Armagh County Agricultural Show is one of the longest-established, one-day Shows in Ireland with a record of the event being held in the area as far back as 1829.  Nowadays, the Show is held on the second Saturday in June each year in the beautiful surroundings of Gosford Forest Park, close to the village of Markethill:  on the main Armagh / Newry road – 6 miles from Armagh and 12 miles from Newry.

The agri-food and rural focus of the Show remains its central theme and this continues to be the driving force behind its organisation.  However, in addition, every effort is made to cater for all tastes and interests of the thousands of visitors that attend the event each year and the programme is constantly updated to reflect and respond to those interests.   A brief synopsis of the main attractions at the Armagh Show is as follows:

Livestock Classes: The full range of classes will be on parade for Dairy and Beef Cattle, Sheep, Goats and Pigs.  In the cattle and sheep rings, classes for rare and minority breeds will be held and there are a number of qualifying classes for stock to qualify for finals held at other shows later in the year.  In the afternoon, after all the stock have been judged, there is a parade of cattle prize-winners around the cattle lawns and this is a sight not to be missed.

Equestrian Classes: Again, in the equestrian section, there is a full range of in-hand and ridden classes for ponies and horses including, donkeys, clydesdales and miniatures.  There is also an number of Irish Shows Association Qualifiers for in-hand horses and these are listed in the prize Schedule.  The growing popularity of the registered show jumping has led to the  provision of another ring for the ponies and with the prize fund increased, this is sure to attract added interest.  All the classes and other activities in the equestrian section are listed in the Prize Schedule on the Forms Page.

Home Industries: Year on year, the Home Industries entries for both adults and schools continues to grow and competition for rosettes is keen.  In addition, other attractions in this area include: cookery demonstrations, small food and craft stalls and the popular bonny baby competition.  Make sure to visit the marquees and take a leisurely walk around the exhibition and browse through the goods on offer at the many trade and craft stalls.

Other attractions: There are many other competitions and activities for visitors to enjoy at the Armagh County Show. These include: the hugely popular Dog Show; the large Vintage exhibition; the funfair; live music; pony games; tug of war competition; young farmers´club activities; street circus and the large number of trade stands advertising and selling their wares  …… and many other attractions too numerous to mention.

Make a date in you diary and come and enjoy all the fun with your family at the Armagh County Agricultural Show on Saturday 9th June in the beautiful surroundings of Gosford Forest Park …… a day not to be missed!

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