For its eighth year, Tattersalls opens its doors to the best the equestrian world has to offer and it promises not to disappoint.

The Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair takes place on the coming June Bank Holiday weekend, 31st May 31st to 3rd June, and the line-up will attract spectators from far and wide with something for horse lovers, families and the merely curious alike.

This will be a last outing for several of the competitors before they perform at the London Olympics, a real treat. Entries this year include Eventing's World number 1 William Fox-Pit along with Zara Phillips, Ollie Townend and Polly Stockton representing Great Britain, Mark Todd from New Zealand, Matt Ryan flying the flag for Australia and Irish Olympic Team hopefuls Captain Geoff Curran, Camilla Spiers, Mark Kyle and Jayne Doherty to name just a few.

It's no surprise that last year saw 16,750 people flock to the Ratoath attraction.

While the competitors do all the hard work, spectators can enjoy more than 50 shopping stands, locally produced foods, carnival stands, kids play zone and lots more for the family to enjoy.

Food lovers will be in their element at the country fair, based in the Moscow Flyer Pavilion. This on site restaurant and bar overlooks the main arena and renowned chef, Neil Shirt (Harrods, Chapter One and Luttrellstown Castle), will be treating diners to culinary delights over the four days. Visitors can also enjoy the offerings of Good Food Ireland and the country market will showcase a number of local artisan producers such as delicious Burkes Ice Cream produced just a few miles down the road.

The picnic spot, near the water jump, will have you up close and personal with all the action. You can bring a picnic, enjoy a cool drink or simply spend a lazy day taking in the happenings at the cross country course's most popular fence. This year Dressage takes place on Thursday and Friday, Cross Country on Saturday with Cross Country and Show Jumping on Sunday.

Tatts 2012 has taken all steps to ensure that the event honours its reputation as one of Ireland's friendliest family weekends. An area dedicated to feeding and changing younger children, and a kids menu that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters, helps to make the day more enjoyable and stress free for all the family.

The Kids Zone includes a number of free activities and a pets corner, bouncy castle, face painting, pony rides, go karts and carnival fairground games mean the only dilemma is choosing what to do first.

Some other attractions in store include a working farm display by Moynalty Steam Threshing, a falconry flying display and a vintage car and tractor display. Why not enter your canine pal in the novelty dog show or see how long you can stay on board the bucking bronco? Don't forget the hound parade on Sunday afternoon, when the local hunts parade in the main arena and children can meet and walk amongst the hounds and see this age old tradition first hand.

Tickets for Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair are on sale now and start at just €5.00. Tickets range from daily to three day, camping and picnic area tickets and kids under 12 go free for the entire event. To find out more and check for any changes contact Amber Byrne on (087) 9144120 or Niamh Flynn on (086) 172 8320