Thousands expected to flock to Mountbellew’s Shearfest

Varied line up of events

THE popular Shearfest will make its return to the grounds of Mountbellew Mart on the June Bank Holiday weekend with sheep shearing and music on the list of attractions.

Thousands passed through the turnstiles at Mountbellew Mart for last year’s Shearfest, which featured the European and Connacht Sheep Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling Championships, and more of the same is expected in 2026.

Hosted by Mountbellew Social Development Co-Op, a range of events is planned for the latest edition of Shearfest on Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31, with the highlight coming in the form of the Provincial Sheep Shearing Championship.

“Competitors from across the country will go head-to-head in a range of disciplines, including machine shearing and traditional blade shearing. One of the highlights of the weekend will be the Provincial Open where teams of four shearers representing every province of Ireland will compete for top honours,” said Michael Cunniffe, the Chair of Mountbellew Social Development Co-Op.

Each sheep shearing team will have a junior, intermediate, senior and open level shearer, and there is a substantial prize fund on offer.

The Shearfest schedule begins at 11am on May 30 with a 5K charity fun run/walk in aid of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association (IMNDA). Registration for the event starts at 10am with an entry of €10 per person or €20 per family.

MartBeat is expected to bring plenty of patrons to Mountbellew on the Saturday and Sunday evening. All Folk’d Up and Derek Ryan will take to the stage on Saturday, with Olivia Douglas and Michael English performing on Sunday.

This year’s Shearfest features a wool expo.

Patrons will be able to learn about the modern uses of wool and its history and take in a wool-based fashion show. Professional farriering methods will be shown across Saturday and Sunday and the Connacht Tug O’War Championship will also be held.

Family entertainment is on the schedule of events through a fun fair, face painting and sheep dog demonstration.

Sabrina Fallon will host an afternoon country social on Sunday, with a jiving competition and line dancing demonstrations.

“Vincent Flynn is busy preparing a Wool Expo to showcase how the wool on the sheep's back can be turned into high quality sustainable products. I would like to welcome everyone to join us for a weekend of Shear Entertainment at Shearfest 2026,” offered Michael Cunniffe.

Parking for Shearfest is free for the weekend.