Sligo County Agricultural Show will takes place at Riverstown Community Park, Sligo today, offering a day-long celebration of rural life and agricultural tradition. This annual event, a fixture in the region’s calendar, showcases a diverse programme of livestock competitions, home industries, and family-friendly activities from 11am onwards. Organised by the Sligo County Agricultural Show Committee, the show provides an opportunity for farmers, artisans, and families to come together in a community-focused setting, highlighting Sligo’s deep connection to its agricultural roots.
Visitors can expect a varied lineup of events catering to all ages. The morning features judging of livestock classes, including cattle, sheep, horses, ponies, donkeys, and poultry, with categories ranging from pedigree and commercial cattle to rare animals. Equestrian enthusiasts will enjoy brood mare and foal competitions, young horse classes, and working hunter events. The afternoon shifts to lighter entertainment, with attractions like the Bonny Baby contest, Little Miss and Master Riverstown, Glamorous Granny, and Best Dressed Lady and Dashing Dude competitions, adding a playful community spirit. The Connacht Gold Kitchen will showcase home baking and crafts, while arts, photography, and domestic arts sections highlight local talent. Additional activities, such as sheep dog trials and pet displays, including dogs and cats, ensure broad appeal. The festival’s setting in Riverstown Community Park, a picturesque village venue, enhances the experience, with food stalls and local vendors contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
The Sligo County Agricultural Show traces its origins to 1907, when the County Sligo Agricultural Show Committee established a showground in Sligo Town to promote farming and rural crafts. Initially held at the Showgrounds, now home to Sligo Rovers, the event moved to Riverstown Community Park in 1994, reflecting a desire to root the festival in a more rural setting. Founded to celebrate Sligo’s agricultural heritage and boost local commerce, the show has grown into a key regional event, drawing thousands annually. The committee’s early vision included fostering community engagement through competitions and exhibitions, a tradition that persists today. In 2025, the show benefits from €8,350 in funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development, administered through the Irish Shows Association, underscoring its economic and cultural significance.
The festival is currently overseen by Chairperson Michael Harte, who leads the organising committee. His leadership has maintained the show’s focus on accessibility, with affordable entry and a range of free activities. Visitors can expect a relaxed yet engaging day, with opportunities to explore Sligo’s rural traditions, from livestock displays to local crafts. The event’s location, accessible via the N4 from Dublin or N17 from Galway, makes it convenient for day-trippers, while Riverstown’s charm adds to the appeal of this enduring celebration of Sligo’s agricultural heritage.
