Organisers of the National Ploughing Championships are anticipating cloudy and rainy weather on the first two days, with possible “heatwave conditions” for the final day of the event.
More than 275,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors re expected to attend the event at Ratheniska, Co Laois from September 17th to 19st.
This year’s event will feature returning local performers and attractions, along with new surprises, spanning three days of activities.
The event includes a tented trade village, a food fair, craft village, livestock, forestry, education, lifestyle, motor show, financial services, bio energy and agri service, fashion shows, celebrity guests, sheep dog trials, loy digging (ancient plough technique), All Ireland lamb shearing, most appropriately dressed lady & gent competitions, craft demonstrations, meggers, celebrity cookery demonstrations, outdoor radio broadcasts.
National Ploughing Association Assistant Managing Director Anna Marie said “do not take a chance on coming to the gate, as if it sells out, you’ll be turned away The best rates for pricing are online. “The Championships not only provides a national stage for showcasing all things agricultural, but also brings together people from all sectors of Irish society, both rural and urban, to enjoy three days immersed in country living,”
- Tickets can be purchased online for €25 (adults) and €20 (seniors/students), with free entry for children under 12; additional tickets may be available at the gate.
- The event runs from 9 AM to 6 PM daily, with ploughing competitions starting at 10:30 AM and various entertainment programs beginning at 10 AM.
- The Food and Lifestyle Village will return along with over 30 small businesses; other attractions include sheep shearing, fashion shows, and a fun fair.
- The “Ireland’s Fittest Farmer” contest returns, emphasizing the mental and physical health of participating farmers, coached by Davy Fitzgerald.
- A new sustainability competition offers farmers a chance to win €10,000, while a “Keeping You Safe” project will provide wristbands for children containing contact information.
- Detailed traffic routes have been established for attendees coming from various regions, and parking is available for those with a disabled parking permit at all car parks.
- Blue Route (Cork, Munster): Traffic travelling northbound on the M8 will exit at Junction 4 and proceed onto R439 where it will travel to Durrow, Co Laois. Then continue forward onto the N77 to Abbeyleix where traffic will turn right onto the R425 to Ballyroan village, continue to Cashel Cross bearing right onto R427 to Money Cross and will proceed to the Blue car parks beside the event grounds.
- Purple Route (Dublin, Leinster, North): Traffic travelling southbound on the M7 will exit at Junction 15 Cappakeel, Co Laois and proceed left onto the L3930 and travel to Vicarstown. Then turn right onto R427 and travel towards Stradbally. At Garrans Cross, traffic will turn right for 1.6km and then turn left at Buddocks Cross proceeding onto Abels Corner where it will turn right onto N80 and immediately left onto the R427, and on to the purple car parks.
- Brown Routes (Limerick, Kerry, South West): Traffic travelling northbound on the M7 will exit at Junction 17 and proceed left onto N77 towards Portlaoise town. Traffic will be diverted right at Meelick onto the L6310 where it will turn right onto the R426 and onto Sheffield Cross. Then turn right again and proceed onto Money Cross to parking beside the event grounds at the brown car parks.
- Green Route (West, North West): Traffic travelling from the west on the N80 will proceed to Mountmellick town. Take a left onto the L20972, continuing on this road to take a right onto the L423. Traffic will join the R422 and travel as far as Kennels Cross, Co Laois. Turn right onto R419 and travel forward to the R445, turning right and proceed towards Ballydavis, Portlaoise. Continuing through the two roundabouts remaining on the R445 towards Rathbrennan, Portlaoise where traffic will turn left onto the R425 travelling to Bloomfield Cross. At Bloomfield Cross, traffic will turn left onto N80 and proceed to Dysart where it will turn right onto a one-way system along the L6772 leading up to Ratheniska village – park at the green car parks.
- Yellow Route (South East, Carlow): Traffic travelling from Carlow and the South East will travel through Simmons Mill Cross Roads on the N80 and continue towards Stradbally town. Traffic will turn left off the N80 at St Joseph’s cemetery and advance to Timogue Cross where it will continue through crossroads to L7835. Proceed to the yellow car parks.
- Grey Route (Kilkenny, South East): Traffic travelling along the N78 will turn left at Newtown Cross Roads and continue forward along the R430 to The Swan. Traffic will turn right onto the R426 and continue to Timahoe Village. Continue through the village on the R426 towards Money Cross. At Loughteague Lane, traffic will turn right onto L78354, turn right and into the grey car parks.
