Excitement builds for National Ploughing Championships 2023

EXCITEMENT is building for the National Ploughing Championships 2023. 

The event will once again return to Ratheniska, Co Laois from September 19 to 21 with plenty on the programme to keep spectators busy. 

Preparations for turning the green fields of Laois into a bustling hub are almost finished as thousands of people are expected to attend the three-day event. 

There will be millions of euro worth of agricultural and plant machinery on display featuring an extensive range of cutting edge agricultural technology and equipment, with the opportunity to see these in action in the machinery demonstration area.

The leading manufacturers and agents will be present with specialist sales advisors and technical experts available for free consultations. 

The exhibition arena opens at 9am each day with over 1,700 exhibitors showcasing their work with stalls including livestock, machinery, agri-business, house and home, energy and forestry. 

There is something for everyone with stalls covering health and wellness, lifestyle, tourism, technology, business and education. 

You can expect some tasty treats too with plenty of food and beverage stalls on offer.  

As well as stalls there will be cookery and craft demonstrations, sheep shearing, funfair, a vintage display, pony games and live broadcasts on TV and radio. 

There will be plenty of Limerick representation at the event with Celia Holman Lee returning with her immensely popular fashion show which takes place each day. 

Pat O'Riordan, Rathkeale, will be taking part in the three furrow class on Tuesday. After another great year for Limerick on the sod it is hoped Pat could bring another All-Ireland back to the county. 

A detailed traffic plan is available on the National Ploughing Association website which outlines the best routes to take to the event. 

It is advised that drivers follow directional signage only on close arrival to the event as road closures and alternative routes are often put in place specifically for event purposes