1. What is an agricultural show?

An agricultural show is a community event that showcases the best of rural life – from livestock and equestrian classes to baking, crafts, and horticulture. They’re a great day out for families, competitors, and anyone with an interest in the countryside/local community.

2. Admission prices?

Admission is charged at the entrance to the Show field when parking. Admission prices: Adult €10. OAP: €5. Student: €5. Children FREE. Please support this community Show. You can use your admission ticket to enter a draw on show day. Complete the name and number details on Admission ticket and put it in box at the Information Office or Secretaries Office. Draw is on at 4.30pm. Belgooly Show catalogues are available on Show day for €5.

3. How do I enter a class?

We publish a schedule, available online or in print, listing all classes and entry requirements. Entries must be submitted in advance – via post or email. Dog Show entries are taken on Show Day at the dog ring from 12 noon – 1.15pm. See website Entries section for further details.

4. What types of classes can I enter?

There’s something for everyone: livestock classes for cattle, horses and ponies, dog shows, home baking, flower arranging, photography, art, and more. Read the schedule carefully to find classes suited to your interests or expertise. CLOSING DATE: Tuesday 19th of May 2026. Dog Show entries taken on Show Day at the Dog Show Ring.

5. Do I need experience to take part?

Not at all! Many classes are open to novices or first-time exhibitors. Judges are generally supportive and appreciate the effort that goes into taking part. It’s a great way to learn, meet others, and improve over time.

6. What should I bring on the day?

Bring your entry (e.g., cake, animal, artwork), any relevant paperwork (e.g., animal passports are mandatory/required by law to have with you while travelling, covering certs for maiden classes), and suitable clothing for the weather. Full catering facilities are available on the grounds at a nominal charge. If you’re showing livestock, you’ll need appropriate transport and handling equipment. As an exhibitor, it is expected and accepted that you have read the show’s Rules & Regulations in advance of attending the show.

7. What time should I arrive?

Arrival times vary depending on your class. For livestock classes, equestrian exhibitors need to arrive in good time for each competition. Domestic – Art & Craft entries Tent opens @10am and CLOSES at 11.30am. Judging commences at 12 noon. Check the show’s schedule/entry confirmation for details. The Dog Show entries are taken on Show Day @ the Dog Ring 12noon – 1.15pm. Dog Show begins at 1.30pm. Irish Dancing is starting @12.30pm.

8. Is there prize money or trophies?

Yes, most classes offer cash prizes, rosettes, trophies or cups. As this is a large show, we also award championship titles and qualifiers for other shows at All-Ireland level in certain classes. That said, many people enter for the enjoyment and experience rather than the rewards.

9. I missed the show’s deadline. Can I submit a late entry?

We need to submit the catalogue for printing the week before the show takes place. Contact via email: belgoolyshow@gmail.com. We advise you to keep an eye on all our social channels and announcements for next year! We make every effort to announce the show’s date well in advance, so follow us on Instagram/Facebook, this Show Website and printed media to keep up to date.

10. How can I get started in Showing?

Why not volunteer at one of our shows! Most people have no idea what it takes to put together such a large event, and this is all done thanks to the kind volunteers/sponsors in our local community. So if you would like to take the first step, we recommend you come join us as a volunteer and see up close what’s really involved. This is a great introduction to behind-the-scenes, show day operations, how judging takes place, learning various show rules, people management and event organisation & management. This will set you up for great success when you want to take the next step as an exhibitor. We also advise that you have a read of the Shows Rules & Regulations available in our Schedules online or in our Show Catalogue available on Show Day. 

11. How can I find shows near me?

Check with the Irish Shows Association for a calendar of events. Local newspapers and community groups also promote upcoming shows in your area.

12. The show day has started. What time is my class on at?

Unfortunately, we cannot guess this for you as all class rings are separate and go in running order on the day. The time varies depending on how many entries we have, if they turn up/have to withdraw, what weather conditions are like on the day, if a class gets held up/delayed, or simply if a judge needs a break! It would be unrealistic to expect the schedule to have an exact time, and you can only really know the start times for each ring, which are provided on each section in our Show catalogue and Schedule. Keep an eye on our social media pages for updates:

You can find us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/belgoolyshow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belgoolyshow

After that, we advise you to arrive early, stay close to the ringside and listen for the Public Announcements as the day progresses.

13. When and how are prizes and trophies collected?

In the livestock classes, rosettes/goodie bags/merchandising prizes are distributed by the ring stewards on the day, immediately after each class concludes. If you left the ring or show grounds without collecting your prize, please contact us via email: belgoolyshow@gmail.com. All perpetual, memorial, and show cups must be signed in and out by the person taking responsibility for them. This must be done at the show secretary’s cabin on the day of the show. If you have not yet completed this process, please contact the show secretary as soon as possible. All other prizes (if not already awarded on the day) will be issued in due course once the results have been entered in the system.