Anticipation builds ahead of 83rd Annual Virginia Show

The very best of Irish agriculture, rural enterprise, community spirit, and family entertainment will be on display at this year's Virginia Show on Wednesday, August 19.

Recognised as one of Ireland's leading agricultural shows, Virginia Show continues to grow in strength thanks to the loyal support of sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, local businesses, and visitors. Their ongoing commitment has enabled the show to remain a flagship event in the agricultural calendar and a showcase of excellence in rural Ireland.

The theme for this, the 83rd, Virginia Show is 'Harvesting the Future Together - where Urban meets Rural'. It highlights the enduring importance of rural communities and the interconnectedness and interdependence between rural and urban areas. From progressive farming practices and environmental stewardship to local food production, biodiversity, and rural enterprise, the theme reflects both the heritage and future of Irish agriculture.

With over 10,000 visitors expected to attend, Virginia Show remains one of the largest one-day agricultural events in the region. Visitors can look forward to a diverse programme of attractions, including livestock competitions, equestrian events, sheep shearing demonstrations, artisan food producers, trade exhibitions, live entertainment, children's activities, and one of the region's most popular dog shows.

Livestock Competitions

A cornerstone of Virginia Show, the livestock section will once again feature some of the country's most prestigious competitions, including the Tirlán Virginia Holstein Friesian In-Calf Heifer Competition, the Lakeland Dairies Dairy Champion of the Show, the A.W. Ennis Interbreed Champion of the Show, the Univet Ireland Commercial Heifer Championship, the Liffey Meats €2,000 Champion Beef Bullock Competition, and the Carnaross Mart €5,000 Male/Female Champion Weanling Show.

Among the highlights will be the renowned €13,000 Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow Competition, widely regarded as one of Ireland's premier dairy cow competitions and attracting elite animals from across the country.

The cattle section also includes classes for Holstein Friesian and other dairy breeds, Commercial, Continental, Shorthorn, Hereford, Angus, Charolais, Limousin, Simmental and Belgian Blue cattle.

Equine Excellence

The equine section continues to attract strong entries from across the country and will include qualifiers for the Irish Draught Filly Foal Championship, the Connemara Three-Year-Old Filly All-Ireland Championship, and the All-Ireland Donkey Mare and Foal Championship, alongside more than 60 classes for horses and ponies.

A new highlight for 2026 will be a Side Saddle Riding Display, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience one of the most elegant and historic traditions of equestrian sport. The display will showcase the skill, balance, and horsemanship involved in side saddle riding and is expected to be one of the standout attractions of the equine programme.

Expanding Sheep, Poultry and Dog Sections

The sheep section continues to grow, with strong representation from Suffolk, Texel, Charollais, Vendeen, Native Galway, Blue Texel and Dassenkop breeds. Competitors will contest the prestigious Paddy Keoghan Cup for pedigree sheep, while the Hugh Faulkner Cup will be awarded to the overall Crossbred Champion.

The dog show continues to attract increasing numbers of exhibitors and spectators and will host qualifiers for the Gain Dog Food All-Ireland Championship, the All-Ireland Gun Dog Championship, and the All-Ireland Irish Native Breed Dog Championship.

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The poultry section has featured strongly in previous years and remains an important part of the show’s agricultural offering.

Home Industries and Rural Craftsmanship

The Home Industries section remains a showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and talent, with competitions spanning baking, horticulture, art, crafts, and photography.

Highlights include the All-Ireland €1,500 Fleetwood Paints Amateur Art Competition Final, the Lisgrey House-ICA Guild Skills of the Year Competition, the Virginia Park Lodge Summer Desserts Competition, and the Quality Onion All-Ireland Championship Final.

These competitions continue to attract entries from throughout Ireland and reflect the rich traditions and skills that remain at the heart of rural communities.

Expert Insights from Moorepark

As part of this year’s theme, Virginia Show is delighted to welcome a guest speaker from Teagasc Moorepark. The speaker will share insights into the latest developments in sustainable farming, agricultural innovation, and the future of the Irish agri-food sector.

This presentation will provide valuable information for farmers, students, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the continued evolution of Irish agriculture. Further details on the speaker and presentation time will be announced closer to the event.

A Day for Everyone

With almost 500 competition classes, over 200 trade stands, extensive family entertainment, fashion show, cookery demonstration and exhibits celebrating agriculture, food, innovation, and rural life, Virginia Show offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages.

There is also a new designated Sensory room in the Prefabs on the grounds this year to create a place where young people who need it can feel safe, and help them self-regulate when they feel overwhelmed or over-stimulated by the hustle and bustle of Show day.

As Virginia Show celebrates its 83rd year, it remains firmly committed to promoting excellence in agriculture, supporting local enterprise, and highlighting the resilience and innovation of rural Ireland.

The Committee also wishes to acknowledge and thank the Department of Rural and Community Development for its continued support of agricultural shows throughout Ireland. This investment plays an important role in sustaining events such as Virginia Show and strengthening the communities they serve.

Virginia Show 2026 promises to be a fitting celebration of the people, traditions, and industries that shape rural Ireland. We look forward to welcoming exhibitors, competitors, sponsors, and more than 10,000 visitors from all over the island of Ireland on Wednesday, August 19 for what promises to be another outstanding day.

Further Information

For further information and event updates, please visit: www.virginiashow.com