Fun for all the family at Oldcastle Show
Oldcastle Agricultural Show promises a fun-filled day for all ages on Sunday, July 20.
With over 400 competition classes, substantial prize money, live entertainment, and a host of family-friendly attractions, this year’s show - the 84th - is shaping up to be the biggest yet.
A new addition to this year's line-up is the All-Ireland Apple Tart Eating Competition!
The contest is fast, fun, and perfect for the day, with a staggering first prize of €1,000! Test your speed or cheer on your friends and family at Gilson Park. Great prizes and plenty of laughs guaranteed!
Entries are now open in the Cattle, Sheep, Horse, Poultry, and Home Industry competitions. You have three weeks left to apply as closing date for entries is Wednesday, July 17. Full details and entry forms are available at www.oldcastleshow.ie.
Oldcastle Show features some of the largest show rings in Ireland, with an impressive variety of equine classes, including Working and Ridden Hunters, Broodmare and Foal, In-hand Young Stock, Connemara Ponies, and Welsh Ponies. A special highlight is the Family Riding Pony Ring, offering fun and engaging events for young riders and their ponies.
In the Cattle Section, exhibitors can compete in classes for commercial cattle, pedigree Limousin, Charolais, Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, and Belgian Blue. The popular Young Stockperson classes promise to impress once again, showcasing the skills and enthusiasm of the next generation of farmers. Cattle weighing takes place between 8.30-10am, with judging starting promptly at 10am.
In the Sheep Section, purebred classes include Dutch Spotted, Blue Texel, Suffolk, and Charollais, with entries welcome from all corners of the country. The Sheep Shearing Competitions — now featuring Junior, Intermediate, and Senior classes — will wow the crowds as skilled shearers showcase their speed and precision.
The Best Young Farmer Competition, kindly sponsored by Mead Farm Machinery, returns for 16–21-year-olds, featuring a general agriculture knowledge test and practical challenges in livestock handling and tractor skills. First prize is €300 and a cup, a prestigious award for any rising young farmer.
Feathers will fly in the beloved Greatest Cockerel of Oldcastle competition. After last year’s record-breaking poultry show, organisers are hoping to see an even bigger turnout of fabulously feathered entries in 2025!
The Automobile Section includes a wide display of vintage tractors, threshing machines, and classic farming equipment — a must-see for history buffs and machinery lovers alike.
The Show Hall will buzz with creative energy. From turf, jam, cakes, flowers, vegetables, photography, art, handwriting, and much more — there’s something for every age and interest.
The Dog Show, kindly sponsored by Cavan Pet Hospital, welcomes canines of all shapes and sizes — from pedigrees to the proudest mutts — with rosettes and prizes galore.
Special attractions include awe-inspiring Birds of Prey demonstrations and live wood sculpting by the incredibly talented Joey Burns.
Don’t miss the Food and Craft Village, filled with tasty bites and artisan treats. Free children’s entertainment is available throughout the day, featuring a pet farm, puppet show, face painting, obstacle courses, and exciting races.
Enjoy toe-tapping live music in the new Music Marquee, where Ireland’s biggest wedding band — the incredible Mad Ass Mules — will perform alongside local artists! Their high-energy show is sure to have the crowd dancing and singing along, making for an unforgettable day of entertainment. This year’s Jiving Competition is sure to keep feet moving and spirits high!
And don’t forget to put your strength to the test in the thrilling Tug O’ War contest.
Admission is just €10; children under 12 are free. For full event details or to enter competitions, visit www.oldcastleshow.ie or call 087 4152201. Follow the Oldcastle Agricultural Show on Facebook for the latest updates.