The 85th National Ploughing Championships kicked off today in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Last year saw the event reach it’s largest numbers with an average attendance of 281,000 attendees and 1500 exhibitors. From September 20-22 Tullamore hopes to exceed that visitor number and make it the best festival to date.

This is the biggest outdoor event of it’s kind in Europe and the site will open daily from 9.30am-6.30pm with the actual ploughing taking place between 10.30 and 2.30pm each day of the festival. The weather is expected to be dry for the first day of the festival with Wednesday and Thursday shaking up to be quite rainy. But don’t let that deter you. Stick on the wellies and the rain gear and experience one of Ireland’s best family days out.

So what can you expect at this years ploughing championships? With 1500 exhibitors from home and abroad you will be glad to know that the site will provide four ATM points. The festival is sponsored by ALDI and larger companies such as Supervalu will also exhibit. If smaller more artisan exhibitors is what takes your fancy then you can expect to see the likes of Artisan Chocolatiers, Irish Homemade Crisps and Irish Yoghurt. There will also be a huge array of craft stands such as hand made candles, aloe vera products and beauty products derived from Bees.

The National Ploughing Championships celebrates all things environmental in Ireland. From Tractor Football right down to educating the public on how to control and handle farm animals and equipment. There will also be a dedicated stand which serves to educate the public on what is appropriate to flush down your toilet and what is potentially damaging to our water system.

President Higgins is due to attend on the first day of the festival. Mr. Higgins is a huge supporter of the festival and Irish farming. He recently talked about this year being one of difficulty for Irish produce. He states the importance of supporting Irish produce and recognizing it’s value in our economy.

CMI run Ireland’s most popular course in Environmental Management. For more information please call us on 01-4927070.