Every year since 1985, Ashbourne has been host to one of the largest highland gatherings outside of Scotland.
It consists of pipe band competitions, highland dancing, highland sports etc., as well various other events - for instance this year (2003) has the JCB "dancing diggers" - not a group of Australian JCB employees, but 6 large, yellow JCB 7 1/2 ton earth moving machines which perform to music!
There are also other events, hot air balloons, parachuting etc. For full details please visit the Highland Gathering's own website :-
As to local accommodation, see our Accommodation Page and/or the Ashbourne Accommodation Website.
For some photos of previous years, please click here:-. (See photos!)