Charleville Show, established in 1979, has grown into one of Ireland’s premier agricultural events. With annual running costs now exceeding €250,000, it showcases a vast range of attractions for all ages—truly a family day out. The 2025 show takes place on June 28th and 29th, and entries (accepted online only at www.charlevilleshow.com) close on Sunday, June 22nd.
The show spans 70 acres and includes judging competitions for cattle, horses, sheep, horticulture, dogs, arts, crafts, cookery, and a variety of children’s contests. Ample off-road parking and enhanced access have made attending easier than ever. The show is made possible by the continued support of sponsors like Kerry Dairy Ireland and the tireless work of its all-volunteer committee.
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Chairman John McNamara welcomes everyone to the 2025 Show, calling it Munster’s best two-day agricultural event. The show features a themed Vintage Display on Sunday, focusing on Ford and Fordson machinery. Visitors from across Ireland and abroad are expected. Special thanks go to Kerry Dairy Ireland, the Ministers for Agriculture and Rural Development, and the local landowners for their generous support.
TRADE STANDS
Trade stands will offer exclusive show-day specials. With more indoor vendors than ever before, early booking is encouraged via the website.
VINTAGE DISPLAY
Sunday’s vintage theme is “Ford and Fordson.” Over 700 exhibitors are expected to showcase tractors, cars, trucks, and pre-1930 vehicles in a large working arena.
DAIRY SECTION
Dairy competitions kick off Saturday, June 28th, with 24 classes including the IHFA–YMA Showmanship League. Holstein and Jersey cattle will be on display, with a highlight being the All-Ireland Junior Cow class offering a €2,000 prize. Total dairy prizes amount to €11,000. Entries close June 22nd.
BEEF SECTION
Saturday also features pedigree beef breed competitions including Hereford, Limousin, Belgian Blue, Charolais, Simmental, Angus, Salers, and commercial cattle. The show hosts qualifiers for the All-Ireland Junior Stockperson and the Breeder’s Choice Heifer competitions. A group of 160 U.S. agricultural students will participate in stock judging.
SHEEP SECTION
On Sunday, enjoy live sheep shearing demonstrations every 30 minutes from 1:30-4:30pm. Judging begins at noon with Suffolk, Texel, Charollais, Vendeen, Border Leicester, and Irish Dutch Spotted breeds among those competing. The section also features multiple All-Ireland qualifiers, commercial sheep classes, and young handler competitions.
HORSE AND PONY SECTION
Saturday sees pony competitions, while horse classes are scheduled for Sunday. Four busy arenas will feature everything from Show Ponies and Working Hunters to Mares and Young Stock. Championship qualifiers and generous prize funds are offered, including five RDS Championship qualifiers. New Working Hunter classes at 1m and 1.10m are also added.
SHOW JUMPING
Show jumping runs both days, with events ranging from novice to Grand Prix level for ponies and horses. Charleville remains one of the few grass arena venues on the circuit.
PONY CLUB GAMES
Hosted by Duhallow Pony Club, Saturday’s games serve as qualifiers for the RDS Horse Show. Teams from as far as Donegal will compete. Sunday features the Mounted Games for older riders.
DOG SHOW
The Dog Show returns on Sunday, June 29th at 1pm. Classes are open to all breeds, and entries are accepted online or from noon at the showgrounds. Expect lively competition, prizes, and lots of wagging tails.
HORTICULTURE AND DECORATIVE
Classes range from garden shrubs and indoor plants to the popular Scarecrow contest. Decorative flower arranging highlights the artistry involved. Entries due Friday, June 28th; judging starts Saturday at 10am.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Amateur photographers are invited to showcase landscapes, gardens, and creative work. Entries should be delivered Friday evening between 5-7pm.
ADULT ART, CRAFT & NEEDLEWORK
This section features lace, patchwork, embroidery, and more. The Diesenvale Cup will be awarded to the top overall competitor. Painting categories include oil, acrylic, watercolour, still life, and abstract. Judging occurs Friday evening.
BAKING AND PRESERVES
Expect delicious displays and fierce competition. Highlights include the Second Level Schools Competition and cups for Light Fruit Cake and Preserves. Entries are due Friday from 2-5pm with judging that evening.
CHILDREN’S ART, CRAFT & COOKERY
Popular among young exhibitors, this section includes new and returning classes. Crafts must be delivered Friday from 2-5pm; art entries are due in the show office by June 25th.
BONNY BABY SHOW
Held Sunday, June 29th at 3pm. Categories include under 1, under 2, under 3, and Baby of the Show.
CATERING
Hot and cold meals will be provided both days by Mint Catering. Treat yourself and enjoy the show without cooking.
LIVE MUSIC
Sunday’s lineup includes Dermot Lyons (2-3pm) and James Keogh (3-5pm), with a jiving competition sponsored by Lyla’s Café.
PETS CORNER
A family favourite, Pets Corner will feature alpacas, ponies, donkeys, rare birds, and more. Open both days beside the show house on the Cork-Limerick Road.
DEFENCE FORCES AND NAVAL SERVICES
Displays and recruitment stands from the Irish Defence Forces and Naval Services will be present both days.
PARKING
Extra adjacent parking has been arranged, with thanks to local landowners and clubs assisting with stewarding.
CONTACT & TICKETS
Visit www.charlevilleshow.com for details, entries, and early bird ticket offers. No late entries accepted after June 22nd. For queries, contact info@charlevilleshow.com or call 063-89599 / 087-9444083.
We look forward to welcoming you to a fun-filled, community-driven weekend at Charleville Show 2025!
