Sunday, 19th July 2026 | Gilson Park, Oldcastle, Co. Meath
On Sunday, 19th July 2026, Gilson Park, Oldcastle, Co. Meath, will host the 85th Oldcastle Agricultural Show, promising a fun-filled day for all ages. With more than 480 competition classes, substantial prize money, live entertainment, and a wide range of family attractions, this year’s show is set to be the biggest and best yet.
New for 2026: All-Ireland Apple Tart Eating Competition
We’re excited to introduce a brand-new event to the show programme – the All-Ireland Apple Tart Eating Competition. Fast, fun, and guaranteed to entertain, contestants will battle it out for a staggering prize fund of €1,000. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, plenty of laughs and great prizes are guaranteed.
Entries are now open in the cattle, sheep, horse, poultry, and home industry sections. Full details and online entry are available at www.oldcastleshow.ie.
The Oldcastle Agricultural Show stands as a proud example of Ireland’s long-established agricultural show tradition, which dates back to the 18th century and remains deeply rooted in livestock exhibitions and rural heritage.
Equine Excellence
Oldcastle Show features some of the largest show rings in Ireland and offers an impressive variety of equine classes, including Working and Ridden Hunters, Broodmare and Foal, In-Hand Young Stock, Connemara Ponies, and Welsh Ponies. A special highlight is the Family Riding Pony Ring, which provides fun and engaging events for young riders and their ponies.
A Premier Cattle Showcase
Oldcastle Show is renowned for one of Ireland’s finest cattle competitions, featuring commercial cattle and pedigree breeds including Limousin, Charolais, Hereford, Aberdeen Angus and Belgian Blue. Young Stockperson classes celebrate emerging farming talent. Cattle are weighed from 8.30am to 10.00am, with judging beginning at 10.00am, reflecting the area’s proud livestock breeding tradition.
Sheep, Shearing and Young Farmers
The sheep section features purebred classes for Dutch Spotted, Blue Texel, Suffolk and Charollais sheep. Spectators can enjoy exciting sheep shearing competitions across Junior, Intermediate and Senior grades. The Best Young Farmer Competition challenges entrants aged 16–21, combining agricultural knowledge with practical livestock handling and tractor skills.
Poultry, Vintage Machinery and Creative Exhibits
The popular Greatest Cockerel of Oldcastle Competition returns alongside a growing poultry show. Vintage tractors, threshing machines and classic farm machinery will delight enthusiasts, while the Show Hall features exhibits including baking, flowers, vegetables, photography, art, handwriting and crafts, showcasing creativity and community talent.
Fun for All the Family
The Dog Show welcomes every breed and beloved family pet. Visitors can enjoy spectacular birds of prey, live wood sculpting by Joey Burns, artisan food and craft stalls, plus free children’s entertainment including a petting zoo, face painting, puppet shows, obstacle courses and family races.
Live Music and Dancing
The Music Marquee features Kyle Reilly, Gary O’Brien and local performers before headline act Karen Dolan takes the stage at 5.00pm. The lively Jiving Competition promises plenty of fun.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Oldcastle Agricultural Show is actively reaching out to local businesses throughout County Meath to partner with us as sponsors for this exciting event. Sponsorship offers an excellent opportunity to support the local community, promote your business to thousands of visitors, and help preserve the rich rural tradition of the show.
For information on sponsorship packages and how to get involved, please contact:
Email: oldcastleagshow@gmail.com
Phone: 087 4152201
Admission: €10
Children Under 12: Free
For full event details and competition entries, visit www.oldcastleshow.ie.
Follow the Oldcastle Agricultural Show on Facebook for the latest news and updates.
