners this year is 'The Friends of St Luke’s cancer care who provided much needed respite to many locals over the years.

Dunderry Fair has aided countless charities and good causes over the years and with your help and enjoyment that is the committee's continuing goal.

Admission to all the above remains great value for such an array of entertainment. General admission is €15; Age 10-18 is €5; and under 10s are free.

There is ample free parking on all approach roads.

So step back in time, step out in time, and step on over to Dunderry as there really is nothing like a day out at the 'Old Dunderry Fair'.