World’s largest dog and smallest horse are set to be a major attraction at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Market Day

News Release -

World’s largest dog and smallest horse are set to be a major attraction at
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Market Day

Two Irish wolfhound’s puppies, the world’s largest breed of dog, and a Falabella, the smallest and one of the rarest breeds of horses in the world, are set to be a major attraction with visitors at the forthcoming Market Day in Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on Sunday August 24th ‘08.

Shannon Heritage Company, who manages a range of tourist attractions including Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, has acquired two wolfhound puppies, called Fionn and Grainne, and a Falabella horse called Winkle and his new companion a Shetland pony called Perry. All four animals will be unveiled together to the public for the first time at the Bunratty Folk Park’s Traditional Market Day which will run from 12 noon to 5.00pm.

The event will involve an array of market stalls featuring crafts from all over County Clare including; hand carved wood; handmade candles; fused glass jewellery. The ancient art of sugan chair making will be demonstrated throughout the afternoon. Also included will be Bunratty Folk Park’s own home grown organic vegetables, fresh flowers grown on site, renowned Bunratty Castle porter cake, griddle bread, and scones, The event is designed for all the family with fun and games for the children - bouncy castle, face painting and live traditional Irish music, but undoubtedly one of the highlights will be the Folk Park’s new arrivals.

“It’s been twenty years since Bunratty Castle and Folk Park last had wolfhounds and we are delighted to be reintroducing them to the Folk Park. We are equally delighted to able to provide a home for our new Falabella horse and our Shetland pony. As part of our visitor experience the Folk Park has many types of animals living in their natural environment. There are sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, poultry, deer, and the new arrivals are already proving really popular with visitors. We are delighted with the positive reaction we are getting from them and indeed our own employees who have really taken the new arrivals to their hearts,” says John Ruddle, Chief Executive, Shannon Heritage, who manage Bunratty Caslte and Folk Park and a range of day visitor and evening entertainments around the Shannon Region.

Wolfhounds were regular guests at the Bunratty Castle from the early days of the medieval banquets at Bunratty Castle in the 1960’s. The animals would roam the great hall and dining areas as would have been the custom in medieval times.

Irish wolfhounds are known for being gentle, friendly and very intelligent, and they inhabited Ireland long before the arrival of Christianity and the written word. Throughout history this tallest of dogs has been a warrior, a hunter, and a companion to nobility. Historically these dogs were used to hunt big game, such as wolf and elk, and they gained a reputation for unequalled valour. The Irish wolfhound even participated in battle, pulling men off horseback to be slain.

They have great size, power and speed, and at just 10 months old, Fionn and Grainne weigh about 100 pounds each. Despite their size, these shaggy-coated animals have a peaceful and quiet personality. They are affectionate and love to be with people. Irish wolfhound adult males can attain the stature of a small pony.

The Falabella is a miniature horse whose breed originated in Argentina and Winkle, the Bunratty Folk Park Falabella, is friendly, intelligent, gentle and courageous. Rarely exceeding 8.5 hands in height and averaging about seven hands, the Falabella is quite tiny. The origin of the breed dates back over a hundred years ago when an Irish man named Newton saw a miniature horse drinking at a watering hole near his Argentinean ranch. He captured the tiny horse and bred it with small thoroughbreds and Shetland ponies. It took several generations to achieve today's Falabella. The Falabella was named after Newton's daughter, who married a man named Senor Falabella.

All four animals will live and be cared for at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and visitors will be able to view them as part of their overall visitor experience.

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For further information please contact

Nandi O’Sullivan
Senior Press Officer
Tel: +353 61 710259
Mobile: +353 86-2371510
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