Northern Ireland

Mutton dressed as lamb expected as Fermanagh festival searches for best dressed goat

As part of the schedule for a local festival for the 38th Lady of the Lake Festival the search is on for the best dressed goat in the county
As part of the schedule for a local festival for the 38th Lady of the Lake Festival the search is on for the best dressed goat in the county As part of the schedule for a local festival for the 38th Lady of the Lake Festival the search is on for the best dressed goat in the county

They're a rare breed in Fermanagh and as part of the schedule for a local festival the search is on for the best dressed goat in the county.

As part of the 38th annual Lady of the Lake Festival in Irvinestown this year two ludicrous events have got the town talking.

Keeping up with the traditional of madcap activities at the festival this year the revellers in attendance will be able to enjoy a Best Dressed Goat Competition and a Goat Lookalike Competition.

In previous years the crowds have been entertained with crazy events including a hole digging competition and a lovely legs contest.

In 2015 the festival gained international media attention for hosting the first Irish sheep dung spitting competition.

The bizarre contest, organised by local hotelier Joe Mahon, had participants take mouthfuls of sheep dung and spit it out with gusto to see who could spit the farthest. Inspired by an emu dung-spitting competition from Africa, he decided to replicate it with sheep, with 44 taking part in the inaugural year.

The latest conception from the mind of Mr Mahon will have goat owners dress up their animals to win the sought after trophy up for grabs. The winner of the lookalike competition, where the person who most resembles their goat is the victor, will receive a picture of themselves and their beloved animal.

You really couldn't make it up!

The 38th Lady of the Lake Festival kicks-off on Friday, July 15 and runs until Sunday, July 24, with packed schedule of events on offer for the duration.