Irish Masters of Beagles Association

Beagling is the hunting of hares in their own environment on foot using small hounds specially bred for that purpose,called beagles. A typical pack can number anything up to thirty-five i.e 171/2 couple of hounds, dogs and bitches, as hounds are always counted in twos, and will be under the control of a Huntsman, who is helped by assistants called Whippers-in. Hunt supporters- Followers - can follow (if they can keep up!), or watch the action as it unfolds. Where the numbers attending - the Field - are big there is an official called the Field Master who controls the people. Hares are plentiful in Ireland and can run at speeds much greater than a beagle can. A hunt usually ends with a pack of exhausted hounds and a small white tail disappearing over a hill.

Is there a hunting season?

There is, and it lasts from early October until the beginning of March.

When and where did beagling begin?

    The word beagle is thought to derive from the Celtic word beag, meaning small - which suggests that beagling has been around in one form or another for a very long time.It was recorded by the Younger Xenophon, a Greek traveller and writer, who visited Ireland about 2,000 years ago.  Queen Elizabeth I is reputed to have kept a pack of beagles and the sport became quite popular in the late 19th century.
   Today beagling is a healthy and inexpensive way of enjoying the fresh air, open countryside and the thrill of the chase. Beagling can be enjoyed by people of all ages from all walks of life – all you need to participate is a good pair of walking boots and a warm coat!

How can I get involved?

Beagling is most popular in Munster, south Leinster and in Ulster, with twenty or so packs in the entire island. During the hunting season packs in the Republic meet on Sundays, usually at 1 o’clock while those in Northern Ireland meet on Saturdays at the same time. Non-members are always welcome to come along and experience for themselves the fun of  beagling.
 
For more information contact your local Hunt Sec.

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