Never been to Spain to see the running of the bulls? Well, here’s the next best thing. The Running of the Sheep at the fun-filled Boorowa Irish Woolfest is back on the October long weekend. 

Located in the picturesque town of Boorowa in New South Wales, this festival celebrates the region’s fine Merino wool and its strong Irish connections.

The woolfest is happeing all weekend with the main day being Sunday, 1st October. That’s when you can see    the running of the sheep, the street parade and the main act, the highly-acclaimed modern Celtic band Limerick. They will be joined by the Shamrock Dancers on the main stage for a show that will get your toes tapping and your heart pumping. 

The blessing of the fleece gets things underway on festival day, with a sheep shorn the old-fashioned way before the fleece receives a spiritual thanksgiving.

At midday, a group of spirited sheep are herded down the main street, accompanied by the cheers of the crowd and the leaps of Kelpies, the skilled sheepdogs. 

Asked if it’s similar to the Running of the Bulls, the organisers say: “Not quite as dangerous but certainly as visually exciting with the four-wheel motor bike in full throttle and the sheep dogs leaping on and off the sheep’s back.” 

The festival boasts a range of other attractions, from sheep shearing demonstrations to a street parade showcasing Boorowa’s country life and Irish heritage. Celtic pipe bands, sheep-themed floats and tractors fill the streets, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere.

Other highlights include a pie-eating contest, sheep-shearing competition, accent competition, wood chopping, working dog demoes and fairground rides.

You can also catch the fireworks display on Saturday evening.

And if you’re a fan of canola fields, you’re in for a treat! Boorowa’s Irish Woolfest coincides with canola season, and the gently rolling hills covered in bright yellow flowers create a stunning backdrop for photos.

Boorowa has strong Irish connections and is twinned with Clonoulty in Tipperary. 

In the 1820s, cousins Roger Corcoran and Ned Ryan arrived in the area. They had been sentenced to transportation to New South Wales from Clonoulty. They were later granted ‘Ticket of Freedom’ and played prominent roles in the settlement of the area.

So, grab your friends, don your best woolly jumper, and head to Boorowa for a woolly good time at the Irish Woolfest. 

Boorowa is located in the Hilltops region, about one and a half hours drive from Canberra. Around 15,000 people attend Boorowa Irish Woolfest every year. 

For more details, go to http://www.irishwoolfest.com.au