Tullamore Show 2026: 35 Years Celebrating Rural Life

This year's Show saw over 70,000 people pass through the gates at the Butterfield Estate.

More than 70,000 people attended a celebration of rural life at Europe's largest one day show in Offaly yesterday.

The 35th anniversary of the Tullamore Show featured all staples that attract people from all over the country.

From farm machinery, to the all important livestock and fashion competitions, attendees were able to enjoy a bumper programme at the Butterfield Estate free from rain.

Martina Neville is head of the Dairy section at the Show, her father Tommy Finlay, was involved from the start some 35 years ago.

It was also the first show without two of the founding members of its revival, Christy Maye and Mr Finlay with two benches erected in their honour on the grounds.

Ms Neville says the Show has come a long way:

Emergency services attended the scene of a crash close to the Butterfield Estate.

It took place on the Loughroe Road on the way to the Show from Rahan.

Units from An Garda Siochana, the Offaly Fire and Rescue Service, and two ambulances have been seen in the area.

Gardaí are currently diverting traffic from the road down the L2011 by the Grand Canal Way.

The Taoiseach and Agriculture Minister were on site in Tullamore.

The Taoiseach has praised the work of An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, ahead of Daniel Kinahan's arrival back in Ireland.

The government jet is en route from Dubai after Kinahan lost a number of appeals against his extradition.

It’s expected he’ll appear before a sitting of the Special Criminal Court this evening, before being remanded to Portlaoise Prison.

Speaking at the Tullamore Show, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he wouldn’t comment on individual cases:

Martin Heydon is using the event to launch the Gender Inclusive Communication Guide for the Agriculture sector.

The guide, produced as part of the Women in Agriculture Action Plan, seeks to promote the use of more inclusive language and imagery in agricultural communications.

The Minister says: “Advancing the role of women in agriculture is a key priority for me and is a commitment in the Programme for Government. Women are central to the continued success of Irish agriculture, and their contribution deserves to be recognised and placed on an equal footing with that of male farmers."

A busy morning at this year's Show:

The timetable for this year's Sheep Dog demos:

Gates opened to the public at 8.30am this morning with Gardaí warning attendees to expect delays.

Traffic was already building on the Clara/Rahan entrance to the Butterfield Estate before 9am:

People were asked to follow the signs and instructions of Gardaí and volunteers and to refrain from using navigation apps on phones to get into and out of the Show.

The Agriculture Minister is vowing to work more closely with relevant authorites on wildfire and bogfire legislation.

It follows the recent spell of hot weather that caused bog fires across the Midlands, including one that took several days to extinguish near the M6 in Milltownpass,

Fire crews from Edenderry were also sent to assist with fires in neighbouring counties.

Minster Heydon says it's also up to other people to do their part: