All the fun of the show at Tydavnet 2026

The Tydavnet Show has been running for 73 successful years and remains one of the highlights of Ireland’s agricultural show calendar.

The programme of competitions and exhibitions is, of course at the heart of Tydavnet’s success, but so too is its support from local people and many visitors from across Ireland.

What sets Tydavnet apart is the way organisers lay on a show that appeals to all the family: from young farmers and those of a vintage make and model, homemakers and home bakers, horse-lovers, machinery enthusiasts, foodies, serious breeders and children – there is something to catch the eye of everyone who attends Tydavnet in August.

This year, the Tydavnet Show will host two All-Ireland competitions in photography and for the best three-year-old filly. Show Secretary, Teresa Brady, remarked how running a national competition draws even more people from across the country and in particular, the North, to compete.

She told the Celt of the camaraderie among showgoers and exhibitors.

“People enter competitions in their local show and if they win at home they progress to the All-Irelands,” said Teresa.

“A lot of people know each other from going to other shows and only meet up at the likes of Tydavnet. It’s a real social day out for everyone and their families.”

Tydavnet has always been known for its superior beef, sheep, dairy, poultry, egg, and horse competitions and this year is no different.

Entries have already closed and breeders instructed to have their animals in the field of the Drumshevra Showgrounds in Scotstown before judging begins at 9.30am with the exception of the horse category which is being judged at the later time of 10.30am; meanwhile the All-Ireland three-year-old filly class is at 2.30pm.

Teresa, who has been busy taking entries in the show office, reports this year’s entry is “excellent” across all categories including each of the animal classes, jam making and home baking, crafts, art, woodwork, turf, silage and flower arranging.

Show organisers have also accepted entries for needlework, painting, knitting and paper mâché from local nursing home residents and a range of categories like best Rice Krispie buns and drawing of ‘My Favourite Farm Animal’ in the Special Educational Needs class.

All the firm favourites can be enjoyed this year, like the vintage tractor and car display, the dog show, Bonnie Baby and fancy dress competitions and exhibits of some of the latest machinery and technology, while kids can go to the Heritage Centre to be entertained by a magician. A jiving competition, which is open to all ages, begins at 3pm and judges will be on the look-out all day for the Most Appropriately Dressed Lady and the Best Grandparent and Grandchild.

And as for the weather? It’s too early to say but Teresa Brady is confident “nothing will dampen the enthusiasm” of the Tydavnet Show regulars.

“It’s a fabulous day out where everyone is in good form no matter the weather,” she said. “One year we had Storm Betty and underfoot was atrocious, but it didn’t deter anyone.

“We’re in our 73rd year and that in itself speaks volumes,” Teresa continued, “I would just say to everyone to turn up on the day because you’re guaranteed a fantastic day of fun, frolics and entertainment.

“It’s a brilliant day out,” the Tydavnet Show Secretary said. The 2026 Tydavnet Parish Agricultural Show will take place on Saturday, August 15, from 9am-5pm at the Drumshevra Showgrounds in Scotstown, County Monaghan. All welcome!