World Ploughing Championships

Probably the largest National Ploughing Association in the world the NPA, will host the National Ploughing Championships in September in Ratheniska, Co. Laois. Attracting an annual attendance of almost 300,000 this spectacular annual “Farming Festival” has it all and is located just 12 minutes from us here at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise. The National Ploughing Championships takes place over three days and is Europe’s largest outdoor exhibition and agricultural trade show.

The World Ploughing Championships – September 2024

On entering the golden fields of stubble prepare to be awed by the precision and skill of the ploughman as they hone their craft to join the realms of the elite National Ploughing Champions. Leave behind the silent intensity of the competition fields to enter the trade arena comparable only to a busy town on market day. Over 1,800 exhibitors sprawled over hundreds of acres promoting, selling, educating and entertaining the throngs of visitors that make their way to this bustling town built on a green field for just a few days once a year.

Agricultural Machinery and Livestock at the core of the Exhibition extending out to almost every product and service associated with Irish Life. It’s not just about business, there are food fayres, craft demonstrations, fashion shows, funfairs and traditional events such as pony club, hunt chase, sheep shearing, sheep dog trials, vintage machinery exhibition, horse shoe throwing. Some say “if you’ve been to “The Ploughing” then no explanation is necessary! BUT if you haven’t no explanation is possible”, such is the uniqueness of this event.

And once every decade or two the privelege of hosting a World Contest comes around bringing with it World’s finest ploughers from over 30 countries. Let’s hope we get to see this premiere in Co. Laois in September and watch history in the making.

Visitor Services

Free parking – Food courts/bars – Information kiosks – Medical centre – Baby changing facilities – Toilets – Grandstand seating – Exhibition maps – Wheelchair car parks – ATMs – Campervan park – Wheelchair hire – Wi-Fi – Live traffic reports – Public transport – Picnic areas and more

Trade Exhibition Arena

Tented Trade Village – Machinery – Tourism – Education – Engineering – Auto Arena – Conservation – House, Home & Garden – Food Fayre – Livestock – Retail & Craft – Health & Beauty – Forestry – Environmental – BioEnergy – Innovation Arena – Fashion Shows – National Brown Bread Baking Competitions

The Midlands Park Hotel Offers

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Car parking charges from 6:00 pm until 12:00 noon the day of check out is included in Bed & Breakfast rates.
• Free access to the health & fitness club (sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gym, swimming pool)

*Note: 30% non-refundable deposit upon booking. 30-day cancellation policy applies with the balance to be paid 30 days prior to arrival.