World Sheepdog Trials 2023: Value of tourism publicity is incalculable, says mayor

It is the first time the event has been held in Northern Ireland, and it is being hosted at the spectacular Gill Hall Estate, until its last day on Saturday.

Mayor of Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council, Alderman Margaret Tinsley, said: "In terms of the international audience watching online over four days, you could not pay for that sort of tourism publicity."

On Wednesday Princess Anne visited the competition and tasted produce from a wide range of local artisan food producers.

"My children were able to present Her Royal Highness with a hamper of specialty foods from the borough. We had all of those exhibitors in the marquee and she took her time going around each of those stands and sampling some of the food. It is just brilliant for the borough.”

The stands will also benefit from the 30,000 international visitors expected to visit this week, she added.

The mayor applauded the "absolutely beautiful" Gill Hall Estate for its plans to develop its 510 acres into "the ultimate country estate" that will attract local and international visitors with the finest hospitality, food, entertainment and country pursuits.

The wider area around Dromore has also benefited from international tourists spending time and money on hospitality, she added.

Local MP, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who visited the competition on Thursday, also applauded the benefits of the event.

"I have seen the fantastic layout that we have there with competitors from all over the world descending on County Down," he told the News Letter.

"There are thousands of visitors coming to see this wonderful event which is helping our local economy and bringing international tourists into Northern Ireland and County Down.

"Congratulations to all the local people who have been involved, not just in hosting this event but organising all of the infrastructure that is making it a great success,” he added.

See: www.worldsheepdogtrials.org