Tullamore Show: In a nutshell
By Rebekah O'Reilly
The success of Tullamore Show has ensured its position as one of Ireland's major attractions, and the program of events incorporates many elements including cultural, commercial and competitive interests, ranging from livestock equestrian, home industries, inventions, vintage, fashion, style and performing arts.
Tullamore Show offers an eclectic mix of events, and enthralls thousands of visitors who flock to Tullamore year after year.
START TIME
The show grounds will open on Sunday, August 9, from 6.30am on Sunday for exhibitors, and at 8.30am for the general public.
TRANSPORT
Take advantage of the free Shuttle Bus running between Tullamore Train Station/O’Connor Square and the Tullamore Show Grounds throughout the day. Drop off is at the Blue Carpark. The first pick up is at 9am, and the last drop off is at 4.30pm.
There is free car parking provided for 20,000 cars adjacent to the show grounds and motorists will be directed along four dedicated routes to each of the four car parks.
Traffic approaching from the north and north east (Kilbeggan, N52, N80) will be routed to the Green Car Park, while vehicles travelling from the west and north west (Athlone M6 direction) will be directed to the Yellow Car Park.
Those arriving from the south and south east (Portlaoise, Mountmellick, N80 direction) will use the Blue Car Park, with traffic from the south and south west (Birr N52 direction) directed to the Red Car Park.
Visitors are asked to follow the official road signage and traffic management plan rather than Sat Nav or Google Maps.
Exhibitors should arrive before 9.30am and follow dedicated exhibitor signage, while disabled parking will be available on-site for vehicles displaying a PWD Pass. The N52 between Mucklagh and Blueball will be closed to non-show traffic from approximately 7am to 8pm, with signed diversions in place for passing motorists.
SHOW NUMBERS
The location of the show, at Butterfield Estate, Blueball, Tullamore, consists of over 260 acres of show ground area, and provides some 300,000 square feet of tented village. The shows visitor numbers in recent years have averaged 60,000, with 700 Trade Stands from agri sectors, home industries, farm produce, innovation, forestry, and agri machinery. The site is situated on the N52 Birr road, approximately 5km from the town centre of Tullamore.
PRIZE FUND
A total of over 1,000 classes are on offer at Ireland's premier show, with the combined prize fund amounting to a cool €180,000. A total of 45 FBD National Livestock Show titles are to be decided.
CHARITY PARTNER
Embrace FARM is the chosen charity for this year’s Tullamore Show.
Embrace Farm is an organisation that supports farm families after a sudden loss or trauma.
The charity are aiming to make the most of the opportunity by raising as much as it can on the day.
All money raised at the Tullamore Show will go towards supporting farm families after a sudden loss. To get involved with bucket collections, contact 085 770 9966.
LIVE MUSIC
From the best of Irish country music to live performances from some fantastic artists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day.
The day kicks off at 10.30am with the Best of Irish County DJ Music, and Dickie Donnelly at 11am.
The official opening will take place at 11.45am, with Joe Wynne taking the stage at 1pm, followed by Ger Long and Katelyn.
Colin Kenny will keep the energy going at 2.30pm, followed by Declan Feery at 3.10pm. Finishing the day off is Johnny Brady and band, taking the stage at 4pm.