The Irish Forestry, Woodland & Bio Energy Show Fri 10th Sat 11th May, Stradbally Hall

A new event for the stunning estate of Stradbally Hall, the national Forestry, Woodland & Bio Energy Show arrives on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th May. The Show will appeal to countryside lovers, gardeners, conservationists, farmers, men and boys who cannot resist big shiny machinery as well as all hard core timber business people, with exciting performances from the mighty Irish Lumberjacks! There’s set to be a variety of Timber sports also over the course of the two day show, including the extreme sports of pole climbing, wood chopping, chainsaw racing, hot saws and more. A blend of heroics, humour and hype – a potentially awesome experience for all the family! Witness the second Irish National Tree Climbing Championships on a group of mature oak trees – a surprising spectacle of fearless agility! Admire the transformation of a fallen tree into eco garden furniture or a unique sculpture by timer artist Bill Blyth at the chainsaw carving exhibition. Also, an important aspect of this show is to see your prospective machinery in action and there are many such displays, including harvesting demos, horse loggers and the chance to test drive a new forwarder! Check out the broad range of international and Irish exhibitors – from harvesters and log splitters to pruning shears and gardening gear. The show offers every piece of equipment and all advice to suit all your needs. And in this chilly spring, the show is an ideal opportunity to review your heating options – again sound advice but also a range from which to make your purchases – fire logs, stoves, eucalyptus, wood gasifying and pellet boilers, bio mass etc. Finally, browse in the wonderfully eclectic mix of woodland crafts featuring traditional techniques and artistic creations such as wood turning, timber candles, charcoal kilns, rustic furniture and artisan food. Admission to the show is €15 for adults, €10 for students/OAPS and free for children. With free on site parking as well, the show makes an interesting, fun and budget conscious day out. See www.ifwshow.ie for more details.