Moate Show to feature ‘the best of rural life’
Final preparations are continuing this week ahead of the Moate Show which takes place on Sunday (August 23).
The 183rd hosting of one of Ireland's oldest agricultural shows highlights the best of country life and is sure to attract large crowds to the venue just off the Old Dublin Road, beside A Browne Oil (N37 W2H3).
Featuring a number of national competitions, complemented by family-focused activities and live entertainment, the Moate Show is a staple fixture on the Midlands’ social calendar as the summer season draws to a close.
Moate Show chairperson Mike Scott said this weekend’s spectacle will be the culmination of six months of committee preparations, with the "best of rural life" to be on display for attendees. Weather-wise, he is hoping for a fine day to ensure the crowd which attended the 2025 edition of the Moate Show is repeated, if not bettered.
While competition is a main feature of the Moate Show, the one-day event will also provide an opportunity for the visiting public to sample the best of local produce on display at the summer craft market.
The Irish Angus Society will host a number of All-Ireland class competitions at the show on Sunday and the chairperson is looking forward to strengthening the committee's relationship with the society, which began in 2025.
"This is the second year of All-Ireland competition being hosted by the Irish Angus Society on site. Last year proved to be a great success and we look forward to strengthening the bond between Moate Show and the Irish Angus Society this year and long into the future," the chairperson said.
The All-Ireland Filly Foal competition, a prominent feature of the Moate Show, has once again attracted a large number of entries, while the ever-popular dog show is likely to receive much attention when the gates open to the public at 12 noon on Sunday.
The fourth edition of the National Vegetable Society Irish Championships will also play a central role at this year’s Moate Show.
The Irish Championships is a showcase for the best vegetable exhibits in Ireland featuring 18 competitive classes. These include collections of vegetables, a collection of legumes to include three of peas, runner beans, French beans or broad beans, shallots and onions, potatoes, beetroot, tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers.
Complimenting the competitions element of the show, the chairperson is grateful to all those who will exhibit their range of handmade crafts and products on Sunday.
"The summer craft market brings a sense of community to the show and it is always a treat to see so many locals with display stalls at the event," the chairperson added.
Live entertainment is also a core feature of the Moate Show. Country singer Johnny Brady and his band are "back by popular demand" following their well received 2025 performance at the show.
"Couples will have an opportunity to take home prizes in our jiving competition which I am sure will prove popular on the day," Scott said.
The Moate Show is a "real community effort" and the chairperson is especially grateful to Midland Warriors who have opened their club grounds to allow for car parking on the day. The chairperson added that shuttle buses will also regularly run from Moate town centre to the venue throughout Sunday.
"We are also extremely grateful to the support received from all sponsors of the Moate Show. Without their contributions, Sunday's event would simply not be possible," the chairperson added.
As the show continues to "get bigger and better", Scott expressed his hope that patrons will enjoy the "social aspect" of the show.
"We see the show as a meeting point for so many, offering families and friends the chance to have one final get together before the return of a new school year.