The Irish National Sheep Dog Trials are scheduled to take place this week from Thursday to Saturday, August 3-5, in Co. Wexford.

The trials will take place in Bridge Meadow, Bunclody, Co. Wexford, kicking off from 8:00am on Thursday according to the organisers’ Facebook event.

The event is run by the International Sheep Dog Society, which also runs the trials in the UK, with competitions held in England, Scotland and Wales.

The event will see the top 150 sheep dogs in the country (along with their handlers) compete for the opportunity to represent Ireland at the Annual International Trials.

The Irish Nationals take place over three days with the five highest scoring dogs from each day awarded a place in the Ireland team.

Following the conclusion of the final day’s competition, there is a showdown between the winners from all three days for the award of overall Irish Champion and Ireland team captain.

During each day’s lunch break, while the singles competitors and singles judges take time out, the best Brace teams in Ireland compete before the Brace judges to find the Irish National Brace Champion.

The Brace competition involves two dogs of the same breed with the same owner competing together as a pair. This is done to showcase the owner’s consistency in training.

The Brace champions will also have the honour of representing their country at the Annual International Trials.