Show expected to draw 60,000 to Tullamore

All roads will lead to the magnificent Butterfield Estate this Sunday for the biggest one-day agricultural event in Europe – the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show.

Over 60,000 people from all parts of Ireland, and a number of overseas visitors, are expected to flock to the spacious show site on the outskirts of Tullamore for what promises to be an unforgettable day out for young and old alike.

Although primarily set up as a showcase for all things agricultural, the huge programme of events put together after months of planning ensures that Tullamore show now has a very broad appeal with something for everyone.

“This year's programme is our best ever,” said Show PRO, Brenda Kiernan, “and all we need now is for the rain to stay away.” A huge tented village has been put in place on the site over the past number of weeks and miles of tracking have been laid in an effort to cater for the huge crowds, but Brenda Kiernan says “the good weather really helps” and she is hopeful that the mild temperatures of the past week will continue into the weekend.

While Tullamore Show will be competing with the final day of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann just half an hour away in Mullingar, the organisers are confident this will not have an impact on the numbers attending. “We have put a very detailed traffic management plan in place in conjunction with An Garda Siochána to ensure a smooth flow of traffic throughout the day on Sunday,” points out Brenda Kiernan.

There is parking on site for 20,000 vehicles and designated parking areas have also been set up around the Butterfield Estate. A free shuttle bus service will also operate every hour on the hour to the show site throughout the day on Sunday from Tullamore.

The bus departs from O'Connor Square, with a pick-up point for rail passengers arriving at Tullamore train station, while huge numbers of gardai and will also be on duty to direct traffic travelling to the show.

This year the organisers are placing a huge emphasis on online ticket sales in an effort to avoid lengthy queues at the gates and are strongly urging people to purchase their tickets in advance at www.tullamoreshow.com Tickets are priced at €20 online or €25 on the day, with free entry for children under 12.

Since Tullamore Show was revived in its current format in 1991, it has had many 'firsts' over the years and this year is no exception, with two major inaugural events. For the first time ever, the show will host a Sustainable Livestock Village which will showcase a wide range of sustainable farming practices. The Sustainable Livestock Village will be officially launched at 10.30am by Agriculture Minister, Charlie McConalogue, who will officially launch the show itself at 12 noon.

Also this year, the skies over the Butterfield Estate will be a riot of colour with hot air balloon displays from the Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships, which is another 'first' for Tullamore Show and is sure to hugely popular.

With miles and miles of trade stands, along with a fashion arena; cookery demonstrations; farm safety demos; art; photography; shopping; crafts; home baking; flowers; obedience classes for dogs; and plenty of musical entertainment, not to mention cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and a host of All-Ireland classes, Tullamore Show is the perfect day out for all the family.