Oughterard Agricultural and Horticultural Show, a key event in County Galway’s cultural calendar, takes place today at the Corribdale Grounds and Oughterard Community Centre. Held annually on the last Sunday of August, the show highlights the agricultural and community traditions of Connemara, drawing locals and visitors to the picturesque village of Oughterard, known as the gateway to Connemara. The event offers a varied programme of competitions, displays, and family-friendly activities, set against the scenic backdrop of Lough Corrib and the surrounding hills.
The 2025 programme features a range of events showcasing the region’s rural heritage. Livestock competitions, including classes for cattle, sheep, and poultry, are a cornerstone, with prestigious contests such as the Joyce’s All-Ireland Ridden Connemara Performance Pony Championship and the Western Regional Irish Draught Foal Championship.
Equestrian events include showjumping and pony classes, while sheepdog trials demonstrate the skill of local working dogs. The domestic arts section, held at the Community Centre, showcases baking, crafts, and horticultural entries, with competitions for homemade jams, cakes, and garden produce. Family activities include face painting, games, and a pet dog show, popular with younger visitors. The Road Safety Authority’s interactive Shuttle unit will offer educational displays, and past events suggest additional attractions like cookery demonstrations or themed competitions, such as the Mad Hatters Tea Party introduced in 2019. Live music and local food stalls add to the festive atmosphere. Entry details and schedules will be available closer to the date at www.oughterardshow.ie, with updates on social media for weather-related changes, as most events are outdoors.
Visitors can expect a welcoming and community-focused environment at the Corribdale Grounds, easily accessible via the N59, 26km northwest of Galway city. The event is family-friendly, with affordable entry fees—typically €10 for adults and free for children under 12, based on past years. Oughterard’s amenities, including Powers Thatched Pub and local cafes, provide dining options, while nearby attractions like Aughnanure Castle and Lough Corrib offer opportunities for exploration.
The showgrounds feature ample parking, and public transport options, such as Citylink and Bus Éireann services from Galway, make the event accessible. Attendees are advised to arrive early for popular events like the equestrian finals and to bring cash for some stalls.
The Oughterard Show traces its origins to 1911, when the first recorded event was held at Roe’s Yard, known as “The Paddock,” behind Main Street. Founded by local farmers and community members, including the O’Flaherty family, who were prominent in the region’s history, the show was established to promote Connemara’s agricultural traditions. It moved to the Corribdale Grounds in later years, growing into one of the West of Ireland’s key agricultural shows.
The event has been supported by local organisations and volunteers, with contributions from groups like the Oughterard Culture and Heritage Group. The show is managed by a dedicated committee, with support from Galway County Council and sponsors like Joyce’s Supermarket. The 2025 event will mark the 62nd show, reflecting its enduring role in the community.
The show’s history is tied to Oughterard’s identity as a hub for fishing and farming, with the O’Flaherty clan shaping the area’s early development before the Norman invasion. Over the decades, the event has evolved to include modern attractions while preserving its focus on livestock, equestrian sports, and local crafts.
Its resilience is evident in its recovery from cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to public health restrictions. The show continues to attract international visitors, particularly for its Connemara pony competitions, and contributes to the local economy by highlighting regional produce and talent. Visitors are encouraged to explore Oughterard’s heritage sites, such as the Quiet Man Bridge, to complement their festival experience, making it a meaningful celebration of Connemara’s past and present.
