Today is the day! Mullingar Show 2025
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Ciara Sweeney Shelley CorcoranImage 2 of 14
Judge Gary Guyatt Pictures: Shelley Corcoran Shelley CorcoranImage 3 of 14
Isabelle Lee with Ted, Logan Brennan with Benji. Right: Champion of Champions; Catherine Gallagher President of ISA), Joe Henson Chair of Show, Patrick and Brian Dyer (Elphin), Fergal Flanagan, Shelley CorcoranImage 4 of 14
Natasha Daly with Cilla. Picture: Shelley Corcoran Shelley CorcoranImage 5 of 14
Cyndelle Napoleane and Jeanne De Lasteyrie enjoying the sunshine.Image 6 of 14
Ciaran Fallon from Streamstown entered the 2023 born heifer calf contest.Image 7 of 14
Orson and Heron White with Tucker from Clonmellon after winning first prize in lead range show pony competition.Image 8 of 14
Amy Lynch from Walshestown with Fancy Pants from the Andean Alpaca Farm.Image 9 of 14
Michelle Shughnessy with Henry and Hamish (Longford) Picture: Shelley Corcoran Shelley CorcoranImage 10 of 14
Archie Brennan with Chocy, Amber Brogan (Mullingar) Shelley CorcoranImage 11 of 14
Champion Brood Mare Winner; Mary and Michael Dooner, Valerie Davis. Picture: Shelley Corcoran Shelley CorcoranImage 12 of 14
The livestock section is always highly competitive - and a great draw for families keen to let their children see farm animals up close. Shelley CorcoranImage 13 of 14
Janine Brady with Bailey (Mullingar) Picture: Shelley Corcoran Shelley CorcoranImage 14 of 14
A multi-award winning animal from last year’s show. Frank McGrath.Today, Sunday July 13 the showgrounds at Culleen, Mullingar will be a hive of activity as they welcome visitors from all across Ireland to one of the most exciting community gathering in the country.
For close to two centuries, Mullingar Show has been facilitating the gathering of people in the county town to enjoy a celebration of the traditional agricultural strengths of Westmeath. The event is more than just an agriculture show, it's about bringing people together.
From pedigree cattle and sheep, horse and pony, poultry and dogs, horticulture and cookery this is rural life well represented, but there's also arts, crafts and photography and stands reflecting many aspects of country and town life and living.
“It's one of the longest running shows in the country, in fact we've hosted the gathering for over 190 years,” PRO of Mullingar Show, Paddy Donnelly, says of the day. “We're unique in that we are one of the few shows that own their own ground.
“That's a huge thing, to have a nice parkland. In the last number of years people come to the show and bring a picnic which they have in the car park before they come into the show.”
The show is very family orientated: “Last year we introduced a kiddies corner. It went down very, very well. Young children and their parents had their own section of ground. It was something different, there were sand pits to play in and small toys.”
The show's appeal is rooted in the remarkable diversity of the programme: “We started out as an agricultural show, but it's grown to be so much more. It caters for all walks of life. The show has attracted a lot of people from the town.
“In recent years I've met people living in Mullingar who hadn't been out to the agricultural show. Once they attend they're hooked. They thought it was a great day, with great entertainment. Over the years it has built and built mostly by word of mouth.”
Music has become a large draw for audiences: “A few years ago we introduced live music. That has proved to be very popular. This year we have Robert Mizell. He will be playing from three to five.”
The official opening commences at two o'clock. Westmeath man, Francie Gorman, President of the IFA, will mark the start of the show.
Paddy says it's difficult to select a highlight: “The sheep have come on enormously in the last number of years. We will have many different breeds of sheep on show. The Beef to the Heel competition, worth €2,000, always brings in quite a number of cattle. Then, of course, you have the show jumping.”
Horses play a big part in the appeal of the Mullingar Show: “We have moved some of that show jumping down to the sand arena this year. That's going to be a help on the equine side of things. Sheep shearing has really taken off. Quite a number of people gather for the sheep shearing, it's very entertaining.
“Our dog show is always very well supported. Young people love to bring their pets and show them off. Then, of course, we have trade stands, indoor and outdoor. Trade stands seem to be huge this year.”
Cookery, arts and crafts, horticultural and photography have enjoyed enormously popularity at the Mullingar in recent times.
Admission is €15 for adults, while students and OPs are €10 euro. Children under 10 years of age are free. There is free on site car parking. Mullingar show takes place this Sunday, July 13, with the showgrounds open since 7:30am.